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Pray only to Allah: Mohanlal’s Sabarimala Puja For Mammootty’s health sparks row


Mangalore Today News Network

Kerala, March 26, 2025: Mohanlal’s Sabarimala Puja Controversy: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s ‘Usha puja’ in Sabarimala for his actor-friend Mammootty has sparked a controversy, with some pointing out that the latter’s faith doesn’t permit worshipping any other God, but Allah.

The row began on March 18, when Mohanlal visited Sabarimala ahead of the release of his Prithviraj Sukumaran directorial L2: Empuraan on March 27.


Mohanlal-Mammootty



The viral receipt, cancer rumours

Following Mohanlal’s visit, a puja offering receipt with Mammootty’s birth name, Muhammed Kutty, and his birth star ‘Visakham’ went viral on social media. The receipt was offered by the Devaswom office, hinting that Mohanlal had performed the ritual for Mammootty.

It also led to rumours that Mammootty is currently being treated for cancer, but his team dismissed it as “fake news".

What is Sabarimala’s Usha Puja?

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta district and is open to people belonging to all religions. There is a place near the temple; east of Sannidhanam (the abode of Lord Ayyappa), dedicated to Vavar (a close friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called Vavaru Nada, an epitome of religious harmony.

It is said that the pilgrims have to observe celibacy for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. Pilgrims take the traditional forest routes as well as the one from Pamba which is less physically challenging to reach the temple.

At the Sabarimala temple, ‘Usha puja’ refers to the morning worship ritual performed after the opening of the sanctum sanctorum, around 7:30 am, and includes offerings like Neyyabhishekam (pouring ghee) and other rituals.

Who leaked the receipt?

At an event in Chennai, Mohanlal said that someone from the Devaswom Board must have leaked the receipt.

Responding to it, on March 25, the Travancore Devaswom Board said that the portion of the receipt which was issued to the devotees was leaked on the Internet. They reiterated that the staff member will only have the counter foil with them. “It could be due to a misunderstanding that Mohanlal made such a statement. Hopefully he will correct it," read the statement.

What is wrong in praying, asks Mohanlal

Addressing the controversy, Mohanlal said that Mammootty is like his brother. “What’s wrong in praying for him? He is doing well. He had a minor health issue, but that’s normal for everyone. There is nothing to worry about."

He further added that him praying for his friend is a deeply personal matter.

‘Mammootty Should seek forgiveness if Puja was done with his knowledge’

While some hailed the act as an example of communal harmony, some objected to it.

O Abdullah, an influencer and the former editor of the ‘Madhyamam’ newspaper, in an audio message on social media said that Mammootty should apologise if he had asked Mohanlal to offer prayers on his behalf.

“If it was with Mammootty’s knowledge, he should seek forgiveness. He should apologise to the Muslim community. It was a serious lapse from the side of the actor. There is nothing wrong if Mohanlal had performed the offering without Mammootty’s knowledge. Mohanlal’s faith in Lord Ayyappa must be that high. He may have done it based on that faith. However, if the offering was performed with Mammootty’s directive, then it is a great crime. According to Islamic beliefs, no one should offer anything to anyone except Allah," he said.

Abdullah said that Mammootty should issue an explanation and Muslim religious scholars should intervene in the matter.

Nasar Faizy Koodathai, too, told News18 Malayalam that Mammootty’s religion does not allow the puja and is wrong if done with his knowledge.

However, many criticised Abdullah and others, asking who gave them the authority to question people’s actions.

Mohanlal, Mammootty Friendship

Even though considered competition, the two Mollywood stars are known for their friendship.

At the event, Mohanlal further said, “We’ve been working together for 45 years and have done over 55 films. He’s like a brother to me. Our families are close. I was at Sabarimala, thought of him, and offered my prayers."

In an interview with Showsha, too, Mohanlal said that “Mammootty was like family" to him.