Panthrandu Vilakku — meaning “twelve lamps” in Malayalam — is observed in Ayyappa temples with great fervour and enthusiasm. It is a beautiful lamp-lighting ritual that commemorates the Dashavatara — the Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu — along with two additional divine forms, totalling twelve sacred lamps.
The Ten Avatars — Dashavatharam
According to Vaishnava tradition, Lord Vishnu descends to earth in different forms whenever dharma (righteousness) is in decline. The ten principal avatars are:
- Matsya (Fish) — saved the Vedas and all life from the great flood
- Koorma (Tortoise) — supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the cosmic ocean
- Varaha (Boar) — rescued the earth goddess from the demon Hiranyaksha
- Narasimha (Man-Lion) — defeated the demon Hiranyakashipu to protect Prahlada
- Vamana (Dwarf) — subdued the demon king Mahabali with three cosmic strides
- Parashurama (Warrior Sage) — the avatar who restored the balance of power on earth
- Rama — the ideal king and hero of the Ramayana
- Krishna — the divine cowherd and speaker of the Bhagavad Gita
- Buddha — the Enlightened One (included in many Vaishnava traditions)
- Kalki — the avatar yet to come, who will restore dharma at the end of the Kali Yuga
“Each lamp lit during Panthrandu Vilakku is an act of remembrance — of the Lord’s eternal commitment to descend whenever the world needs him most.”
The Ritual at Shree Ayyappa Temple
At our temple in Jaipur, Panthrandu Vilakku is performed with traditional Kerala-style lamp stands (nilavilakku). Twelve oil lamps are arranged and lit in sequence, each accompanied by the chanting of the relevant avatar’s name and a specific mantra invoking their blessing.
The ritual creates a stunning visual of warm golden light filling the temple — devotees meditate on each avatar’s story and significance as the corresponding lamp is lit. The atmosphere is one of profound peace and collective devotion.
📅 When is it Performed?
Panthrandu Vilakku is observed on specific auspicious days in the Malayalam calendar and during Utsavam (festival) periods at the temple. Devotees can also sponsor the Panthrandu Vilakku as a personal offering — please check our Rate List of Offerings or contact the temple for scheduling.
The Connection to Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa himself is considered the son of Lord Vishnu (in the form of Mohini) and Lord Shiva — making him the divine synthesis of the two great traditions of Vaishnavism and Shaivism. The Panthrandu Vilakku at an Ayyappa temple thus carries a special depth — honouring the divine source from which Lord Ayyappa himself was born.
“Where Hari and Hara unite, there the highest wisdom shines — and that is the light of Lord Ayyappa.”