imported>WikiCleanerBot m v2.04b - Bot T3 CW#46 - Fix errors for CW project (Square brackets without correct beginning) |
Flightsvilla (talk | contribs) small updated details for accuracy further and added references |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{ | {{short description|Legendary figure from Kerala}} | ||
'''Vavar''' ({{IPA|ml|ʋaːʋər}}), known reverently as '''Vavarswami''', is a legendary figure from [[Kerala]]. He is traditionally believed to be a Muslim companion of the Hindu deity [[Ayyappan]]. Various legends describe Vavar’s origins, alternatively identifying him as an Arab sea raider, a revered Muslim mystic, a Syrian immigrant, or a warrior from the Pandya kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vavarambalam in Erumeli {{!}} Vavar Mosque {{!}} Sabarimala {{!}} Kottayam {{!}} Lord Ayyappa {{!}} Kerala Tourism |url=https://www.keralatourism.org/destination/erumeli-vavar-mosque/213/ |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=www.keralatourism.org |language=en}}</ref> | |||
'''Vavar''' ( | |||
The story of Vavar's association with Ayyappan is a significant aspect of the region's spiritual history. A shrine dedicated to Vavar is located at [[Sabarimala]], one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Additionally, a mosque dedicated to Vavar is situated in [[Erumely]], opposite an Ayyappan temple.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=KP Narayana |date=2015-12-27 |title=Before arriving at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, devotees visit a mosque |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/before-arriving-at-sabarimala-temple-in-kerala-devotees-visit-a-mosque/articleshow/50334905.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-12-13 |issn=0013-0389}} </ref> | |||
==Legend== | ==Legend== | ||
There are many legends about Vavar and his association with Ayyappan. Vavar was a [[Rowther|Hanafi Rowther]]. Vavar and his family migrated to the [[Pathanamthitta district]] area. The family later resorted to pirate activities to make a living. When Ayyappan defeated Vavar and his pirates, Vavar was impressed by the youth's valour and became the messenger of Lord Ayyappa and helped him in the wars in the mountainous region. As time passed, Vavar too became an ardent devotee of Ayyappa just like Kaduthaswami, and came to be known as Vavarswami. The old sword on the wall of the Vavar mosque symbolises the eminence of Vavar as a great warrior. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the King of the Pandya dynasty to build a mosque for Vavar at Erumely in Kottayam District. The Sabarimala shrine is about 50 km away, deep in the forest in [[Pathanamthitta district]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/before-arriving-at-sabarimala-temple-in-kerala-devotees-visit-a-mosque/articleshow/50334905.cms|title = Before arriving at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, devotees visit a mosque|newspaper = The Economic Times|last1 = Kumar|first1 = KP Narayana}}</ref> | |||
In another variation, when Ayyappan was looking for tiger milk, he encountered Vavar and became friends. Later, Vavar joined along with him to carry out his mission.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Ayyappa And Vavar : മതമൈത്രിയുടെ പ്രതീകമായി സന്നിധാനത്തെ വാവര് നട; പ്രസാദമായി നൽകുന്നത് പഞ്ചകകൂട്ട്; ഐതീഹ്യം ഇങ്ങനെ |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/pathanamthitta/story-of-friendship-between-sabarimala-ayyappa-and-vavar/articleshow/95621795.cms |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> | |||
In another variation, Vavar is a Muslim saint who came to the region to spread Islam. He joined forces with Ayyappan to defeat the outlaws.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=A God, A Pirate and the Birth of a New Urban Religion in the Deccan |url=https://m.thewire.in/article/history/a-god-a-pirate-and-the-birth-of-a-new-urban-religion-in-the-deccan |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=The Wire |language=en}}</ref> | |||
In another variation, Vavar belonged to [[Pandya dynasty|Pandya Desam]] near Madurai and his family reportedly fled to the Travancore region to escape an assault by a Pandyan minister, where they subsequently met and befriended Ayyappan.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
