Hindu Muslim Integration

Posted by Harsh Nevatia Mar 8, 2008

One’s heritage is important. One must be aware of it, be proud of it and respect it. But if one allows heritage to obstruct natural evolution then heritage becomes counterproductive. When different cultures co-exist, as they have to do more and more today, then heritages must be allowed to intermingle to create new heritages.

Much has been said of the Hindu Muslim riots in India. These riots are against the grain of natural society and are the handiwork of politicians or other powerful interests. Ever since the Muslim invaders decided to settle in Hindustan the Hindus and Muslims have created a unified society with mutual love, respect and admiration. One of the surest testimonials to this unity is the fact that Hindus flock to the dargahs of Sufi saints confident that their wishes will be fulfilled after paying obeisance there.

The Hindu Puranas are much older than Islam and therefore do not and cannot contain tales of Hindu Muslim unity. They do however describe stories of the intermingling of various Hindu factions, for example the Shaivites and Vaishnavites. But Hindu religion has evolved since the time of the Puranas. There are myriad local folk beliefs that have interwoven current events with religious narratives to create a fabric of inter-religious harmony.

One such example is the shrine of the Muslim saint Vavar, which stands close to the Ayappa Swami temple at Sabarimala. A Muslim priest performs the daily rituals and pilgrims to Sabarimala make it a point to worship here as well. This is because there are many tales about the interaction between Lord Ayappa and Vavar. The most narrated one being that Vavar was a pirate who was defeated by Lord Ayappa. He then became an associate and the most ardent follower of Ayappa.