History

In 1998, after his first pilgrimage to Sabrimalai, Association Advisior Mr K Sambasivam intended to conduct Ayyappan prayers at his residence. However, Mr Ranganathar Iyer, the Gurukkal at the Punithamaram Balasubramaniar Temple, advised him to have it at the temple.Therefore, the prayers was conducted at the temple with photos of Sri Ayyappan, Sri Vinayagar and Sri Mariamman. The prayers was conducted succesfully and over the years, many more devotees joined in.

When the temple was reloacted in 1999, the temple committee agreed to give a sanctum for Ayyappan at a cost of $40 000. By then, there was a larger goup of devotees who not only wanted to build a sanctum, but also to take care of it. With Sri Ayyappan's blessings, the group managed to raise about $70 000. It was also decided at that point to have the group named. The group accepted the name Sri Punithamaram Sastha Pillaigal, which was suggested by the present Association Assistant Secretary Mr. A. Ravi.

The newly formed group organized prayer activities like weekly bhajans during the pilgrimage season and yagam. They also started volounteering their services during festivals like Panguni Uthiram and Thaipusam, and did social work in Sri Narayana Mission. Then in 2002, the group launched its first audio CD, consisting of devotional songs sung by children in the bhajan group.

The group then decided to register an Association so that it can do more social work and help the needy under the Ayyappan banner. Thus Sri Sastha Association was registered with the Registry of Association in 2003. Mr. Thirumaran, Mr. N. Sivaji and the late lawyer, Mr. Nirai Selvam were the main officials who made it possible.

With the Association being formed, we now aim to play a larger role in promoting the Hindu Culture and helping the needy families, with emphasis on the youth to enhance their lives. With the blessings of Sri Ayyappan, we would certainly achieve our goals.

Swamye Saranam Ayyappa