Who We Are
Serving the UK's Ayyappa devotee community since 1980 — consecrated at Masons Avenue, Harrow on 14th September 2008.
Who We Are
London Sree Ayyappan Temple
The London Sree Ayyappan Temple has been the spiritual heartbeat of the Hindu community across the United Kingdom and Europe. Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa — Hariharasuta, Manikanta, and Dharma Sastha — the temple is a centre of traditional worship, Vedic rituals, and vibrant community life.
Ayyappa worship in the UK began in 1980, initiated by His Grace Gurusamy Late Kollam P. Sreedharan at the Lord Murugan Temple, Eastham. The Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangam was formed to unite devotees. After years of growth, guided by His Holiness Swamiji Krishnan Sreedharan, the community found its permanent home at Masons Avenue, Harrow — consecrated on 14th September 2008.
Each year, during the sacred Mandala Puja season, hundreds of devotees undertake the Ayyappa Deeksha and visit the temple for Darshana, Maladharanam, and Kettunira before their pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple is recognised by Harrow Council and described as “a Mahakshetra in all respects.”
The Presiding Deity
Who Is Lord Ayyappa?
Lord Ayyappa — revered as Hariharasuta, Manikanta, and Dharma Sastha — is the presiding deity and the divine inspiration behind the sacred pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Hariharasuta
Son of Hari & HaraBorn of the divine union of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva), Lord Ayyappa embodies the harmonious essence of both Vaishnavism and Shaivism — a bridge between two great traditions of the Sanatan Dharma.
Manikanta
The Bell-Necked OneHis most beloved name, derived from the golden bell found around his neck when King Rajasekara Pandiya of Pandalam discovered him as an infant beside the river Pampa — a divine sign of his sacred origin.
Dharma Sastha
Lord of RighteousnessThe cosmic teacher of righteousness and virtue. As Dharma Sastha, he governs the eternal moral order — guiding devotees on the path of truth, self-discipline, and devotion through the sacred Ayyappa Deeksha.
The Sacred Pilgrimage
Every year during the Mandala season, millions of devotees — clad in black and bearing the irumudi — undertake the sacred pilgrimage to Sabarimalain Kerala. Devotees observe 41 days of Ayyappa Deeksha before ascending the 18 sacred steps (Pathinettampadi) to receive the Lord's darshan.
Unity Beyond Division
Lord Ayyappa's devotees greet one another with “Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa”— a declaration of surrender and brotherhood. The Ayyappa Deeksha unites devotees of all castes, creeds, and backgrounds. This spirit of universal brotherhood is at the heart of our temple's mission in London.
Those Who Built Our Foundation
Key Figures
Gurusamy P. Sreedharan
Founder of UK Ayyappa WorshipIntroduced Ayyappa worship to the UK in 1980 at the Lord Murugan Temple, Eastham. Initiated daily bhajans, the Mandala Thiruvizha, and the formation of the Sree Ayyappa Seva Sangam.
Swamiji Krishnan Sreedharan
Spiritual Guide (Kiri Swami)A sannyasi siddhar from Edava, Kerala. Flew from India in 2007 to guide the establishment of the permanent London temple. Entrusted with the Seva Sangam by Guruswami.
Suntharampillai Kirubahar
Founder, Patron & Trustee (Kiriji)The founding patron and trustee of the London Sree Ayyappan Temple. His lifelong dedication to Lord Ayyappa and the devotee community has been the guiding force behind the temple's mission.
Our Values
Devotion
Every ritual and service is an act of surrender to Lord Ayyappa.
Community
Uniting devotees from across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Tradition
Preserving ancient Vedic rituals and Tamil Saiva traditions.
Service
Seva to the Lord through charity, education, and togetherness.
Our Journey
From 1980 to Today
Discover the full story of Ayyappa worship in London — from the first puja at Eastham in 1980, through the East Acton temple, to the consecration at Masons Avenue on 14th September 2008 and beyond.
View Full HistoryProject Sacred 18-Steps
A £1.75 million vision to completely transform the temple — honouring the sacred tradition of the 18 steps that lead to Lord Ayyappa's shrine at Sabarimala.
Worshipped Here
Sacred Deities
Lord Ayyappa
The presiding deity — Dharma Sastha, Hariharasuta (son of Hari and Hara), also known as Manikanta.
Sri Vinayakar
Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles, invoked at the start of every ritual.
Lord Siva
Sivalingam, Amman & Nandi — the holy trinity of Saivaism.
Lord Murugan
The divine son of Siva, worshipped with his peacock and vel.
Sri Vishnu Durga
Divine mother Amman, the protector of the universe.
Sri Venkateswara
A form of Lord Vishnu, consecrated in 2010 alongside expanded shrines.
Anjaneyar Swamy
Lord Hanuman, devotion incarnate. Utsava murti in panchaloha consecrated in 2010.
Dakshinamurti
Lord Shiva as the guru of gurus, consecrated as utsava murti in 2010.
Navagraham
The nine celestial bodies in a circular shrine for circumambulation.
Our Premises
Temple Facilities
Brotherhood Hall Auditorium
A spacious, well-ventilated auditorium of approximately 3,600 sq ft on the ground floor. Used for spiritual and cultural programmes, marriages, discourses, and community events.
Sacred 18 Steps
The property at Masons Avenue naturally features 18 steps leading to the first-floor temple — mirroring the sacred Pathinettampadi of Sabarimala, believed to be a divine sign.
Kitchen & Dining Hall
A large kitchen and dining hall on the ground floor serves prasadam and meals to devotees, employees, and volunteers throughout the year and during festival seasons.
Sacred Season
Annual Activities
During the Mandalam/Makaravilakku season (November to January), hundreds of Ayyappa devotees gather for the most sacred observances of the year.
Darshana
Devotees visit the temple for the sacred sight of Lord Ayyappa, receiving divine blessings during the Mandala Thiruvizha season.
Maladharanam
The sacred wearing of the Ayyappa mala — the initiation into the Ayyappa Deeksha observance before pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Kettunira
The traditional ritual of tying the irumudi (sacred bundle) carried by devotees on their pilgrimage to Sabarimala, conducted with full ceremony.
Temple Priests