KOTTIYARA ZIYARAMS

I dedicate this to the guru of my soul his holiness Asseyed, Ashsheikh, Alkutub Seyed Mohamed Koya Halajul Mansoor, Kathiriee, Jisty, Nakshabanthee Rifayee Raliyalahu Anhu and his one and only Khalifa his holiness Asseyed, Ashsheikh, Shamsul Ulama, Abdul Majeed Makkathar Halajul Mansoor (Rali).
Teacher:  M. A. C. Mohamed Juhais,181, Union Road ,Akkaraipattu 01

Sufism may be defined as the method of achieving saintliness by losing oneself by giving up earthy feelings of sleep, hunger, thirst and desire for the sake of Allah and his messenger. Abandoning selfish outlook, plea, speech, idea and thought for one’s own self and changing them as a result of acquiring devoutness – that is piety could be set up by separating the imprisoned soul from the body. They say that Valis (saints) are those who die before dying. A Hadith (saying of the prophet) emphasizes ‘(You had better) die before dying’.

Prophet Adam’s existence is established in the place where all inner feelings are destroyed. Man who was accepted by Prophet Adam is entitled to carry Prophet Mohamed. It is said that saintliness is Allah’s emergence in the place where Prophet Mohamed appears.

Saints are those who took the prophets words, actions and approvals to all eight directions. There are compilations of Hadiths for the sayings of the prophet. Likewise saints are evidence to the prophet’s actions – they bear his actions.

Many high saints have come to Mutur, have done spiritual services, engrossed in godliness and have established themselves. They are:

1. Thoppur Vattavinthanai Valiullah
2. Aanai Kompan Valiullah
3. Jebel Valiullah
4. Kalladiyappa Valiullah
5. Kurunthaiyadiappa Valiullah
6. Pakkeerappa Valiullah
7. Kuuthari Valiullah
8. Seeniappa Valiullah
9. Kaather Valiullah
10. Paalayadiappa Valiullah
11. Periyapalli Valiullah
12. Union Veethi (Street) Valiullah
13. Kaattaliappa Valiullah
14. Seeniumma Valiullah
15. Vellai Moulana Valiullah
16. Southunumma Valiullah
17. Seku Usmaan Valiullah
18. Sekuna appa Valiullah

Jebel Valiullah

His ziyaram is found on the peak of the third mile post mountain situated in Jebelnagar south of Mutur. He is called Jebel Vali. His ziyram is 30 feet long. It is marked by planting black pebbles.

The history of ‘word of mouth tradition’ says that he was the first Valiullah who came to Mutur. Former Education Officer late Mr. A. V. Mohamed said that he came to know through his elders that the ziyram of this Valiullah was the initial ancient shrine.

The great Sufi sages who came to Ceylon had come on pilgrimages with the view to have a glimpse of Bawa Adam’s foot. It may be reckoned that the Vali had come here to fulfill this aim. Since the Bay of Kottiyaru was a famous port in the early period, he should have gone to the mountain where Prophet Adam descended through Mutur had a glimpse of the foot print, come back here, meditated and then attained eternity. This could be assumed on a comparative basis for the reason that Adam’s peak and this Vali’s mountain had close connections.

Adam’s Peak Mountain and this Vali’s shrine are situated on a straight line. Like the tunnel found there, there is a tunnel here as well on his leg side in the south. In addition, a pond (where one performs ablution before he prays), a mortar, a bed and a pestle can still be seen on his left. All these are carved out of the mountain’s rock. These evidences prove that he had lived here for a long time. The shapes of the ziyarams in Mutur and Trincomalee show that this ziyram should have had close connections with them.

The straight line from Adam’s peak to this Ziyram:

This Vali followed in the footsteps of Prophet Adam. Other Valis would have come to this area after his arrival and would have lived associating with him and would have passed away. The geographical situations of the ziyrams show that they would have had very touching (melting) relationships with each other.

