Religion

Lord Sani at Thirunallar

SHRINE: The passenger train from Thanjavur to Nagore passes through lush, green paddy fields, irrigated by the waters of the Cauvery. The train is virtually empty and there is plenty of time to drink in the scenery and absorb the quiet and peace.

In contrast, the town of Nagore is busy and crowded. It seems to be a small version of Chennai’s Burma Bazaar, full of foreign goods, genuine and spurious.

Visitors come in large numbers to the Nagore Dargah and the nearby shrine of Velankanni. Most people make it a triple pilgrimage, going to the Saneeswara temple at Thirunallar too.

The unique aspect of these three shrines is that people come to pray whatever caste or creed they belong to. Of course, certain restrictions permitting entry only of people belonging to certain faiths may be in existence, but this is not a major concern.

The dominant mood in Thirunallar, which is just a few kilometres from Karaikal, is one of hope.

It is usually the sick and the needy who come here, apart from the inveterate temple hoppers, that is. The legends revolving around this temple are so many and so varied that people come here for a solution to any type of problem.

Of all the nine planets, Saneeswara, the offspring of Surya and Chaaya, inspires the most awe. This is because he is said to hold sway over a person’s fortunes throughout his or her life. Starting from the position of this planet in the horoscope to the corresponding placements of other planets, Lord Sani is believed to influence the course of one’s life.

Of all the Saneeswara shrines, Thirunallar is believed to be the most sacred and the most efficacious. This belief has come about because of the various miracles which are said to have occurred here.

The most popular among them is that of King Nala, of the Nala-Damayanti legend. He was afflicted with numerous problems because of the adverse effects of Sani. He was at the end of his tether. A bath in the temple tank cured him of all his problems and he felt as though a great weight had been lifted off him! The pond is called Nala Theertham and the place itself, Thirunallar, derives its name from Nala.

Kalinga Raja is also said to have got deliverance here. Once Bhargava Munivar visited him, and he did not heed the sage’s words properly. Bhargava cursed him to become an elephant and roam around in the forest. The king was essentially a good man and Sage Narada took pity on him. He asked him to pray to Lord Siva at Thirunallar, who removed the effects of the curse.

The main deity here is Darbaranyeeswarar, a manifestation of Lord Siva. He is also called Nallatreeswarar. There is also a unique vigraha of Swarna Vinayakar here. At the entrance is Karapaga Vinayakar, who bestows all good. The goddess is called Ambigai. To the right of the main shrine is the Saneeswara shrine.

Since Lord Sani has a separate shrine to himself here, he is believed to be in a kindly mood. He is an “anugraha murthy”, a granter of boons. Though the interior is dark, the flames from a thousand oil and ghee lamps lit by devotees dance brightly.

Many poets have sung of Lord Siva and of Lord Sani here, among them being Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundaramurthy Swamigal. “Nanniya Kulirpunal Puguthu Nallaru” sang Thirugnanasambandar, the child saint of Saivism.

These and other literature tell us that the place where the temple is situated was originally a forest of Darba grass. The idol of Darbaranyeeswar appeared in “swayambu” (self-manifested) form. Darba grass is what is used for many Hindu rites and rituals, such as marriage, yagnas, death ceremonies, etc.

The tying of the grass around the finger gives the authority for a person to commence a pooja or austerity. A place where this grass grows in plenty is, therefore, naturally considered the holiest of holy places.

- Ambujam Anantharaman

Essay and photography competition

In view of the forthcoming Saraswathi Pooja festival, The Hindu Association of Lake House is organising an All-island Tamil Essay and Photography competitions. The Essay competition will be held for Intermediate (Grade 9-11) and Upper (12-13) groups. Each group has a choice of three topics. First five essays will receive cash awards and the second five will receive consolation prizes and certificates.

Photographs reflecting the Hindu culture, celebration or its significance can be sent by post for the Photography Competition. There is no age limit for this competition.

Topics for the Essay competition, the terms and conditions and the address are being published in Thinakaran Daily and Varamanjeri. Closing date is October 10. For more details purchase Thinakaran.

Muslim fasting (Assaum)

RAMADHAN: Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is a duty, made obligatory to every Muslim in the month of Ramadhan. Muslim fasting is abstaining from any food and drink and from sensual desires. For the sake of Allah from dawn to dusk. By this exercise a Muslim generates will power to achieve a higher level of morality.

Allah says in Holy Quran “Oh you who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it had been prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self restraint.” Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) has said” Whoever fasted in the month of Ramadhan with faith and wish for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

By fasting one becomes self disciplined in every aspect fasting during Ramadhan bring our passions under control and thus gives a shine to our souls, and removes the false sense to prestige in our minds. It is through this discipline that a rich Muslim realises the hardships of his unfortunate or less fortunate brethren who are not in a position to get even one meal a day.

When we eat and drink throughout the year we develop many habits and become a slave to these habits. Hence, Allah has made fasting obligatory to get free from these habits, such as smoking, drinking, gambling, backbiting, fraud, hot temper and domestic violence.

Fasting inculcate sprits of fortitude and gratitude. The atmosphere of Ramadhan is such that positive thoughts for the welfare of one and all are invoked. It involves a voluntary renunciation of all appetites of flesh for the defined hours with cheerful willing acceptance of this divine mandate. Islamic fasting is unique and different from other types of fasting observed in other religions.

In addition to the spiritual and social benefits obtained by fasting one could get a number of physical (or physiological) benefits too. By fasting functions of the body organs and systems become normal. Regular fasting is responsible for increased secretion of growth hormones, development of unwrinkled skins, healthy mind and healthy body.

Patience is the key to success. Fasting trains a person to be in patience in any aggravating situation. When man applies patience and tolerance in any difficult situation he does not give in to hasty reactions in response to emotional impulses but formulates a rational move to solve the problems peacefully.

The month of Ramadhan brings to the believers a set of programmes which include the day long fasting. The Quran recitation and night prayers on the daily basis. Then the month is divided as our noble Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon him) said, into three parts. The first ten days are to seek mercy of Allah, while the second to seek forgiveness from Allah and the third to seek salvation from the hell fire. Ramadhan also has the night of power, which is better than one thousand months.

It is natural that Muslims give a warm welcome to the month of Ramadhan. However, they are expected as well to show a great deal of preparedness towards fulfilling the requirement of this significant and auspicious month.

Our Muslim fasting ends with a first “Eid-Ul-Fitr” looking forward for blessings and rewards from Allah. Let the mankind get inspired by fasting to give our world a better future.

- A.W.M. Kaleel