A famous Shiva temple in Kerala which is owned by ten families and managed by a trust, was consecrated by the early 20th-century social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, who preached the concept of one caste, one religion and one god, stopped offering pujas to mourn a 23-year-old Muslim man for two days i.e; Monday and Tuesday this week. It’s a rare tribute that is drawing as much attention as the tragedy that led to it.

M V Shabeer, 23, who was a member of the executive committee that organises the annual festival at the Shiva temple at Puthennada near Attingal in Thiruvananthapuram district, beaten to death in an incident that was captured by an eyewitness in a video clip that went viral.

According to police, on Sunday afternoon, Shabeer was beaten to death by four men He had a dispute over an elephant running amok during the festival last year.

For two days after Shabeer’s death, the temple completely stopped all rituals except the morning darshan.

N Unni, a member of the executive committee for the temple festival said, “It was a friendship beyond religion, We never considered Shabeer as a Muslim in the temple committee. Shabeer was the most active member of our committee. This time, I had gone out only for a day to collect provisions from houses for the annadanam (offering of food). But Shabeer was out collecting rice and coconuts for a whole week.”

The temple has also decided to abandon the “annadanam” and the traditional procession for the 10-day festival starting February 9.

C Gouri Chandra, convenor of the committee said that “Shabeer was a religious Muslim who loved our activities and took part in them sincerely. We always considered him as one among us and included him in the festival committee two years ago.”

Chandra also added, “Since the priest wanted the temple to be opened, we did so on Monday and Tuesday but suspended the pujas. There was no blowing of the conch or the ringing of bells in those days. In the evenings too, the temple opened but did not offer any puja.”

Shabeer had a mother and two younger brothers (both students) in his family and he was struggling to provide for them since his father abandoned them years ago. He gave up his degree to work as a construction worker.

Panchayat member M Lalija, who represents the temple area, said Shabeer did not face any problem at his mosque for being associated with the festival.

We pray for Shabeer and his family. May his soul rest in peace.