Clocks may fail but not the Temple timings

by V. Sivasupramaniam

Nallur enjoyed pristine glory as the political capital for many, many years. Although that fact is past history, Nallur still enjoys a coveted position among the locals and more so among the migrant Hindus. Nallur's socio religious impact cannot be equalled to any other Hindu shrine. Nallur Kanthasamy Temple occupies a pivotal position, flanked by age old traditional Hindu shrines. Such as the Saddanathar Temple, Veeramakali Amman Temple, Kailasa Pillayar Kovil and the Thirunelveli Sivan Temple as if to stand guard for the pivotal Nallur Kanthasamy Temple.

These traditional shrines and the sacred area underwent immense devastation during the foreigners rule of the Island. The traditional Hindu values were feared to be under threat. The period that started from the mid 19th Century saw an awakening and revival of Hindu values, following the appearance of Hindu saints like Nallai Nakar Arumuganavalar Yogar Swamikal and Markandu Swamikal

Nallur Kovil surroundings specially the "Ther Muddi" area emerged as the launching pad for the renncissan movement which gained quick momentum. Navalar's vehement criticism of many unacceptable saiva practices, mismanagement of Hindu shrines, his religious discourse and Yogar Swamikals discourses even radiated from this spot. This found great acceptance in the country.

Thus emerged the strong movement to purify saiva practices inside and outside the temples. And the movement to establish a network of schools to impact English education with a Hindu background.

This had the greatest impact on the Jaffna society. Due to the unsettled conditions in the country for the last few years, the temple High Festivals were on a lower scale and the visits of the overseas devotees ceased. This years festival is expected on a high note and a record attendance from overseas is expected.

During this lull the piety of the migrant Hindus was expressed globally, in organizing this 25 day festivals in the respective temples of their adopted countries. This has come to stay as an ongoing permanent activity.

It is worthy of mention that the Nallur Kanthaswamy Temple stands as a role model for other Hindu Shrines to follow in at least three matters. Treatment of all devotees equally without any differences is an important matter. It could be high or low, president or peasant rich or poor all are equal in front of Lord Skanda. Firstly all males have to remove their shirts when entering the Temple secondly all rituals to be done at the allocated time and not to suit the visiting devotees. The important point is that pooja tickets are still priced at one rupee which is affordable by all a practice which continues for more than half a century. Thirdly, timing of the poojas, festivals, processions all are done precisely according to pre set times. Clocks may fail but not the temple timings worthy of emulation by many Temples.