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Sabarimala Pilgrimage, an Example of
Communal Harmony

          THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sabarimala, the abode of Lord Ayyapa, a pilgrimage centre in Kerala, is a true example of communal harmony. During the Mandala-Makara Vilakku festival, thousands of devotees, from all over the country come to offer prayer to the Lord and pay homage to nearby Vavar mosque.

          Devotees of Lord Ayyapa, or Ayyappa Bhaktar or Swamis as they are called during the pilgrimage by others, come dressed in dark colours like black or blue. With colours smeared all over their face and body, they come dancing all the way to the Ayyappa's temple. Devotees offer prayer by going round the temple and come out reverse (not showing the back to the god). After that they visit the Vavar mosque across the road. Devotees go round the mosque chanting "Swamisaranam" and break coconuts in the mosque. The Muslim priest gives away "vibhoothi" to the devotees, who apply it on their forehead. They in turn offer some money in the mosque.

          PH Sahajahan, president of Vavar Mosque, said, "Every year, around 1 crore pilgrims from different parts of the country visit this holy place. To pay homage they go round the mosque. Devotees pay offerings and break coconuts. Pilgrims visit the mosque in the memory of Vavar, a Muslim, who was the right lieutenant of Ayyapa."     

           Mandala Makara Vilakku festival season begins on November 17, with a customary function at 5:30 pm. In this the outgoing 'melshanthi', or chief priest, opens the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and lights the ceremonial lamps in front of the Ayyappa idol.

           Legends have it that Muslim invader Vavar and his army attacked the Pandalam State and Ayyappa was sent to defend the State. After a fierce battle, Ayyappa overcame Vavar and later both became great friends. Vavar later settled down at Erumeli and breathed his last there. A shrine was constructed at his tomb. Vavar's shrine is situated about 40 km from the Sabarimala temple and it is mandatory for all to pray there before moving on to Sabarimala.

          Over 10 million devotees visit Sabarimala during the annual pilgrimage, which begins in December and culminates by the middle of January.

(December 5, 2002)

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