1. Jebel Valiullah
2. Kalladiyappa Valiullah
3. Kurunthaiyadiappa Valiullah
4. Pakkeerappa Valiullah
5. Periyapalli Valiullah
6. Kuuthari Valiullah
7. Seeniappa Valiullah
8. Kaather Valiullah
9. Paalayadiappa Valiullah
10. Sekuna appa Valiullah
11. Seku Usmaan Valiullah
12. Asseyed Southunumma Valiullah
13. Vellai Moulana Valiullah
14. Seeniumma Valiullah
15. Kaattaliappa Valiullah
16. Unionappa Valiullah
17. Aanai Kompan Valiullah
18. Vattavinthanai Valiullah

There are close physical connections between the ziyaram of this Vali and Adam’s Peak. He must have been very popular among Arab Muslim pilgrims. As a result, it was possible that the bay in this area was known by the pet name ‘kutty’ (little) Adam bay. Later it got transformed into ‘Ketty’ Adam Bay and then in later stages to ‘kotty’ Adam Bay. Finally it would have got its present name Kottyaram.

The tradition of Prophet Mohamed meditating alone in the cave of Hira is found among the Sufi. Similarly, this Vali also had been involved in godly mediating in the cave found here. There was close similarity in spiritual worship between Prophet Adam and him. Prophet Adam had stood in one leg for 200 years begging and crying for God’s forgiveness for his sins. The stones that became wet in his tears are found as gems now. These intrinsic qualities were found in this Vali as well. He has got the grace of Prophet Adam. The Mahaweli which springs from Prophet Adam’s mountain mingles with the sea in this area. Even the name Mahaweli (Maha Vali) may have been given in memory of this Valiullah. These similar qualities may be proved by the fact gem stones were obtained later on and people of all communities getting together in this place.

Flag had been raised in this Valiullah ziyram up to 1985. Flag raising had not taken place after the terrorist problem.  No information is available so far indicating Kandoori and other functions had taken place. There is a stone inscription on the leg-side of the ziyram towards the tunnel leading to Kiranthimunai. This stone inscription is in ‘Nashi’ or Rohini writing which is related to initial Arabic Koofi system of writing. Since there is no body in this area proficient in this system of writing, it cannot be deciphered completely. This stone inscription and a spring are near this ziyaram

It is not possible to know what his really his name is. He is known as Jebel Vali because his ziyram is on a mountain. (Jebel is an Arabic word which means mountain.) The village Jebelnagar came into being in memory of this saint.

Nallammah and Algammah who lived in a plot of land in Jebelnagar belonging to Hasoor Mudalali have told Moulavi K. M. Naasir of Neithalnagar that they have seen directly three columns of multicolored green light descending towards Kaladiyappa’s ziyram on Monday and Friday nights. The Vali should have come from Jerusalem or Syria. It is noteworthy that the area behind his ziyram is known as Pachchai Noor. (Pachchai (T) = green, Noor (A) = Light)

Kalladiyappa Valiullah

The ziyaram of this great man is situated in Jebelnagar in the south of Mutur area. If one goes a little further to the small canal that branches off towards the north from the main canal that bisects Jebelnagar, namely the main canal that is near the third mile post mountain ranges the ziyaram is situated about  500 meters away. It is significant that it’s location in the middle of paddy fields with natural beauty.

The period during which he arrived:

History says that the Kuraish who were deported during the regime of Abbacies came towards South East Asia by sea visited and lived in places there. Accordingly, Kaladiappa Valihullah should have arrived here towards the latter part of AD 700. Researchers say since Jebelnagar with natural surroundings during that period was suitable for meditation. He should have lived and died in that area. The opinion of historian Sir Alexander Johnston supports these researches. His view follows:

“According to the customs prevalent among the descendents of Mohammedans who settled down in Ceylon at the very beginning, they were Hashemite Arabs who were expelled from Arabia at the beginning of 8^th Century during the tyrannical regime of Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marvan, went south from Euphrates to the southern parts of Konkone Indian Bay to the Island of Ceylon and Malacca and settled down there. The group that came to Ceylon made eight big settlements in the north east and north of the island each in Trincomalee, Jaffna, Manthotam, Mannar, Kuthirai (Horse) Hill, Puttalam, Colombo, Parppar (Barber?) and Puwand de Galle”

The observation of Sir Alexander Johnston is noteworthy.

