Ayyappan is a Hindu deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Dharma Sasta, the offspring of Shiva and Vishnu, He is generally depicted in a yogic posture, wearing a jewel around his neck, hence named Manikandan, Literally meaning "With bell around the neck". Ayyappan's annual festival is a time of pilgrimage for ever-growing numbers of men from throughout South India.