HYDERABAD: Raja Singh, a BJP MLA from Telangana, has sparked a controversy by urging Ayyappa devotees going to Kerala to visit Sabarimala not to visit the Vavar mosque or Hazrath Vavarswami Darga during their pilgrimage. Raja Singh said that Ayyappa devotees should understand that Hinduism clearly teaches that Hindus should not bow down or fold their hands in front of graves.

Raja Singh also alleged that it was the Communists who created the practice of Ayyappa devotees visiting the Vavar mosque as part of their broader conspiracy.

“I have seen some Ayyappa Swamy pooja programs where people who visit and believe in the Darga are invited. Sometimes, Muslims are also invited to attend. Where are we heading, and aren’t we falling into a trap?” Raja Singh asked.

Meanwhile, Ayyappa devotees from Telangana have come forward against Raja Singh's statement. Ayyappa devotees believe that visiting the Vavar mosque is an essential part of their Sabarimala pilgrimage. It's a long-standing tradition for devotees visiting Sabarimala to also pay a visit to the Vavar Mosque.