The fact that Mutur region is one of the places in the east where the initial Muslim settlements took place has to be highlighted. It is evident from researches that Kalladiappa Valiullah is an Arab from Mecca and  many of his disciples (Murids) had also came with him to that area. It is considered that Kalladiappa may be the great man referred to in the Islamic Encyclopedia as the saint who lived and died in AD 832s.

The appearance of the ziyaram:

Kalladiappa Valiullah’s ziyram should have been identified about 300 or 350 years ago as it has come under the maintenance of many generations.

It is situated in a field where paddy is cultivated. Before the ziyaram was identified, a Tamil man named Deva had cultivated paddy near it. His crop had withered without rain or water and he had to face loss due to the drought. He was indebted badly and he had gone home with the idea of drinking poison and committing suicide and had fallen asleep. In his sleep (dream) a saintly man appeared and told him that he was buried there and told him to identify the place. Kalladiappa went away telling Deva that he would meet with a very good crop. As a result Deva identified Kalladiappa’s ziyaram and it rained despite the fact that it was dry season.  It is possible to learn from the people who lived at that time that Deva had a very good crop. Deva had maintained the ziyaram until he died.

Later on the ziyram was treasured, preserved and patronized by a lady called. Valliammah. She lit incense sticks and lit lamps at night. It is also said that Kalliappa chaperoned her at night. Later on, Kalladiappa ziyram had been maintained by a Hindu called Oplamani. It has been maintained by him until AD 1985 or 1990. Oplamani’s paddy land was situated near the ziyaram. It was customary for this Hindu son to vow a rooster when sows his field. After the harvest, that bird is slaughtered, a Moulavi is invited and a fathiha is recited at the Kalladiappa ziyaram.

Kalladiyappa has been responsible for many miracles (kiramath). Mutur area was a business centre before 1983. Muslim traders who came there on business from other areas visited and paid their respects at the Kalladiappa ziyaram. It is now maintained by Kalladiappa Foundation.

The miracles (Kiramath) of Kalladiyappa Valiullah

Kalliyappa Valiuallah came here following Jebel Vali but long after him. His tomb is in Jebelnagar on the west of Batticaloa Road in the middle of the paddy fields about 500 m from the main road.

He had come to this area from Mecca with his wife, children and disciples and lived in Jebel Valis’s ziyaram and has passed away. His wife and children are buried near him. Their ziyrams have not appeared so far. He has said that they would appear in the future.

He may belong to the third or fourth generation of tribe of the sacred family of Prophet Mohamed’s daughter Fatimathul Zahra. It can be said with certainty that he is closely related to Jaufer Saadiq (Rali).

It can definitely be said that this holy saint has a clear history. It can be realized that he has a place in the spiritual order – Silsila. Nothing could be said about his history as nobody knows his real name .

Since his ziyaram is near a rock, people call him Kalladiyapp. (Appa by the stone). His actual name is not known. Mr. Marikkayar who lives in Agriuculture Welfare Centre Road has expressed the opinion that Kalladiyappa is a great saint who is close to god and has His blessings.

It could be understood, from the miracles he has performed, that this great saint is in a highly elevated stage and is very knowledgeable.

His miracles were talked about widely when the Indian army was involved in the security of this area in 1987. The LTTE had buried a dead body near his ziyaram and had gone away. The corpse thus buried was seen thrown out being taken out of the pit. A person wearing a green robe chased the LTTErs away in a jeep. People on the street had seen the LTTEer running away saying a jeep is coming. However, these people had not seen the jeep. Several Tamils have directly seen many incidences like this.