It is also believed that Vavar was born in [[Vaipur]] and the name of the village is derived from Vavar's ''oor''( malayalam for village/place).<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Ayyappa And Vavar : മതമൈത്രിയുടെ പ്രതീകമായി സന്നിധാനത്തെ വാവര് നട; പ്രസാദമായി നൽകുന്നത് പഞ്ചകകൂട്ട്; ഐതീഹ്യം ഇങ്ങനെ |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/local-news/pathanamthitta/story-of-friendship-between-sabarimala-ayyappa-and-vavar/articleshow/95621795.cms |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> | |||
In 1950, Sabarimala ''thanthri'' Kantararu Shankararu testified before the Kerala High Court that Vavar was a Muslim, born to Pathumma and Seythali. He emphasized that his shrine at Erumely adheres to Islamic tradition by containing no idols.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fb |last2=Tw |last3=Linkdin |last4=Whatsapp |last5=Us |first5=GNFollow |title=Firebrand Hindu leader airs doubt on Vavar Swami's Muslim roots |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/south/sasikala-on-vavar-swami |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Asianet Newsable |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Vavar Palli and Vavarnada== | |||
[[File:Vavarunada sabarimala.jpg|thumb|Vavarunada in Sabarimala]] | |||
The Vavar Palli, also called the Erumeli Nainar Juma Masjid is dedicated to him. It is the place where Vavar is believed to have died. The shrine takecarers of the Vavar mosque are the Vettiplackal family, the descendants of Vavaruswamy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bose |first=Abhish K. |date=2016-12-03 |title=Vavar mosque heralds harmony {{!}} Vavar mosque heralds harmony |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/031216/vavar-mosque-heralds-harmony.html |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Vavarnada is a shrine dedicated to Vavar in [[Sabarimala]] next to the main temple. As per Islamic teachings there is no idol, but just a carved stone slab symbolises the deity of Vavar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-06 |title=Embracing Harmony: Sabarimala's Unique Tradition of Praying at the Mosque of Vavar |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/soul-search/embracing-harmony-sabarimalas-unique-tradition-of-praying-at-the-mosque-of-vavar/photostory/105772988.cms |access-date=2025-12-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> A green coloured silk cloth is hung across one of the three walls. The fourth side is open. An old sword is also kept near the wall.<ref>{{Cite web |last=CK |first=Faisal |date=2018-11-20 |title=Sabarimala epitomises confluence of various faiths in India |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/sabarimala-epitomises-confluence-of-various-faiths-in-india |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=National Herald |language=en}}</ref> The main prasadam from the shrine consists of black pepper and rock sugar. These same items are given as offerings to Vavar as well. The prasadam is distributed in memory of Vavar, who is believed to have been a Siddha healer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=അയ്യപ്പന് അരവണ; വാവരുസ്വാമിയുടെ പ്രസാദം എന്തെന്നറിയുമോ? |url=https://malayalam.samayam.com/latest-news/kerala-news/do-you-know-what-the-prasadam-of-vavar-swami-in-sabarimala/articleshow/125716297.cms |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=Samayam Malayalam |language=ml}}</ref> | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 32: | ||
[[Category:Indian Muslims]] | [[Category:Indian Muslims]] | ||
[[Category:Tamil Muslims]] | |||
Latest revision as of 08:50, 11 March 2026
Vavar (ml), known reverently as Vavarswami, is a legendary figure from Kerala. He is traditionally believed to be a Muslim companion of the Hindu deity Ayyappan. Various legends describe Vavar’s origins, alternatively identifying him as an Arab sea raider, a revered Muslim mystic, a Syrian immigrant, or a warrior from the Pandya kingdom.[1]
The story of Vavar's association with Ayyappan is a significant aspect of the region's spiritual history. A shrine dedicated to Vavar is located at Sabarimala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Additionally, a mosque dedicated to Vavar is situated in Erumely, opposite an Ayyappan temple.[2]
Legend[edit | edit source]
