Mampuram Palli: A place to know Thangal

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In the sweet town of Tirur in Malappuram stands the iconic Mampuram Mosque which is not just a symbol of Muslim heritage but also a patron of communal harmony one sees in the state of Kerala. The mosque is a haven to the Sunni Muslims but people from all faiths can pray here & are always welcome to know the man who is credited to have spread the word of Islam in these parts. The person who is remembered is Sayyid Alavi Thangal who was fondly called Mampuram Thangal made this land his own and his efforts of getting people of all walks together is what gained him respect from all.

Thangal is said to have come to the shores of Kerala in the 19th century. Kerala was a land which had seen many Islamic preachers before him but what made his arrival important was the importance he gave to education. Education for all was the not the way in the social fabric of Kerala & Thangal gave all an access to education which made many convert to Islam. The Mampuram Makham was built as a small thatched roof house which helped Sunni Muslims perform prayers. After the death of Thangal his body is said to be placed in the kabr here. All who come to pray at the mosque pray to relieve them of difficulties in life or ask for forgiveness from Thangal himself. The mosque now is different as it was first built with new additions to the actual structure & minarets which enhance its beauty. Unlike most mosques which have an opulent interior & exterior, this historical makham is a simple structure. The mosque has a pagoda dome & the double tier hallways are decorated with Mangalore tiles.

The Mampuram Palli has also for a century stood witness to interfaith harmony & this recognition is also due to the work of Thangal recognised as one of the most influential spiritual leaders of his time. Known as the Qutub Zaman by Sunni followers he maintained a very good relation with the Hindus who were the majority community. The higher caste landlords of the land did not allow the marginalised caste members entry to temples & they approached the Thangal for assistance. With the help of an influential Hindu nobleman Konthu Nair he set up the Kaliyattakavu temple which is dedicated to Ammancheri Amma who is said to be the lady to whom Thangal had given a small piece of land to meditate. This was a never heard incident in the Malabar region & the Thangal’s name spread far & wide. Even today the priests of the temple before the beginning of the procession for the annual festival of Thalappoli Utsavam are said to seek blessings from the Thangal at the Mampuram Palli.

The Mampuram Palli Aandu Nercha annual festival is considered to be one of the largest in the Malabar region & it’s a time when people from all faiths come to the Mampuram Palli to pray. As per beliefs, it is said that the blessings of the Thangal would help any person heal from ill health & the oil from the mosque is taken by all pilgrims to apply over the ill person’s body. The beliefs may or may not be true but what is certainly true is the reverence to Thangal who came to the land from Yemen with only one mission to spread the word of love & he did it with all his selflessness. The Mampuram Palli is an important place to come & just be among the people to pray.

Location: Tirurangadi, Kerala 676306, India

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