People were put into great hardship as there was a drought at national level in 1997 – 1998. A power cut was in place in 1998 as all the reservoirs had run dry during the regime of Her Excellency Chandrika Kumaranatunga, the former President and Ratwatte was the deputy minister of defence and minister of power and energy. Following a hut being made for this ziyram during this period, it started raining widely all over the island and the power cut was relaxed. During following years, when preparations for the Kandoori were being made, it began to rain.  Like this he has continuously proved that he is full of benevolence.

When the work for the second Kandoori was being done, it started raining continuously and all the temporary shed that were erected collapsed in the wind. Everything including beef was wet and water stagnated in the cooking area. The firewood also was wet. Preparations were being made for cooking in this wet and soggy state. The cooking was started by about 9.30 in the morning. It was surprising that the cooking was completed in this waterlogged state. The rain stopped as the cooking started and the sun began to shine brightly. The wet and soggy soil and the ridges of the field dried up and the people to get the Kandoori food easily without any difficulties. This happened always whenever Kandoori took place.. Following this the power cut in the country was abandoned.

It was possible to see an atmosphere for peace emerging after his Kandoori. Also, the strength of the LTTE was gradually declining. LTTE’ one-sided cease fire being announced on December25, 2001, the night before the Kandoori was to be held, can be connected with it. When the huts that were erected in Kalladiyappa’s ziyram was pulled down by the LTTErs during the communal riots created by them and when they were collecting together to attack Mutur, they were stopped in front of Vellai Moulana Valiullah ziyram and chased away. While they were running away through the river Ediman, the nine who broke the huts were drowned in the river. (Informant: S. Sajaath, Thahanagar, Mutur 6)

When the Muslims of Mutur were leaving the place on 04-08-2006, the LTTErs stopped them on the main road in front of Kalladiyappa ziyram and took them to Kinanthimunai area, selected some youths, blindfolded them are were getting ready to shoot them. Many who had connection with Kalladiyappa Vali were attacked. However, a muli-barrel bomb fell, many LTTErs died on the spot. Hundred of them around ran away in fear. At that time Muslims were protected by Kalladiyappa. Following this incident, LTTE faced defeat losing the east. They are also losing the north and Vanni areas. There is even information that this outfit will be completely destroyed.

With all these miracles (kiramath) he has performed, one could understand that he is a great savant (Kuthubusman) carrying holy spiritual saintliness (kilapam).

Many people have said that they had seen Kalladiyappa Valiullah directly. A Christian brother Anthony, who does cultivation work for Abdul Junoob who has paddy fields on the main street in Jebelnagar, has said that he had seen the Valiullah personally. This is what he said: When he came out to go round that field by about 11 o’clock in the night, the Vali had stood in front of him in a green robe and a golden-cap. He was a very tall person and Anthony had to look up to speak to him.

When a son of one Mahroof who had a tea boutique in Jebelnagar opened the door to come out of his house in the night, a person with a green robe had given blessings to him. This information was given by A. V. Nihar.

Many people have seen Kalladiyappa directly, in various other ways and in their dreams. Incidences like this goes to prove that he possessed the most eminent powers.

It is obvious truth that the vows that were placed in the name of this great saint have all been fulfilled. Some of them follow:

Tailor, Hayathu Mohamed from Aanaichenai, Mutur was trying for several years go abroad for employment. His attempts did not succeed. He contacted late A. W. Thajudeen Moulavi and requested him to help him place a vow to Kalladiyappa. Both of them went to the ziyaram a placed a vow. Within a few weeks Hayathu Mohamed got an opportunity to go abroad.

A. W. Lareef of Arabic College Road, Mutur – 05 tried for several years to go to Saudi Arabia but failed. He tore his ticket and threw it away in frustration. Later he placed a vow on Kalladiyappa’s name and succeeded in going to Saudi Arabia. He has come back to Mutur having earned a lot of money and is living a life with all comfortd. It can said this saint’s blessing is the reason for M. M. Mansoor of AC Road, Mutur, A. Naushad of Thahanagar, Mutur – 06, A. S. Jawz of Naduththevu, Mutur – 06 and A. V. M. Nihaar of Thakvanagar, Mutur to go abroad.

