| Genre: | Drama Mythology |
| Creator: | Merryland Studio |
| Director: | Sudheesh Sankar (2023) Vinod Bhagavathinada (2023-present) |
| Creative Director: | S. Murugan |
| Editor: | Machado Joseph Kavanad |
| Country: | India |
| Language: | Malayalam |
| Executive Producer: | Suja Murugan, Saranya Subramaniam |
| Location: | Trivandrum |
| Producer: | S. Murugan |
| Cinematography: | Shijinjith |
| Company: | Sree Saran Creation |
| Runtime: | 20-22 minutes |
| Channel: | Asianet |
| Last Aired: | present |
| Num Episodes: | 200 |
| Starring: | K. R. Vijaya |
| Num Seasons: | 1 |
Malikappuram: Apathbandhavan Ayyappan is an Indian devotional television series that airs on Asianet[1] and streams on Disney+ Hotstar.[2] The series revolves around the relationship between Muthassi, a devout grandmother, and her granddaughter Unnimol, both devotees of Ayyappan and desires to visit Sabarimala Temple.[3] [4] South Indian actress K. R. Vijaya and child artist Eithal play the lead roles[5] [6] [7] This series is the fifth season of Swami Ayyappan franchise. The show was also dubbed into Kannada as Malikappuram on Star Suvarna from 4 March 2024 to 11 May 2024.[8]
When Meenakshi (Unnimol) was born, her mother died in delivery. Her father left the place after few days. She is considered as a bad omen by her relatives and villagers except her grandmother because of an astrological prediction. When she is grown up she had to face a lot of sufferings but only hope for her life was trust on Lord Ayyappa. In this time, Lord Ayyappa and Vavar came to her life as Giridevan and Vava to help her and they became close friends. After some days, following so many circumstances she met her father Vinod and he came back to their home. He was staying at Anasuya's home for these years as he lost his memory. Anasuya is a traditional doctor who has a daughter Thara, who has been locked in her home with ritual threads protecting her from Mrithyu Devatha as Thara's father died due to a curse from snake lords as he tried to capture a precious stone of Snake Lords. Later Vinod and Anasuya got married. Unnimol and Thara are living like siblings. Giridevan and Vava are trying to help Unnimol from problems creating by her relatives and Thara from Mruthyu Devatha. To solve threat from Mruthyu Devatha completely they find a solution that a devotioned coconut should be reached Sabarimala temple. Unnimol and Thara began Pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Mruthyu Devatha tried many ways for stopping them but Giridevan, Vava along with Lambu (Lord Ganesha) protected them. Finally Thara reached Sabarimala with coconut and her curse is completely cured. But Unnimol can't go to temple. On their way back, they visited a temple where the idol is turned backward. When they enquired, they came to knew about story of a mother. She stolen some rice and vegetables from Temple to feed her child. But village chief caught her and publicly punished. She committed suicide and her son ran away from the village.This made goddess in the temple angry and village chief got paralyzed and idol began facing backward. Some astrologers suggested that if the lady's son come to temple the goddess will turns front. Unnimol with help of Giridevan,Vava and Lambu found the son and visited the temple making goddess happy.In these times, Anupama stolen Vaidooryanagam and got arrested by Police. But Giridevan saved her by stating that a hidden criminal is behind the crime. She digged a hole and placed it in but after some rounds of handchangings it is in hands of a group of children. After some challenges Unnimol got the Vaidooryanagam back. After this Unnimol, Giridevan and Vava solved problems of Paaru and Anu. Paaru is sad due to her father's alcoholism, Anu loves a rich man's boy and struggles for finding dowry. After this, they met Thamburu, she can't speak for almost a year due to Brahmarakshas, a spirit. They also solved the issue.[9]
It is produced by S. Murugan under the banner of SreeSaran Creations after the success of Padatha Painkili. K. R. Vijaya[10] is making her television comeback with this series. Baby Eithal Evana Sherin is making her television debut along with debutantes Aarav and Sreedev.
Title tracks are adapted from Merryland's production Swami Ayyappan and the Sabarimala Swami Ayyappan TV series.