Ayyappa Samaaj: Lord Ayyappa devotees in the San Francisco Bay Area
Upcoming Events
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Preparing for Mandalam
Observing the Vratam The 42-day vratam: wearing the mala, food, daily rules, and keeping it outside India. Read the guide →
Sabarimala Virtual Q How to book your darshan slot on sabarimalaonline.org, step by step. Read the guide →
The Traditional Path The Periya Paatha forest route: Irumudi, Petta Thullal at Erumeli, every milestone. Read the guide →
Sabarimala The temple and the five ancient Ayyappa shrines of the Western Ghats. Read the guide →
Common questions
What is Ayyappa Samaaj?
Ayyappa Samaaj is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit of Lord Ayyappa devotees in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have held pujas since 2005, first as an informal group called Ayyappa Samaaj, and registered as a nonprofit in 2011. We hold pujas, bhajans and the Mandalam season events. More about us.
Where are your events held?
Most of our events are held at the SVCC Temple (Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Cultural Center), 40155 Blacow Road, Fremont, CA 94538. Each event's page gives its venue and times.
When is the Mandalam season?
Do I need to sign up, and is there a fee?
Our events are free to attend. Religious offerings such as Mala Dharana, Irumudi and Abhishekam need a sign-up on the event's page, which shows the amount for each offering.
How do I wear the mala for the first time?
Start with our guide, Observing the Vratam: the mala, the 42-day vratam and its daily rules. You can have Mala Dharana at our Mandalam events by signing up on the event's page. If you need help finding a Guruswami, write to us.
Where can I find bhajan lyrics?
On Bhajans & Shlokas: hundreds of bhajans, shlokas and puja texts in English, Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, to read or print.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Ayyappa Samaaj is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 45-1061428), so donations are tax-deductible. You can donate online, and find your tax receipts on the same page.
How can I volunteer?
We are run entirely by volunteers, and help is always welcome: the kitchen and annadanam, setup and decorations, parking and welcoming devotees, singing bhajans, and helping during Mandalam. Write to us and choose "Volunteer opportunities".
How do I contact you?
Email info@ayyappasamaaj.org or use our contact form. A volunteer usually replies within 2 days.