Centuries of temple-mosque bond continues to uphold harmony in Udyavar

Kasaragod, Apr 24: At a time when the country’s tradition of peaceful coexistence of various communities is under threat, the annual festivities at Arasu Manjishnar Daivasthanam at Udyavar in Manjeswaram become an example of communal harmony.

The temple office-bearers, as per age-old traditions, ceremoniously invited members of the nearby Aayiram Juma Masjid committee on Friday for the four-day festival that begins on May 8.

The temple office-bearers, accompanied by the ‘velichappad’ (oracle), reached the masjid after the Juma prayers on Friday to invite the members of the masjid for the annual festivities.

It is believed that festival at the temple has been celebrated for over eight centuries. Annually, the temple representatives invite the Juma Masjid committee members on the Friday after Vishu.

The ‘velichappad’ then ceremoniously invites the mosque committee members in Tulu language seeking help to make the festival a grand success.

On the festival day, the mosque committee members are given a grand welcome.

Jasmine flowers, the main offering made to Theyyam, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, are offered to the devotees only after distributing the same to these invited guests and the priests.

The temple also offers grains and other items during the Makham Uroos at the mosque, mostly held once in five years, thus strengthening the age-old amity between the two communities in the region.