Vavar

Vavar (pronounced Vaa-var), also known as Vavaraswami was a Muslim saint who became a devotee of Lord Ayyappan. There is a shrine dedicated to Vavaraswami at Sabarimala, as well as Varaswamis mosque at Erumeli next to an Ayyappa temple. The devotion of Vavaraswami to Ayyappan and the key role that the Islamic Masjid has in the Ayyappa Pilgrimage, highlights the communal harmony in Kerala. The devotion of Vavaraswami also highlights the relevance of Ayyappa devotion for members of all faiths, and the equality shown to all, whether they are Muslims, Hindus or Christians.