Ayyappa Swamy Pooja is basically performed by a person who is under viratham for one Mandalam(48 days) by wearing a holy Ayyappa Swamy malai. If the devotees wearing malai and visiting Sabari mala for the first time is also called “Kanni Swamy”.
Lord Ayyapa Swamy is the son of Mohini and Lord Shiva. The procedure for Ayyapa Swamy pooja is done by invoking Lord Ayyapa and chanting of Mantras, Namavelis, and Archana. Pooja fulfills by doing the Padi Pooja with chanting slokas and lighting lamps offering the ghee to the lord.
Ayyappa Swamy Pooja is specifically done from December to January. It starts from Vrichika 1st and continues to 41 days.