Muslim Lotus Flowers For Hindu Temples!

Insync

oi-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 15:29

Kerala, also known as the God"s own country witness a unique scene of communal harmony. The temples of Thirunavaya Village in Kerala are receiving lotus flowers for worship from none other than the Muslim families. A group of about 30 Muslim families in the village meticulously tend lotus flowers in a pond and supply to various Hindu temples in the region.

The rendering of lotus flowers to the Hindu temples by the Muslim families are happening for generations. This act promotes communal amity and inspires others to believe in the spirit of brotherhood. Following the age-old tradition, lotus flowers are also offered to the presiding deity at the Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur.

Most of these flowers come from of Mohammad Mustafa"s farm in Thirunavaya. His family has been tending lotus flowers for generations. But Mustafa being a Muslim has never affected his business of supplying flowers to Hindu temples.

Mustafa tends lotus flowers in the pond spread over 25 acres of ''aqua farms''. He plucks over 400 flowers on daily basis for Guruvayur temple alone. He also supplies flowers to Thripunithura temple, Kadampurzha and various other important temples in Kerala.

Like Mustafa, there are other farmers who are engaged in lotus farming. These Muslim flower cultivators believe it is only because of the blessings of Lord Guruvayurppan (or, Lord Krishna) that their business is flourishing day-by-day. The blooming business of lotus flowers here has made many traditional paddy farmers in the State to opt tend lotus in the village ponds.

Thirunavaya is also famous for the Mamankam festival held in the Thirunavaya temple on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha also known as River Nila. This village was once the capital of Perumpadapu Swaroopam. Famous poet Melputhoor Narayana Bhattathirippadu was born at Melputhoor Illam, located 3.5 kilometres off Thirunavaya, on the northern banks of Nila River (Bharathapuzha River).