Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa: The War Cry Powering Every BrahMos Launch
A war cry is a loud shout or chant soldiers use to get excited, stay united, and scare enemies before a fight or mission. It boosts their spirit and shows who they are. In the Indian Army, each group has its own war cry, often linked to culture or faith. For the 861 Missile Regiment, which uses the BrahMos missile, the war cry is "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa."
The BrahMos is a super-fast missile, one of the quickest in the world. It flies at three times the speed of sound and can be launched from land, sea, air, or submarines. It hits targets with perfect aim, Named after the Brahmaputra River in India and the Moskva River in Russia, it’s a big part of India’s defense. The 861 Missile Regiment operates this missile, and they chant "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" every time they launch it, along with chanting of ''Durga Mata Ki Jai'' and ''Bharat Mata Ki Jai''.
The chant means "Lord Ayyappa, I trust in you." Lord Ayyappa is a brave god worshipped at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. He’s known for beating evil and protecting good. When the soldiers shout this cry during a missile launch, they’re asking for Ayyappa’s strength and courage. It makes the launch feel special.
the 861 Missile Regiment chants "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" for every BrahMos launch, whether it’s a test or a real mission. The cry brings the team together and honors Ayyappa. They showed this pride in 2021 at the Army Day parade (January 15) and Republic Day parade in New Delhi, where their loud chant with the BrahMos missile wowed everyone.
The BrahMos is a high-tech weapon, but the war cry comes from old traditions. Chanting "Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa" during launches connects the modern missile to the ancient faith in Ayyappa. It shows how the Indian Army uses both new technology and strong beliefs to stay powerful.
The war cry isn’t just for soldiers. Millions of people who love Ayyappa feel proud hearing his name in the army.