Beemapalli is the most famous Muslim pilgrimage centre in Kerala. It is otherwise known as the Beemapalli Juma Masjid. It is located at a place five kilometers south west of Thiruvananthapuram city, closer to the Arabian Sea. The place where the mosque is situated is also known as Beemapalli.
Zaidunissa Beema Beevi and her son Mahin Abu Baker born in Arabia had come here centuries ago. Staying in Thiruvananthapuram, Beevi and her son cured many natives who were at that time suffering from dreaded diseases. The people soon began to believe in the divine powers of the mother and son. Suddenly, the son Mahin died. He was laid to rest here. Before long, the holy lady Beevi too passed away. Beema Beevi’s body was buried near her son’s tomb. In the place of the two tombs today stands the Beemapalli Darga Sheriff.
Considered to be about 500 years old, it is believed that the liveliness of Beemapalli is due to the presence of the tombs of the mother and son. The Beemapalli Uroos Mahotsavam commemorates the death anniversary of Beema Beevi. The ten-day Chandanakudam festival draws a huge crowd cutting across religious lines here every year.
The Festival begins on the first of the Hijra month of Jamadul-Akbar (March-April). The devotees bring earthen pots filled with coins as offerings. Garlands are tied around the neck of the pots. The pots are smeared with sandalwood paste and their mouths are covered with white cloth. Incense sticks are thrust into the cloth covering. Religious discourses are made by scholars on all the days of the festival. Food is served free on all ten days. The Beemapalli Uroos is celebrated as a symbol of communal amity. People from abroad also participate in the festival.
