Sabarimala Pilgrims Seek Shelter In Karnataka Mosque, Granted Permission To Perform Rituals

Expressing gratitude to the mosque management, the pilgrims also conducted their morning prayers at the mosque and subsequently continued their journey to Sabarimala.

A group of six Hindu pilgrims from North Karnataka, who arrived at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala during the night and encountered the risk of wildlife attacks and later found refuge in a mosque in Kodagu district. Hindu pilgrims from a village near Gokak in Belagavi district embarked on a bike journey to Sabarimala. Upon reaching Edathara village, situated amid dense forests, they became aware of the potential threat of wildlife attacks, particularly by elephants.

Noticing a masjid in the vicinity, they approached the management seeking shelter. The President of the masjid, Usman, and office-bearer Khateeb Quamaruddin Anvari responded affirmatively, arranging accommodations within the masjid. The pilgrims—Kamalesh Gowri, Bheemappa Sanadi, Shivananda Navedi, Gangadhara Badide, and Siddarod Sanadi—were also granted permission to perform their worship in the mosque premises.

Expressing gratitude to the mosque management, the pilgrims conducted their morning prayers at the mosque and subsequently continued their journey to Sabarimala.

Taking to IANS, Usman said, “We are ready to provide facilities to devotees, irrespective of their religion, at our mosque in Edathara. This region is prone to attacks by elephants during the night. Whoever passes through this stretch can stay over in the masjid, and we will provide all facilities. All gods are one.”

Sabarimala has been witnessing heavy rush this season. Scores of devotees gathered at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala on the first morning of the year 2024. The sacred shrine opened its doors at 3 am on Monday, initiating the day with the idol of Lord Ayyappa receiving an anointment of ghee from 18,018 coconuts following the 'Nirmalyam' and 'Abhishekam' rituals, according to reports from the news agency PTI. The ghee anointing, known as Neyyabhishekam, was conducted by chief priest PN Mahesh Namboothiri, under the guidance of the tantri (head priest) Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu.