A case filed against a Hindu monk in Kerala for allegedly making disrespectful comments about Vavar, the Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa, during a recent gathering. The monk, Saanthananda Maharshi of the Chenkottukonam-based Sree Rama Dasa Mission, made his remarks at the Sabarimala Protection Summit, organised by right-wing Hindu groups in Pandalam.
Saanthananda Maharshi calls Muslim companion a ‘terrorist’
He reportedly said, “Vavar does not have a relation with Lord Ayyappa, and he came to attack Ayyappa. Vavar is a terrorist who came forward to defeat Ayyappa in a war. He should not prayed to.”
The complaint, filed by several people including lawyer and Congress activist Anoop VR, claimed that the monk’s statements hurt devotees’ feelings, created tension between communities, and encouraged violence.
Pandalam Police confirmed they filed the case under several sections of the BNS, including promoting hostility based on religion and race.
Hindu Monk hurt religious sentiments
Most pilgrims visiting Sabarimala traditionally stop at Erumeli to pray at the Vavar Mosque, as Vavar believed to have a loyal friend of Lord Ayyappa. Legends depict him as a warrior who initially fought Ayyappa but later became his close ally.
The comments by Saanthananda Maharshi has sparked discussions among devotees and community leaders about religious feelings and historical interpretations of the Ayyappa-Vavar story.
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