| Published on 17-10-2007 In General |
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Written by
T. S. V. Hari |
The fact that this temple town has turned into a maze of one-ways to facilitate easy flow of traffic becomes evident when one enters through the south eastern entrance and drives through the winding roads snaking past the Varadaraja Perumal shrine famous for its spires, the resurrection of its wooden icon from its tank every 12 years.
It precedes Vishnu Kanchi Police Station – where a case was registered following the murder of Sankararaman on September 3 2004. Subsequently, the two Shankaracharyas were arrested and arraigned in the case a few months later.
A constable regulating the ceaseless flow of vehicles (he isn't sporting his customary name badge) opines that the experience during the tumultuous days of 2004-2005 had given the local cops the idea.
"We implemented it not long ago and now there is some respite for local vehicle owners. No doubt the arrangement confuses the tourists, but eventually all outstation drivers will know the drill," he remarks casually.
The man in uniform doesn't sport a name badge, but it doesn't matter because he is one of the nameless ones in the 85,000-strong police force of Tamil Nadu doing yet another thankless chore in yet another town.
The drive from Chennai was strenuous because of the endless procession of trucks carrying sand for the booming construction industry in the metropolis.
"These days, the government has become more vigilant against those who steal sand from the dry bed of Palar River that abuts this compendium of temples, clusters of commercial establishments and bustling beehive of human activity. Sand is taken away in small bullock carts, stored enroute to Chennai in fields where the bigger trucks pick it up later. They usually use the southern route because it has fewer police check points. Gangs that operate generally "take care" of the abetting cops and revenue officials. But, it has a flip side. The trucks are overloaded and scar the roads. The drivers ply their vehicles at breakneck speeds to avoid detection most of the time. Whenever opposition politicians raise a hue and cry, some fall guys are arrested, remanded and released mechanically. It is a multi-crore rupee industry and no one will trip the tippers," avers R Singamuthu who owns a tea-outlet at the entry point.
The 2500-year-old Kanchi Shankara Math is back to its busy state with devotees making a bee-line in droves.
The younger pontiff – Shri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswati – is busy with his long daily worship that lasts the better part of four hours starting around 9 am during which he maintains a vow of silence. Communications to disciples assisting him during the Puja are through sign language.
A little distance away, the gaunt elder seer Shri Jayendra Saraswati listens patiently to devotees who narrate their personal triumphs or tribulations and offers pieces of caring advice.
The religious minded Hindus on a visit here are a happy lot now.
"In the past, the seers were too busy with other activities that were associated with an aggressive side of Sanatana Dharma. Now, it is like the good old days – the Acharyas have more time for what we always sought them out for – blessings and its resultant tranquillity in our minds. The earlier AIADMK government despite being headed by a devout Jayalalithaa put the seers through the wringer. Now, the DMK regime, in spite of being having an atheist disposition is allowing us to worship in peace. Of course, there were some aberrations like the Periyar Statue issue. But, overall, we can find our space in relative peace. For us, these small mercies are as good as the entire world," says 45-year-old N Ramanathan, who has come all the way from New Delhi with his parents, wife and teenaged daughter.
After a while, Shri Jayendra Saraswati notices us.
"I have only blessings to offer to everyone in the press corps. I do not want to comment on anything – one way or other," he offers.
The mention of the Ram Sethu tangle brings forth a change in his expression. One can discern pain and anguish on his countenance.
"I pray to Lord Ram as part of my daily routine. The divine have their ways to test the devotion of the faithful. But, the Lord knows all the answers to queries of the future. Journalists who believe should express their opinion dispassionately. As far as we are concerned, we implore The Perfect One for peace and serenity in the entire world," the senior Swami says after a few seconds of contemplation.
He has nothing to say about the cases that are still being pursued.
"One day, the truth will come out. Till then, we will cooperate with the judicial authorities. For us, the law of the land is as important as our strong faith. We will swerve from neither. Our belief in both isn't as fickle as seen in some of those from various religions who attend "Iftar" gatherings to make a political statement. Secularism too can be called belief in The Ultimate. Having renounced the world, our quest is for universal well-being," the pontiff says as the momentary agony that clouded his face clears.
A little later when the younger Shankaracharya interacted with us, he had some questions about acquaintances in the fourth estate. He didn't seem to be fazed by the lack of attention in the media.
"Not being in the news, in itself, is good for us. When some devotee pointed out that there was a bomb blast in a place of worship belonging to another religion, I implored the Lord to keep the Dussehra celebrations throughout the world uneventful. I simply cannot understand the mindset of those who wish to disrupt peaceful gatherings. Only divinity can bestow calmness to the world at large. We can only pray for it," Shri Vijayendra says as he walks towards his inner chambers. |
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