Vavar
Vavar (Malayalam pronunciation: [ʋaːʋər]), known reverently as Vavarswami, is a legendary figure from Kerala. He is traditionally believed to be a Muslim companion of the Hindu deity Ayyappan. Various legends describe Vavar’s origins, alternatively identifying him as an Arab sea raider, a revered Muslim mystic, a Syrian immigrant, or a warrior from the Pandya kingdom.
The story of Vavar's association with Ayyappan is a significant aspect of the region's spiritual history. A shrine dedicated to Vavar is located at Sabarimala, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Additionally, a mosque dedicated to Vavar is situated in Erumely, opposite an Ayyappan temple.