A group of six Hindu pilgrims from north Karnataka, en route to Sabarimala temple in Kerala, found refuge in the Livaul Huda Jumma Masjid and Madrassa in Edathara village, Virajpet taluk, Kodagu district. The pilgrims, hailing from a village near Gokak in Belagavi district, had undertaken the journey on bikes.
Upon reaching Edathara village, situated amidst dense forests, the pilgrims were made aware of the potential danger of wildlife attacks, particularly by elephants. Faced with the threat, they approached the management of the Livaul Huda Jumma Masjid and requested permission to stay within the mosque premises for the night.
Usman, the President of the masjid, and Khateeb Quamaruddin Anvari, an office-bearer, responded warmly to the pilgrims’ plea. They not only allowed the Hindu devotees to stay in the mosque but also made all necessary arrangements for their comfort. The pilgrims, named Kamalesh Gowri, Bheemappa Sanadi, Shivananda Navedi, Gangadhara Badide, and Siddarod Sanadi, were even permitted to carry out their worship within the mosque.
Expressing gratitude, the pilgrims performed their morning prayers at the mosque before continuing their journey to Sabarimala.
Usman, representing the mosque management, stated, “We are ready to provide facilities to devotees, irrespective of their religion, at our mosque in Edathara. This region is prone to attacks by elephants during the night. Whoever passes through this stretch can stay over in the masjid, and we will provide all facilities. All gods are one.”
(With IANS inputs)
