Iyyappan was born in Chennai in the state of Tamil Naud in southeast India. He was born into a Hindu family and is one of 11 children. Before forming the Little Hearts orphanage Iyyappan worked in a social health organization which provided a voluntary service to people in poverty stricken villages. It was a very hard time for Iyyappan and his wife Rita as they were struggling financially. They also both faced opposition from their families because of their mixed marriage as Rita was a Christian. Soon after the orphanage was formed Iyyappan was befriended by a local Christian Pastor who helped him with the running of Little Hearts. Shortly after that, Iyyappan became a Christian and his desire is now to serve the Lord by looking after the underprivileged people of India.