[image source]http://blog.railyatri.in/some-lesser-known-facts-about-sabarimala-pilgrimage/
In India there are lot of temples. Among them we people from South India especially from Kerala are proud that we are the people of Lord Ayyappa. Ayyappa is called "Kaliyuga varadha". He can make souls free from bad effects of Kali yuga. It is this era when value of truth is lost. Man's aim will be only money . People can kill others for their own profit. Even fathers can rape their daughters. People will kill in the name of religion.The virtues of mind will be lost.In that time we Keralites believe Lord Ayyappa can give us "Moksha". A pilgrim going to abode of the lord that is Sabarimala has to take 41 days of vratha ( fasting). The person going to Sabarimala in that 41 days should:
-Take bath twice a day
-Take only vegetarian food- no beings should be harmed
-Follow Strict celibacy .
-Meditation should be done for purifying thoughts.
-Not Indulge in violence.
-Maintain modest way of life .
-Mind should be full of devotion and prayers
-Abstain from activities invoking sensual pleasure.
This is the abode of Lord Ayyappa- Sabarimala
[image source]https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india-now-women-need-age-proof-to-enter-sabarimala-temple-420381
But most of the people in other parts of India and many other countries might not know that this is an excellent example of religious harmony. A pilgrim going to Sabarimala to visit Ayyappa who was a Hindu prince should visit Vavar shrine first in a place called Erumely. Vavar was a Muslim mercenary who became dearest friend and great devotee of the lord.Lord Ayyappa has himself told that those people who visit him for blessings has to seek blessings of Vavar swamy first .
[image source]http://www.letsseeindia.com/tourist-places/Vavar-Shrine-place/1024
I have yet to hear something comparable to this bond between a Hindu and Muslim. So every year crores of pilgrims will take Vratha and visit Vavar Swamy and to seek his blessings before seeking blessings of Lord Ayyappa. This is a perfect example that there are no religious thought among Gods. We humans only are taking it so seriously that we kill among ourselves.We should always remember all blood is red and all life is precious.
Swamiye Saranamayyappa....May lord Ayyappa bless you all.