[Video] This Kerala tradition during Sabarimala pilgrimage unites religions, see how

While it is a norm in Kerala to see men clad in Black heading to the mosque for prayers before setting forth to the Sabarimala temple, this unique tradition takes a non-kerealite by surprise. For the sheer reason that it unites two religions in a unique way, the Ayappa pilgrimage in Kerala can be considered as the ultimate example of 'unity in diversity'.

The tradition and its history

The procession that starts from Erumeli in Kerala mostly comprises of men and boys, except for children and the elderly who can also be women. All of them are essentially clad in a black Mundu and are bare-chested, wearing beaded chains. They all smear 'vibhuti' or ashes from burnt wood on their forehead and arms. they chant Lord Ayappa's name on their route to the Sabarimala temple. All of them carry coconuts filled with Ghree on their head, which they would offer to the deity at the end of the journey. 

However, as the tradition goes, pilgrims have to stop at the Vavar mosque to pray before they start walking uphill to the Sabarimala temple. As unique as it may sound, the history of the ritual dates back to the time of Muslim saint Vavar. It is said that Vavar Swami was a great friend of the Ayappan and is entombed there. It is therefore a ritual to visit the mosque and seek good wishes from his soul. 

There are various myths surrounding the Vavar. After Ayyan or Ayappan had destroyed the asuras, he had to face a sea pirate who was creating a nuisance in the neighbourhood. While they were battling each other, they realised that both of them were equally mighty. So, they became friends. This pirate was Vavar. Although there are debates surrounding who defeated whom, Vavar is assumed to have played an advisory role in Lord Ayappan's life. Some others believe that Vavar had come to the rescue of the Lord while fighting this pirate.

Their friendship is often considered to be as strong as the friendship of Krishna and Arjuna. In fact, at one point in the telling of the legend, Ayyappa tells his father: “Consider Vavar as myself.”

Vavar and his legacy

There are heresys that the Vavar saint was from Arabia who had come to India to spread Islam. His name is also said to be taken from  Hazrath Vawar Baba. Others suggest that he was an Arab warrior who reached the shore of Kerala as a pirate in a ship to loot and plunder. During his encounter with Lord Ayyappan, he was defeated and subdued. Another legend is that Muslim invader Vavar and his army attacked the king of Pandalam, Ayyappan’s foster parent, and Ayappan was sent to defend Pandalam. After a fierce battle, Ayyappan overcame Vavar and later both became great friends. 

Kerala mosque committee members welcomes Lord Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu with snacks and refreshments.

Ayyappan and Vavar pic.twitter.com/l3SJqUm0vc

— PunalurSpeak (@Punalurspeak3) June 9, 2017

However, there is another interesting story relating to Vavar. According to this reference, Vavar originally belonged to Pandya Desam near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. According to the myth, the Vavar family migrated to Travancore during an attack from Thirumalainaicken, a minister of the Pandya kingdom. 

Some say that the name Vavar evolved from the Barami name babar. As you may recall bahrami traders were active in the ocean trade. This name came to be pronounced in the Venad region as Vavar. Yet another claim is that this Vavar is said to have been a Buddhist saint called Dwapara, which became Dawapr – Babar.

Another legend goes this way- Vavar was born in Takrittan Tottam, perhaps ancient Syria or Southern Turkey. His father was one Ali Kutty who married Pattumma or Fatima. During Vavar’s childhood, a terrible famine ravaged his country. With time, he mastered the art of archery, fencing and even ship-building. He received lessons in black magic too, which helped him very much in his later life which was full of adventures. 

He was known as Vavar, the lame-footed, as his legs were slightly bent even at the time of his birth. When he grew up he expressed his desire to go abroad a ship which he managed to build himself, and the parents, though reluctant gave him their permission.

Vavar's adventurous career commences with his voyage in the Arabian Sea. Gathering a few faithful friends who were equally well versed in the art of fencing and archery, he manned his boat towards the land of pepper and other precious condiments. It is said that he landed first at Kayamkulam, a coastal country in Kerala, then an independent principality ruled by a petty king. Vavar and his men, when they landed at Kayamkulam, were looked upon by the natives as sea pirates, and they got scared. 

In fact, Vavar's intention was only to make some adventurous expeditions, exploring new countries, exploiting the rich to help the poor and the needy. The king of Kayamkulam sought the help of the King of Pandalam who deputed the prince Manikantan to face the sea pirate. An encounter took place between Vavar and the prince. They fought for three days continuously. None were victorious. Mutually realizing the greatness of each other, the two opponents stopped their fight and were united in a friendly embrace. 

Since then, both Ayyappan and Vavar behaved like brothers. Even today the pilgrims to Sabarimala shrine make their offerings first to Vavar, the Muslim saint and then to Ayyappa.