MALAPPURAM, KERALA, November 16, 2008: In an enduring example of Hindu tolerance and religious harmony, a Bhagavati temple near Malappuram still follows the tradition of its new priest seeking the blessings of a local elder — who now happens to be a Muslim.
According to the elder, Bappu Hajee of the Pazhayakath family, the honor of anointing the priest of the temple was conferred on his family by the ruler of Vettathnadu some eight centuries ago. His family converted to Islam at some point since then, but that never created contention among his neighbors. No one in the community has ever resented it, said the locals.