Hard to believe but true a large number of Muslim women, accompanied by men and children, offered prayers at Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple at Devunikadapa here on Ugadi festival on Saturday and offered the special prayers for the well being of their daughters. Vedic pundits say that this practice was being followed for decades
In fact, Muslims look forward to the festival day. They start making a beeline to the place of worship right from 5 am and present offerings irrespective of their social status. Some fulfil their wows by breaking coconuts.
When asked many Muslims say they visit the temple and perform pooja because of that relationship, the Legend has it that Lord Venkateswara had married one of his consorts, Bibi Nanchari, in an inter-religious event, leading to establishment of close relations between the Hindus and Muslims.
Mohd Khaleel from Anantapur said that “my grandfather had an immense faith in Devunikadapa Lord”. “We offer prayers at Pedda dargah in Kapapa town and later come here to worship Lord Balaji,” he added.
Muslims are understanding the importance of education but seems still have not let the illiteracy to go, even the educated men and women follow the old legends