Sabarimala: where the Hindu - Muslim harmony at its best

Every year, the devotees during their annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage circumambulate the mosque and chant the names of Ayyappa as well as Vavar, a Muslim saint who is also referred to as Vavarswami by the Hindu devotees. Hindu pilgrims visit the mosque every year and offer prayers, reviving the local myth of Lord Ayyappa’s friend who was a Muslim.

Thiruvananthapuram: While Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala have become one of the most widely debated topics in recent times, the aspect of Ayyappa devotees circumambulating a mosque, in their ritual attire, during the annual temple pilgrimage, portrays a different picture of religious harmony.

This is not a fairy tale situation but a real-life scene in Kerala; where pilgrims of the famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple visit a mosque as part of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage.

Hindu pilgrims visit the mosque every year and offer prayers, reviving the local myth of Lord Ayyappa’s friend who was a Muslim.

The Erumeli Nainar Juma Masjid, also known as Vavar Palli (mosque), in Kottayam district, some 60 km away from the temple, has been opening its portals to Sabarimala pilgrims for decades during the two-month-long pilgrim season.

It is heartening to see how the management of the mosque wholeheartedly welcomes and provides facilities for the Hindu pilgrims who step in chanting aloud ‘Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa’ in praising their deity.

This special culture in Sabarimala where Lord Ayyappa's friend Vavar Swamy is placed near to the 18th step of the shrine.

According to the belief, Lord Ayyappa has attributed the particular space to Vavar as he wants the devotees to set foot on the main temple, only after paying a visit to him.

What is the story behind this everlasting friendship?

According to local lore, while Manikandan (Lord Ayyappa) was looking for Tiger's milk to cure his mother's illness, he met Vavar, Ayyappa’s Muslim companion.

A fierce battle broke out in which neither one won. Eventually, they both realised that they are equal in terms of power and became friends.

Their bond eventually became strong and Lord Ayyappa insisted that those who visited his shrine must first pay their obeisance to Vavar.

The devotees are provided with four spices cumin, cardamom, pepper and dry ginger along with rice in their visit to Vavar.

For decades, the temple and the mosque have stood as a unique example of deep-rooted communal harmony in Kerala.