Many people whose marriages were delayed were able to get married by placing vows in his name. On the request on Mrs. Raseethaumma, a vow was placed for her daughter, R. Farsana to get married and the wedding took place. They gave their offering for the Kandoori.

Many changes and development have taken place and are taking place in Mutur after the Kandoori for this saint was given. The atmosphere for the dawn of Mutur was being born. A small ship service for sea travel to Mutur, many building developments and a member of parliament to represent the Mutur constituency can be cited as examples.

His Holiness Ashsheikh Abdul Majeed Kadiriyee, Justhiyee Rifai (Rali) who visited the ziyaram of this saint said that he is a great Vali carrying the wisdom of Kuthubiyam.

It can be trusted without any doubt that he is capable of fulfilling various requirements. He is willing to help people from all communities. He carries spiritual blessings and he has many disciples.

Sheikh Aalim of Iqbal Street, Motour – 06 who lived the life of a sage and disappeared in late 1986 had the good fortune of having a glimpse of all the Valis of Mutur. He is reported to have the seen the following personally:

It is customary for Kurunthaiyadu Valiuallah, Pakkeer Valiulaah, Koothari Valiullah, Seeniyappa Valiullah, Kathar Valiullah, Palaiyadi Valiullah and Periyapalli Valiullah to gather together at Kalladiyappa ziyaram on Monday and Friday nights and disperse.

This confirms the fact that Kalladiyappa is a complete Sheikh and that he has had disciples who had obtained ‘Kilafath’ (sainthood?) from him.

The good news is that Jebelnagar will become a famous city in the future and that the Dhargas of Jebel Valliullah and Kaladiyappa Valiullah is going to be places where people of all communities will gather.

The emergence of Kalladiyappa Foundation

This foundation was created to maintain Kalladiappa ziyaram on the request of Ashsheikh Abdul Majeed Makkathar Halajul Mansoor Moulana Kathiriyee, Jisthiyee, Nakshabandiyee, Rifayee Raliyallahuanhu. As a result, some services have been undertaken amidst numerous difficulties.

The administrative members of this foundation are Late Moulavi A. W. Thajudeen, Moulavi K. M. Naasir, Moulavi A. V. M. Moushali, A. V. M. Nihar, A. S. Raisin, A. L. Riyas, S. K. Sajaath, A. S. Jawz, A. W. Lareef, R. F. Faisal – teacher, Thowfeek, and J. Nahib. M. A. C. Mohamed Juhais, teacher functions as the president.

A temporary hut for Kalladiappa ziyaram, was built with roof sheets in 1998. It is regrettable that it was completely destroyed during the communal riots in 2002.

It is significant that a Kandoori has been given in memory of this great saint since 1999 with the assistance and cooperation of the disciples and well-wishers of Akkaraipattu Mahlarathul Kathiriya Halaj Makaam. A Kandoori is given at this Dharga in his memory by the members of the foundation every year on 7^th of Islamic month of Shawwaal. The annual Kandoori for Assheikh Al Kuthub Abdul Samad Moulana, Kathiriyee, Aidroosyee (Rali) who is buried in the front yard of Akkaraipattu Town Mosque and Kalladiyappa Kandoori have been celebrated together since 2003.

Since there are paddy fields around Kalladiappa ziyaram people have to walk on ridges carrying things during the Kandoori There are no buildings or huts to keep things at the ziyaram. There is no well either.  The Kandoori is given under lots of difficulties erecting tents as it usually rains during this period.

Kurunthaiyadiappa Valiullah

His ziyram is in south of Mutur Hairiyanagar under the banyan tree near the canal. He must be from the Thareeka of Kuthubul Hind Mueenudeen Jisty (Rali).

