Temple builds house for deaf and mute Jameela

Alappuzha: A temple at Cherthala is providing succour to a devout deaf-mute Muslim woman setting an example for religious harmony and cooperation in the area.

A year ago, Jameela, 53, received the key of the house constructed for her by the Kandamangalam Sri Raja Raja Rajeswari Devi temple administration committee.

She has also been given a job in the temple and she remains a disciple of Sri Raja Raja Rajeswari Devi, while keeping her religious faith.

The bond between the destitute woman and the temple started in 2000 after the sudden death of her parents and brother which left her orphaned. 

She was living with them near the temple. The temple constructed an abode for her in December last  year spending over Rs 2 lakh.

Ramachandran Kaiparisseril,  secretary of the temple administration committee, says she has been absorbed as a  temple employee. She is also being provided Rs 1000 as a token every month.  

“We communicate with her using sign language. She comes to the temple every morning and cleans up the courtyard  and offices. Recently, she underwent a cataract surgery with the support of the temple,” he said.   

Jameela provides jaggery to children participating in ‘Chikara,’ a ritual at the temple in which boys and girls aged 10 onwards undergo penance every year. The temple is run by 13 Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam branches of the coastal village. P.D. Gagarin, president of the temple committee (he is named after  Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, the first man who travelled to space in1961), says the temple invites people from different communities for its functions. 

Its members also participate in events in nearby mosques and churches.