Are Muslims & Christians allowed to visit Sabrimala Temple?
"Sabrimala" Where humanity scores over myth and logic.
The oneness of diverse religious beliefs. It is one temple in the world, with doors open to all, whatever are their beliefs. The triumvirate of Ayyappa a Hindu, Vavar a Muslim and Kochu Thomman a Christian speaks volumes for this factual truth. It is here that Sabarimala becomes more of a reality than a myth.
Vavar mosque at Erumely.
There is a Mosque dedicated to Vavar in Sabarimala next to the main temple. The pilgrims going to Sabarimala halt here and give offering to Vavar by way of breaking coconuts. As per Islamic teachings there is no idol, but just a carved stone slab symbolises the deity of Vavar was a warrior who reached the shore of Kerala as a pirate in a ship to loot and plunder. During his encounter with Lord Ayyappa, he was defeated. Impressed by the youth's valour, Vavar became close associate of Lord Ayyappa .The old sword on the wall of the Vavar shrine symbolises the eminence of Vavar as a great warrior. It is believed that the Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the King of Pandala Desam to build a mosque for Vavar at Erumely in Kottayam District.
St Andrew’s Church at Arthunkal in Alappuzha.
This custom traces its roots to a mythical story that links the Arthunkal Veluthachan with the Sabarimala Ayyappan. It has for long been a custom for the St Andrew’s Church at Arthunkal in Alappuzha District to receive the Sabarimala pilgrims. According to church lore, Fr Fenicio was a friend of Ayyappa. So devotees started visiting Arthunkal also after paying homage to Ayyappa.Traditionally, the Sabarimala pilgrims wear a 'mala' (string of beads) to mark their devotion and period 'vratha’ or renunciation of worldly pleasures. Many visit the church to take out the 'mala' marking the end of their ‘'vratha’. After removing the ‘mala’, the devotees take a bath in a tank in the church premises or a dip in the sea. The church also serves meal or snacks to the pilgrims and arrange for lodging for those wishing to stay for a day or two. The coastal hamlet is still a shining example of religious harmony in all its meaning. There is even a practice of organising joint cultural fests by the church and nearby temples in the locality," Fr Pius said.