He may be one of those who came to Thafthar Jeinali along with Nagoor Shahul Hameed Meeran Sahib (Rali) who is buried in the town of Nagoor. He is the disciple of Naggor Meeran Sahib (Rali). It is possible that he is a relative of Seyidina Shihabdeen Meeramakkam Valiullah (Kandy). Meeramakkam Valiullah, who also came to Thafthar Jeilani and is a disciple of Nagoor Meeran Sahib Valiullah.

Moulavi S. H. Abdullah of A. C. Road, Mutur 05 has said that this great saint was from Baghdad and he was of medium height.

Since he is connected to Meeramakkam Valiullah, one could come to the conclusion that he is from Baghdad. His real name is not yet known. He is known as Kurunthaiyadiappa Valiullah.

The great man’s ziyaram was built by Mr. Habeeb Mohamed of Ganevalpola who was the Assistant Government Agent of Mutir in 1987.

It has been a habit until recently for people to place vows in the name of this Vali to get their desires fulfilled.  When they are fulfilled, they distribute aval mixed with coconut scrape and sugar to people. This ziyaram comes under the administration of Hairiyanagar Thaikkapalli.

This Valiuallh who came on a pilgrimage to Thafthat Jeilani must have lived here with close connection to Kalladiyappa Valiullah ziyram.  He has been buried in Hairiyanagar on the orders of Kalladiyappa. He belonged to the Seyyed family and was full of miracles.

Pakkeerappa Valiullah

This great man’s ziyram is in the western side of the burial grounds behind the national school on Knox Street, Mutur. He has been called by the name Pakkeerappa.

This Vali’s ziyaram had emerged when the Arabs were involved in trade in early period. A group of Arab traders had left their bundles and donkey/ox that were carrying the load and gone to sleep in this place. When they woke up they did not find the animal. This place was thick jungle at that time. They searched for the animal and as they could not find it, they had spent the night at there. A sage had come in the dream of one of the traders and said where the animal was, his name was Pakkeer, he was a Valiullah, and he was buried in this place. He pointed to the place and asked him to mark it. The words of mouth historical tradition says the trader woke up, went to the place where the animal was, brought it back and marked the ziyaram.

Histories confirm that Arabs were involved in trades through Mutur and that they used donkeys and oxen to carry goods.

Paipas who came as the first representative of the British regime had said that the Arabs had taken him the Kingdom of Kandy via Mutur. He had also written in his diary that the department of tax collection for the Kandy Kingdom was in Kilivetti in Mutur and 30 beasts of burden carried the goods (tax) of the King.

Having gathered that the Arabs were involved in trade via Mutur through the diary entries of the first British envoy Paipas, it may be proved that the above words of mouth historical tradition is true.

The natural location of the bay of Kottiyaram would have helped the Arabs in their voyages. The river call sea beach (Kadalkarai) near Pakkeerappa Valiullah’s ziyaram had been a main harbour until 1980.Things like bricks and small tiles had been transported to places like Trincomalee and Jaffna from this port. Things have also been taken to India. British citizen Robert Knox landed and hid here. Our evidence may be further strengthened by these events.

According to Captain Robert Knox’s historical notes, these areas were forests in early days and timber to bind ship were available here. The notes follow:

‘In practice the espionage network proved to be most effective. For instance when Captain Knox, with his good ship “Anne” ran into problems and the mast of the ship was dismantled in a hurricane while at anchor at St. George, Masulpatam on the coat of Southern India, Captain Knox was advised to proceed to the bay of Kottiyar on the East coast of Ceylon for remasting, since the forest there had some of the finest timber in the world for jobs of this nature. No sooner had Knox put into the port of Kottiyar, than King Rajasinghe knew all about the arrival of the “Anne”. The king is also said to have had an efficient system of spies and Muslims played no insignificant part in the network.’

The ziyaram of this great man may have been identified between A. D. 1300 and 1400 for the reason that the word of mouth tradition says it happened during the early trades of the Arabs. It may be earlier than the defined period.

