Wed Mar 26 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Mohanlal’s Sabarimala Prayers for Mammootty Spark Controversy
**CHENNAI, INDIA –** A controversy has erupted following the revelation that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal offered prayers at the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple on behalf of fellow actor Mammootty, a Muslim. Mohanlal’s actions have drawn criticism from some quarters, who argue that the Hindu ritual contradicts Mammootty’s Islamic faith.
Mohanlal, while promoting his new film *L2: Empuraan*, visited Sabarimala on March 18th and commissioned prayers for Mammootty, using his birth name and star sign. A receipt from the Travancore Devaswom Board confirming the prayers went viral, sparking debate. While some lauded it as an example of communal harmony, others, including influencer O Abdullah, argued that such prayers are against Islamic tenets and called for an apology from Mammootty if he had requested the act.
Mohanlal has defended his actions, stating that the prayers were a personal gesture offered after Mammootty experienced a minor health issue. He emphasized that prayers are personal and downplayed the controversy, describing his relationship with Mammootty as “like brothers.” He speculated that a Travancore Devaswom Board official may have leaked the receipt, a claim the board denies, stating the leak originated from a devotee’s copy.
Meanwhile, rumors regarding Mammootty’s health, including unsubstantiated claims of a cancer diagnosis, have circulated. Mammootty’s team has refuted these rumors, attributing his break from filming to Ramadan fasting.
First Piper 