KOLLAM: A remarkable story of devotion and unity transcending religious boundaries has been unfolding in the serene village of Kureepuzha West over the past three decades. A Salim, also known as Salim Bhai, has dedicated himself to the Mulamkadakam Devi Temple in Kollam district. And for 34 years, he has selflessly serving as a temple helper.
Born into a Muslim family in Kureepuzha West, he nurtured a profound devotion to the temple’s deity from an early age.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Salim recollects a defining childhood incident that set him on this spiritual path. He was merely eight when struck by a chicken pox-like illness.
“I was confined to a separate hut, battling the debilitating effects of the disease. In those days, our village had no hospital, and we relied on a local Ayurveda practitioner for treatment. Despite all my efforts, my health continued to deteriorate.
Then, one day, an elderly person told my father that the Mulamkadakam Devi Temple housed a goddess whose blessings could cure me. Acting on that advice, my family brought me to the temple, and incredibly, my health began to improve,” recalls Salim, now 54.
It wasn’t until he had moved into his teenage years that he learned about the childhood episode. At 20, he made a solo pilgrimage to the temple. His dedication is rooted in devotion and the love he has received from his fellow villagers.
“After my parents shared the story of my recovery through the temple’s blessings, I began visiting the temple and contemplating its sanctity silently,” Salim says. “Eventually, I started tending to the temple’s surroundings by clearing the overgrowth of plants. One day, the temple priest approached me and asked if I could take on the responsibility of cleaning the temple lamps,” says Salim.
Salim rarely misses a visit to temple
“With divine guidance, I cleaned as many lamps as was possible for me in a single day. That marked the beginning of my journey as a temple assistant,” says Salim. Throughout these years, Salim has rarely missed a visit to the temple, even while earning a livelihood as a construction worker. Also, he maintains his ties with the local mosque and the mosque committees.
Salim’s remarkable connection to the temple is much appreciated by the Mulamkadakam Devi Temple Committee.
Shiva Prasad, the committee president, acknowledges his deep commitment by stating, “Salim’s long-standing association with the temple has been extraordinary. He participates actively in various temple events including poojas and festivals. Notably, he recently made a silver jewellery offering to Lord Nandikeshan. His unwavering support and dedication to the temple have earned our respect and admiration.”