There are many legends about Vavar and his association with Ayyappan. Vavar was a Hanafi Rowther. Vavar and his family migrated to the Pathanamthitta district area. The family later resorted to pirate activities to make a living. When Ayyappan defeated Vavar and his pirates, Vavar was impressed by the youth's valour and became the messenger of Lord Ayyappa and helped him in the wars in the mountainous region. As time passed, Vavar too became an ardent devotee of Ayyappa just like Kaduthaswami, and came to be known as Vavarswami. The old sword on the wall of the Vavar mosque symbolises the eminence of Vavar as a great warrior. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself instructed the King of the Pandya dynasty to build a mosque for Vavar at Erumely in Kottayam District. The Sabarimala shrine is about 50 km away, deep in the forest in Pathanamthitta district.[3]
In another variation, when Ayyappan was looking for tiger milk, he encountered Vavar and became friends. Later, Vavar joined along with him to carry out his mission.[4]
In another variation, Vavar is a Muslim saint who came to the region to spread Islam. He joined forces with Ayyappan to defeat the outlaws.[5]
In another variation, Vavar belonged to Pandya Desam near Madurai and his family reportedly fled to the Travancore region to escape an assault by a Pandyan minister, where they subsequently met and befriended Ayyappan.[5]
It is also believed that Vavar was born in Vaipur and the name of the village is derived from Vavar's oor( malayalam for village/place).[6]
In 1950, Sabarimala thanthri Kantararu Shankararu testified before the Kerala High Court that Vavar was a Muslim, born to Pathumma and Seythali. He emphasized that his shrine at Erumely adheres to Islamic tradition by containing no idols.[7]
Vavar Palli and Vavarnada[edit | edit source]
The Vavar Palli, also called the Erumeli Nainar Juma Masjid is dedicated to him. It is the place where Vavar is believed to have died. The shrine takecarers of the Vavar mosque are the Vettiplackal family, the descendants of Vavaruswamy.[8]
Vavarnada is a shrine dedicated to Vavar in Sabarimala next to the main temple. As per Islamic teachings there is no idol, but just a carved stone slab symbolises the deity of Vavar.[9] A green coloured silk cloth is hung across one of the three walls. The fourth side is open. An old sword is also kept near the wall.[10] The main prasadam from the shrine consists of black pepper and rock sugar. These same items are given as offerings to Vavar as well. The prasadam is distributed in memory of Vavar, who is believed to have been a Siddha healer.[11]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "Vavarambalam in Erumeli | Vavar Mosque | Sabarimala | Kottayam | Lord Ayyappa | Kerala Tourism". www.keralatourism.org. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ Kumar, KP Narayana (2015-12-27). "Before arriving at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, devotees visit a mosque". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2023-12-13.
- ↑ Kumar, KP Narayana. "Before arriving at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, devotees visit a mosque". The Economic Times.
- ↑ "Ayyappa And Vavar : മതമൈത്രിയുടെ പ്രതീകമായി സന്നിധാനത്തെ വാവര് നട; പ്രസാദമായി നൽകുന്നത് പഞ്ചകകൂട്ട്; ഐതീഹ്യം ഇങ്ങനെ". Samayam Malayalam (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "A God, A Pirate and the Birth of a New Urban Religion in the Deccan". The Wire. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "Ayyappa And Vavar : മതമൈത്രിയുടെ പ്രതീകമായി സന്നിധാനത്തെ വാവര് നട; പ്രസാദമായി നൽകുന്നത് പഞ്ചകകൂട്ട്; ഐതീഹ്യം ഇങ്ങനെ". Samayam Malayalam (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ Fb; Tw; Linkdin; Whatsapp; Us, GNFollow. "Firebrand Hindu leader airs doubt on Vavar Swami's Muslim roots". Asianet Newsable. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ Bose, Abhish K. (2016-12-03). "Vavar mosque heralds harmony | Vavar mosque heralds harmony". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "Embracing Harmony: Sabarimala's Unique Tradition of Praying at the Mosque of Vavar". The Times of India. 2023-12-06. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ CK, Faisal (2018-11-20). "Sabarimala epitomises confluence of various faiths in India". National Herald. Retrieved 2025-12-30.
- ↑ "അയ്യപ്പന് അരവണ; വാവരുസ്വാമിയുടെ പ്രസാദം എന്തെന്നറിയുമോ?". Samayam Malayalam (in മലയാളം). Retrieved 2025-12-30.