Swami Ayyappa, also called Shasta or Hariharaputra, is the son of Shiva and Vishnu (as Mohini). Pilgrims to Sabarimala in Kerala take a 41-day vow and call out "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" all along the climb. This page gives the Shasta prayer and the pilgrims' call.
Ayyappa Sharanam and Shasta Prayer (Sabarimala): full text
॥ शास्ता प्रार्थना ॥
भूतनाथ सदानन्द सर्वभूत दयापर।
रक्ष रक्ष महाबाहो शास्त्रे तुभ्यं नमो नमः॥
॥ शरण घोष ॥
स्वामिये शरणम् अय्यप्पा।
हरिहरसुतने शरणम् अय्यप्पा।
कन्निमूल गणपति भगवाने शरणम् अय्यप्पा।
पम्पावासने शरणम् अय्यप्पा।
सबरिगिरीशने शरणम् अय्यप्पा॥
In Roman letters
Bhootanatha sadananda sarvabhoota dayapara
Raksha raksha mahabaho Shastre tubhyam namo namah
Swamiye saranam Ayyappa
Hariharasutane saranam Ayyappa
Kannimoola Ganapati Bhagavane saranam Ayyappa
Pampavasane saranam Ayyappa
Sabarigirishane saranam Ayyappa
Meaning in simple words
The verse says: O Lord of all beings, ever blissful and full of kindness to every creature, mighty-armed Shasta, protect me, protect me, I bow to you again and again. "Saranam" means "I take refuge in you". The call is a pilgrim's way of handing his worries to the Lord. We have left out the night lullaby "Harivarasanam", because it is a 20th-century song that may still be under copyright.
How to recite it
Bathe, sit in a clean place, light a diya and read with a calm mind. For an aarti, sing together and ring the bell. Check today's panchang for the best day and time. Today's panchang.
Questions people ask
When should I recite the Ayyappa Sharanam and Shasta Prayer (Sabarimala)?
Mandala season from mid-November, Saturdays and Makara Sankranti. You can also read it on any day with faith.
Who wrote the Ayyappa Sharanam and Shasta Prayer (Sabarimala)?
Traditional (Sabarimala pilgrims); the verse is ancient.