Symbol of harmony: Temple, mosque shun overlap of prayers

Maintaining communal harmony and respecting each other’s religious belief is imperative for organisers and devotees who visit the temple and mosque that share a common wall at Somson colony here.

Separated by a nine-inch-wide wall on two sides, Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir and Masjid Aqsa are a testimony to serenity, flexibility, and reverence among Hindus and Muslims who have been visiting the conjoint shrines for around eight years when the organisers at the mosque had offered free electric power and water, required for construction of the temple.

Preachers at the mosque provide Bel Patra (leaves of Aegle marmelos) from a tree on their side to be offered to Lord Shiva, whereas devotees on the other side reschedule their daily routine to organise chhabils and iftar parties for their brethren during Ramadan.

Preachers at Lakshmi Narayan Mandir claimed the management committees of both shrines had drafted an itinerary to ensure that there was no inconvenience was caused to religious leaders and devotees performing rituals at the temple and the mosque in routine.

The temple’s priest, Chetan Sharma said that they perform Aarti exactly at 6 pm to facilitate the namaz at the mosque after some time. He appreciated the organisers’ generosity at the mosque and said they extended cooperation in celebration of religious festival at the temple. Sharma said the maulvi solemnises Azaan after the hymns of Aarti and chimes of temple bells calmed down.

Maulvi Mohammad Iliyas acknowledged that coexistence of both shrines side-by-side had set an example of communal harmony here. Devotees visiting the place are normally seen paying respect before both the holy places, claimed Iliyas.

A social activist Amjad Ali recalls that the temple and masjid, standing abreast, survived all testing time like that of sacrilege incidents in the state and nation.

The national president of the Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha, Mahant Swaroop Bihari Sharan appreciated the persistent efforts made by the management committees of both shrines. He said the effort had facilitated preservation of communal harmony in the region besides spreading positivity across the outer world.