Megastar of Tollywood Ram Charan was recently spotted without shoes at the Hyderabad airport on his way to the US in preparation for the Oscars in 2023. The actor is basking in the grand success of director S.S. Rajamouli’s period drama film RRR.
RRR’s Naatu Naatu song has been nominated in the Best Original Song category at the 2023 Oscars, which will take place on March 12. The film also stars Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, and Shriya Saran in important cameo roles.
Most of his Ram Charan’s fans, especially from the north India, are curious to know the reason behind his not wearing the slippers. Well, the actor is currently practising Ayyappa Deeksha, a fast kept by devotees of Lord Ayyappa.
What is Ayyappa Deeksha?
It is the 41 day long fasting observed by the devotees of Swami Ayyappa before visiting the Sabarimala Temple, Kerala, dedicated to the god.
While observing the fast, the devotees wear black clothes, Ayyappa Mala, sport beard, walk barefoot, chant hymns and remain harmless in principle before visiting Sabarimala.
During this time, devotees don’t shave their beards or cut their hair, as Lord Ayyappa doesn’t oil his hair and always carries a Tulsi leaf with him to ward off evil and temptation. He uses no footwear to protect his feet and sleeps on the floor.
Ram Charan & Ayyappa Deeksha
As the actor has taken Ayyappa Deeksha, the actor will have to be seen in all-black or saffron outfits and walk barefoot for 41 days. Ram Charan follows this ritual every year.
The actor is not observing Ayyappa Deeksha for the first time, in fact he observes it every year and even his father megastar Chiranjeevi has also observed it many times. Charan, earlier, observed the fast when his beloved pet dog’s leg got fractured.
Many stars of both Bollywood and South Indian Industries have also taken Ayyappa Deeksha including Ajay Devgn, Vivek Oberoi, Kavin, Akhil Akkineni, Sharwanand, Manchu Manoj, Shivaji, Sarath Babu and many others.
About Lord Ayyappa
Lord Ayyappa is a Hindu deity who is considered as the God of self-control by the Hindu community. The God is believed to be an epitome of dharma, truth and righteousness and is often called upon to destroy evil.
The worship of Ayyappan is very popular with members of all communities, in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The lord is mentioned in various scriptures and is mainly worshiped in South India.
Lord is considered to be the son of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, as he was born out of the union between Lord Shiva and mythical Mohini, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
