MANGALURU: AH Mohammed, fondly known as Monakka from Ammunje, has been serving at the renowned Polali Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple for the past 48 years. His primary responsibility, which is managing and steering the temple chariot using traditional wooden stoppers and preparing the chariot during the annual fair, is both demanding and highly skilled.
Handling the massive temple chariot is no simple task. It requires precision, coordination, and deep understanding to guide it safely along its route. Despite the challenges, 74-year-old Mohammed has carried out this responsibility with unmatched expertise year after year, ensuring smooth continuation of this important tradition.
A resident of Ammunje Kalai, Mohammed is retired, and had previously worked as sales manager at the cooperative society within the temple premises. Over time, he developed a strong rapport with the temple administration. Nearly five decades ago, when the temple authorities were planning to build a chariot, they sought his advice, recognising his background in the wood industry. Impressed by his knowledge, they entrusted him with the responsibility of managing the chariot during the annual fair.
Mohammed fondly recalls the support he received during the initial days from former temple administrators who stood by him throughout his journey.
Traditionally, the chariot is required to complete one full circle of the temple. In earlier days, this was particularly challenging due to muddy roads, which made navigation slow and difficult. Using wooden stoppers and his technical skills, Mohammed mastered the art of steering the chariot with remarkable ease and precision.
“We faced several challenges while moving the chariot, but I always had alternative solutions ready. It’s not as easy as it looks. Even preparing the chariot during the annual fair is a difficult task; installing ropes, wooden planks, sticks, and ensuring everything is in place for the fair requires careful supervision,” said Mohammed.
He says trust and teamwork have been key to his long service. “It’s the mutual trust between me and the temple administration that has helped us manage the chariot successfully all these years,” he says.
With the temple’s annual fair scheduled for April 10, preparations are already in full swing, and Mohammed is once again actively involved in decorating and readying the chariot. His daughter, Fathima Nusaiba, shares how deeply this service is woven into their family life. “Visiting the temple during the fair is as important to us as Eid. My father spends more time at Polali than at home. Even during Eid, he would be working at the temple. Despite having BP and diabetes, he becomes energetic when it comes to his work at Polali,” Fathima shared.
She also highlights the respect he has earned over the years, saying, “His friends from other communities often step forward to help even before family members do. Our family is always treated with great warmth and respect when we visit the temple.”