Daijiworld Media Network - Shivamogga (SP)

Shivamogga, Oct 14: India is known as a country where people live in unity amid diversity. People of different faiths live harmoniously in the country. One example for a life of harmonious coexistence is found in Sagar taluk in the district where a Muslim lady and her family members perform puja in Hindu temple during the Navaratri.

Fameeda Sharif and her relatives offer puja to Goddess Bhagawati Amma at this Malnad region that is located 375 km away from Bengaluru. This temple was built by Fameeda's late husband on land allotted by the railway department about 50 years ago. She says that Goddess Durgadevi often appeared in the dreams of her husband when he was young. He met Varadahalli Sridhar Swami near Sagar seeking remedy. The Swami advised him to worship the Goddess every day, she explains.

Ibrahim, who was from Kerala, decided to build the temple along with the railway department. But many opposed his plan. But he succeeded in facing these obstacles and building a temple dedicated to the goddess. He not only looked after the construction and maintenance of the temple but also performed puja everyday till the temple was handed over to a committee of Hindus.

After some years he shifted residence to another place but he and his family members continued with the tradition of offering puja to the goddess on special occasions. After Sharif passed away, his family members continued to offer puja here on special occasions, Fameeda adds.