Sabarimala is located in the deep jungle area, and in the past a few pious devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opens during the pilgrimage season (November to January) and also on the first day of every Malayalam Era. VR Gopala Menon, from Alapuzha used to accompany Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually died at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.
Gopala Menon used to recite "Harivarasanam" with devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Namboothiri heard about the passing away of the Mr. Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day's rituals, the Namboothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Gopala Menon and he then began to recite "Harivarasanam"' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken till date.
Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night.
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Harivarasanam Viswamohanam
Haridadheeswaram Aaradhyapadukam
Arivimarddanam Nithyanarthanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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Repository of Hari’s boons, Enchanter of the universe,
Essence of Hari’s grace, He whose holy feet is worshipped,
He who kills enemies by good thought, He who daily dances the cosmic dance,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Sharanakirthanam Bhakthamanasam
Bharanalolupam Narthanalasam
Arunabhasuram Bhoothanayakam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who likes song of refuge, He who is in the mind of devotees,
He who is the great ruler, He who loves to dance,
He who shines like the rising sun, He who is the king of all beings,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Pranayasathyakam Praananayakam
Pranathakalpakam Suprabhanchitham
Pranavamandiram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He whose soul is truth, He who is the darling of all souls,
He who created universe, He who shines with a glittering halo,
He who is the temple of “OM”, He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Thuragavahanam Sundarananam
Varagadayudham Vedavarnitham
Gurukrupakaram Keerthanapriyam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who rides a horse, He who has a pretty face,
He who has the blessed mace as weapon, He who is glorified by Vedas
He who bestows grace like a teacher, He who loves songs,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Thribhuvanarchitham Devathathmakam
Thrinayanam Prabhum Divyadeshikam
Thridashapoojitham Chinthithapradam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who is worshiped by the three worlds, He who is the soul of all gods,
He who is lord Shiva, He who is worshipped by devas,
He who is who is worshipped three times a day, He whose thought itself is fulfilling,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Bhavabhayapaham Bhavukavaham
Bhuvanamohanam Bhoothibhooshanam
Dhavalavahanam Divyavaranam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who destroys fear, He who brings prosperity,
He who is enchanter of universe, He who wears holy ash as ornament,
He who rides a white elephant,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Kalamridusmitham Sundarananam
Kalabhakomalam Gathramohanam
Kalabhakesari Vaajivahanam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who blesses with enchanting smile, He who has a pretty face,
He who is adorned by sandal paste, He who has a pretty mien,
He who is a like a lion to the elephants, He who rides on a tiger,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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Shrithajanapriyam Chinthithapradam
Shruthivibhushanam Sadhujeevanam
Shruthimanoharam Geethalalasam
Hariharathmajam Devamashraye
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa Swamy Sharanam Ayyappa
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He who is dear to his devotees, He who fulfills wishes,
He who is praised by Vedas, He who blesses life of ascetics,
He who is the essence of Vedas, He who enjoys divine music,
Son of Hari and Hara, I take refuge in thee, Oh Lord
My refuge is in you Ayyappa,
My refuge is in you Ayyappa
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panchadreeshwari mangalam
hari hara premakruthey mangalam
pinchalamkrutha mangalam
pranamathaam chinthamani mangalam
panchasyadwaja mangalam
thrujagadhamadhya prabhoo mangalam
panchastropama mangalam
shruthisirolankaara san mangalam
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