Although the period of his arrival cannot be stated definitely, he must have come after Kalladiyappa. He came to have a glimpse of Prophet Adam’s foot.

Dr Paul E. Peiris says that there is a definite tradition that an Arab pilgrim came to pay his respects at Adam’s peak while the prophet was alive. There is also a conjecture among Ceylon Mooors that there were Arabs in Ceylon long before the birth of the prophet. The pre Islamic Arabs worshipped idols, stone mountains and they named Adam’s peak and came on pilgrimage in large numbers. – The story of Sri Lankan Muslim –  V. Vamadevan.

It is clear from Dr. Paul E. Peiris’s view that it was to have a glimpse of Prophet Adam’s footprint that Arabs have come to Ceylon.

Historian T. W. Arnold’s view that it was the Sufis who had come to pay their respects at Adam’s peak stayed behind in Ceylon for spiritual services, emphasizes this.  – The preachers of Islam – A. W. Arnold.

Those who carry the exalted spiritual disposition of Prophet Adam could attain the status of Sufis for the reason that Allah had given him the eminence and made him His representative (Khalifa). Whoever who wants to secure this status has to get Prophet Adam’s blessings and grace. Thus, Sufis come here to visit Adam’s peak. Pakkerappa had come to Ceylon with this view.

Many elders who had lived in Knox Street and Iqbal Street had seen this saint personally and in their dreams. Many elders had seen Pakkeerappa wearing a robe, turban and a sword riding about on a white horse on the road. Many had heard him riding on a horse. He has escorted many to their houses. Parents and elders have related many incidences like this.

When the incidence related above are viewed, his appearance, clothes and other paraphernalia indicate that he is an Arab, and that too a descendent of the Seyeds.

People who had seen him directly and in dreams had observed Pakkeerappa leading many young men. From this it could be concluded that he must have been a complete Sheikh who had hundreds of disciples. He spoke sweetly and kindly to people and it could be assumed that this great saint had been naturally kind and patient. He had these nice qualities and it reveals his identity of exalted spiritual status.

During the early periods, the elders of the villager gathered together at his Ziyaram, cooked offerings distributed them among people and prayed for rain. This was tested several times and it had the desired effects.  This event happened to 1984. Subsequently this tradition was given up. The public burial ground is still called by his name. (Pakkeerappa cemetery or Pakkeerappa burial grounds. This public graveyard was created after the emergence of his ziyaram.

The burial grounds and the ziyaram were maintained by the grand mosque – in particular, by the father of Vappu Marikkar, Vappu Marikkar and Seilakasim Marikkar When Seilankasim Marikkar was building the ziyaram with bricks and a room around it, he was asked to stop work in a dream. So it was abandoned and partially built building can still be seen. The maintenance of the ziyaram has been abandoned now.

There no possibility at all for his real name to be Pakkeer. It may be an honorary name given to him by his Sheikh for the status he attained in spirituality. If it is a name given by his Sheikh he must have been somebody following the Refayee order.

Poets Umar and Ahmed Shaap have sung poems about him. He is a person who can perform miracles and there was an incident when he chased away the Indian Army who were trying to build a bunker in the general burial grounds. The people of Mutur went to Kinniya as refugees during the communal riots in 1987. After they had stayed there for a few month, there is also a piece of information that says Pakkeerappa Valiullah had appeared in the dream of the wife of late Aalaiyadiapppa’s who lived Hairiyanagae, Mutur and told them to get back and settled down in Mutur.

Kuuthari Valiullah

His ziyaram is found under the shady Sirissa tree on the left of the entrance to the national school on Knox Street. He is a great man who came from Kottaikallar in India. He may be someone who was within the period of about 400 to 500 years. His ziyarm was there before the school was constructed. They built the school because of this ziyram. It was maintained by Vappu Marikkar. He was the disciple or well-wisher of the father of Nallakoya Thangal of Androt Island.

Translation : Mr. Nilam Hamead

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