Harivarasanam Audio

The divine song “Harivarasanam” or Hari Haratmaka Ashtakam is recited just prior to the closing of the temple doors at night. The emotions of the Ayyappa devotees at Sabarimala have no explanation when they hear Harivarsanam at the Sanctorium. The entire region will be filled with Sarana Manthra and every devotee will feel the presence of Lord Ayyappa in his mind. Harivarasanam is the creation of Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer. In 1955, Swami Vimochananad recited this Ashtakam for the first time in front of Ayyappa Swamy at Sabarimala.

Melshanti and the other priests stand on either side of the Ayyappa idol and recite the Harivarasanam. Although this was done one by one, the priests left the Sanctorum Sanctum without making any noise. When the song is sung halfway, the high Priest or Melshanti extinguishes each of the lamps of the Sanctorum shrine. When the song ends, only the Melshanti will be inside the Sreekovil or sacred sanctuary. When the last line is sung, the main priest closes the door of the Sanctorum Sanctum and closes it.

At present, the temple plays the Harivarasanam recital of the singer and a strong Ayyappa devout “Ganagandharvan” K.J. Yesudas. The music is composed at Madhyamavathi Raga by the famous musical director G.Devarajan. The composition has 352 letters, 108 words in 32 lines (8 stanzas).