Telangana BJP leader Raja Singh stirred fresh controversy by urging Ayyappa devotees visiting Kerala’s Sabarimala temple to avoid mosques during their pilgrimage. The Goshamahal MLA claimed that visiting mosques during the pilgrimage is against the principles of ‘Ayyappa Deeksha’ and claimed it is part of a conspiracy to dilute the spiritual practices.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Singh said that devotees would become “impure” if they visited the mosque dedicated to Vavar, a historical figure associated with Lord Ayyappa. He emphasised the need for devotees to adhere strictly to the rules of Ayyappa Deeksha and avoid such practices.
Vavar Mosque’s Significance For Sabarimala Devotees
Vavar Mosque, also known as Nainar Mosque, is a unique religious site in Kerala’s Erumeli, located around 45 kilometres from the Sabarimala Temple. Dedicated to Vavar, a close companion of Lord Ayyappa, this mosque holds a special place in the Sabarimala pilgrimage tradition. Devotees of Lord Ayyappa often visit the mosque to offer prayers before beginning their journey to the temple, reflecting a spirit of communal harmony.
Legends surrounding Vavar depict him as an Arab pirate, a Muslim saint or a member of the Pandya kingdom, but all agree on his deep friendship with Lord Ayyappa. According to folktales, a local king was instructed by Lord Ayyappa in a dream to construct the mosque in Vavar’s honour.
During the pilgrimage season to Lord Ayappa temple in Sabarimala, the mosque becomes a hub for thousands of devotees, symbolising unity and mutual respect across faiths.
BJP leader Raja Singh is no stranger to controversial statements. On December 31, he advised Hindus not to participate in New Year celebrations, calling it a practice aligned with Western and Christian traditions. He claimed the observance of January 1 as the New Year is part of a “Western conspiracy” and urged Hindus to celebrate their traditional New Year, beginning with festivals like Ugadi.
The BJP MLA also criticised Hindu youth for celebrating New Year in pubs and bars, urging them instead to focus on protecting Hindu Dharma and combating issues like “Love Jihad.” He called on the youth to “sacrifice their lives for Hindu Dharma” rather than speeding and dying on the road while celebrating New Year.
