Ayyaappa is believed to be born out of the union between Lord Shiva and the mythical enchantress Mohini, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Ayyappa is also known as 'Hariharan Puthiran' or 'Hariharputhra, ' which literally means the son of both 'Hari' or Vishnu and 'Haran' or Shiva.