Several places of worship where Hindus, Muslims and Christians pray or make offerings are not uncommon in Kerala. Up on a tall peak of the Western Ghat Mountain ranges, there is a shrine that every January draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The devotees undertake an arduous journey, the final few miles of it on bare foot, over a rough and rocky terrain through low-lying fog accompanying a cold season's chill, to worship at the temple of Lord Ayyappan at Sabarimala. But what sets him apart from other Hindu deities is the significant presence of a Muslim personality in his life. Before the pilgrims approach the great shrine in the darkness of early dawn to climb the final hallowed eighteen steps with their irumudikettu (sacred bundles) on their heads; they must make an important stop at the shrine of Vavar, Ayyappan’s Muslim friend and advisor.

There are many legends about Vavar and his association with Lord Ayyappan. Some believe he was a Muslim saint who migrated from Arabia to India to spread Islam. Others suggest that he was a warrior who reached the shore of Kerala as a pirate. During his encounter with Lord Ayyappan, he was defeated and subdued by the Lord. Since then Vavar became a close associate of Lord Ayyappan and helped him in the wars in the mountainous region. Another legend is that Muslim invader Vavar and his army attacked the king of Pandalam, Ayyappan’s foster parent, and he was sent to defend Pandalam. After a fierce battle, Ayyappan overcame Vavar and later both became great friends.

Even today, a Muslim priest performs the rituals at this shrine dedicated Vavar. There is no distinguishable idol, but just a carved stone slab symbolizing the deity of Vavar. A green silk cloth is hung across walls, and an old sword is kept near the wall, perhaps to symbolize Vavar as a great warrior. The main offering at this shrine is green pepper; a befitting tribute to a heritage of pepper trade. Other offering include rose water, sandalwood paste, coconut and ghee. Pilgrims donate money in the donation box kept at the shrine.

An important Muslim festival in Kerala is the Chandanakkudam ritual held at several Kerala mosques. Pilgrims carry earthenware pots filled with coins to the mosque in a procession. The pots are covered with sandal wood paste, the mouth covered with white cloth and decorated with a jasmine garland around the edges, and three incense sticks fixed on top of the pot. Caparisoned elephants and folk performances, evocative of Kerala Hindu temple festivals, accompany the processions. Traditional Muslim art forms such as Aravanamuttu, Doobakali, and Kolkali are also staged during the festival.

At several Muslim festivals the processions from mosques visit the local temples. At some fetivals both the Hindus and the Muslims gathered apply sandalwood paste on their foreheads and receive flowers and lemon as tokens of fraternity. The long tradition of peaceful coexistence among the people of various religious faiths in Kerala is reflected in these ancient traditions still observed at many temples, churches and mosques.