Ayyappa was concerned about the recapturing of Sabarimala
which had fallen in the hands of Maravas. For mustering strength, he joined the
camp of a famous warrior Mooppil to learn Ezhappayittu. Mooppil had a beautiful
daughter named Poongodi.
Poongodi fell in love with Ayyappa. Poongodi did not aspire
for physical love. She only wanted to be a partner in the spiritual quest and
to help in capturing Sabarimala. Ayyappa agreed to her wishes.
Mooppil who learned about his daughter’s love interest asked
his forces to help Ayyappa in his mission to recapture Sabarimala from the
Maravas.
Ayyappa forgot about the promises made to Poongodi as he was
busy finding friends to fight the Maravas.
Ayyappa soon defeated the Maravas.
But he did not return to fulfill the promise made to
Poongodi. She then reached the spot where Ayyappa was meditating.
Poonkodi found an Ayyappa who had turned unworldly and had
taken to deep meditation. As she sought only spiritual partnership, he asked
Poongodi to go to Ponnambalamedu and live there. She did accordingly and
started a custom to remind him of her presence by lighting lamps every year
when the sun moves into Capricorn – this is the famous Makaravilakku.
This story is found in the Ezhothisesham songs in Kerala.