Beemapalli
March 26, 2010 by admin
Filed under Beemapalli, Pilgrimmage
Beemapalli – Thiruvananthapuram
This holy place lies about 5 kms southwest of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). It is dedicated to Beema Beevi (believed to a member of the family of Prophet Mohammad), a pious Muslim lady who had great spiritual powers. Beemapalli is the most distinguished mosque in India where we can witness the glorious Chandanakudam Mahotsavam (festival) which lasts for 10 days. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of Beema Beevi. Pilgrims carry coin filled clay pots which is painted with the paste of sandalwood. Beemapalli Dargah Shareef is one of the religious and spiritual wonders that Kerala is proud of. She is believed to have come here from Saudi Arabia, centuries ago to preach Islam religion. Beema Beevi and her son Sayyidussaheed Maheen Aboobakar were entombed here. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Thiruvananthapuram to take part in the Uroos festival held every year in the remembrance of Beema Beevi and her son.
Several folk art forms like daharmuttu (dance with sword) and religious dance and Islamic songs are performed in the mosque. On the last day of the festival, the flag from Beema Beevi’s grave is taken out and a procession follows with the accompaniment of music and pachyderms. Then, the offerings such as silk, flowers and oil that are offered at the mosque are circulated among the devotees.