A KERALA TEMPLE OF
RELIGIOUS HARMONY
Muslims offer a
helping hand for conservation of Malappuram templeA Hindu temple in the
district is attracting national attention not only by conducting a unique homam
(religious rite) but also by the involvement of the Muslim community in its
conservation.The Muthuvallur Sri Durga Temple near Kondotty performed a
Mrithyunjaya Homam on Saturday for the protection of the soldiers guarding the
country’s borders. Temple officials said that it was the first such homam for
jawans conducted in the country.
The temple committee,
formed in December last, has been responding proactively to the local
community. Muslims in the neighbourhood have been actively involved in the
renovation of the temple, which is believed to be more than 400 years old.Sulaiman
Haji, a local Muslim community leader, has sponsored the copper plating of the
temple dome during the ongoing renovation.The Haji has given 144 kg copper
worth nearly Rs. 1 lakh to the temple.Several other Muslims too have joined
their Hindu brothers in preserving the temple.
A communal harmony
meet coinciding with the homam too stood unique as such gatherings are not a
common scene on the courtyards of temples, mosques and churches in the State.Offering
his special Sulaimani (black tea), P.V. Abdul Wahab, MP, joined the harmony
meet held under the leadership of temple priest Tharananalloor Thekkinedath
Padmanabhan Unni Namboothiri.Donating Rs. 10 lakh for renovation of the temple
pond, Mr. Wahab said that the country had a lot to learn from Malappuram in
preserving communal harmony.“Hindus, Muslims and Christians are living in peace
like brothers here,” he said, adding that India is the only place in the world
where Muslims can live without worries and fear.The local people irrespective
of religion have been depending on the temple pond during the summer.Sayed
Munawwarali Shihab Thangal, younger son of former Muslim League chief Sayed
Mohammedali Shihab Thangal, too joined the harmony meet.
Prof. John Kurakar
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