Thaipoosam Cavadee 2012 - Pathirikai

No. 4 28th January 2012
Vettri Vel Muruganukku
Thaipoosam Cavadee 2012

No. 4 28th January 2012
News Headlines
Editorial : Cavadee - Time for Reflection as
well
Opinion : Les Batisseurs de Kovils
(Stapathi)
Les Pratiques du Cavadee
Thai Poosam: the Festival of
Tamils Celebrated All Over the
World
Challenges Facing the Tamil Community
Thiruvalluvar Day
Pakistani Hindu Converting for
Material Benefits
First Conference for Hindu Priests in
North America
Cholesterol: know the facts
Are you overweight?
Tamouls, les racines de l‟histoire
Sri Mahamariamman Temple -
Batu Caves
By D. Venethethan
chief.editor@pathirikai.com
Ellarum Vanakkam.
Page 2 of 41
Interview of the Month : Sri
Govindarajen Payaniandy
Gurukkal MSK
Let’s Reflect -Unity in our
celebrations!
Kolaveri Di Phenomenon
Improve your Memory
Internet and the Youth of today -
Part II
Idumban
THIRUVALLUVAR KURALS
Some Useful Phrases in Tamil
Learn Spoken Tamil through songs -
Azhagendra Solluku Muruga
How to wear a Sari
Get your Daily Horoscope instantly
La Petite Histoire de Mont
Roches Tamil Band
: Cavadee - Time for reflection as well
It is with the same pleasure that I welcome you this month to this 4 th edition of
Pathirikai; the first of this year with undoubtedly lot of promises and projects for the
Pathirikai Community. I allow myself to speak of a „Pathirikai Community‟ who is
making its way slowly but surely. We are reaching more and more Tamilians in
Mauritius and across the globe; thanks to the Internet and to the goodwill of our people.
Last month was marked by the end-of-year celebration of ONEX FM, whereby members of the Tamil
community were gathered for a dinner-party. This laudable initiative of ONEX FM is very much welcome
since it enables our people to meet and celebrate the year together as one family. We invite other groups,
societies and khazaghams to take similar initiatives for assembling people within their reach for such
activities. Just getting together for cavadees and Govinden thiruvizas is not enough for creating a synergy
within the community. The ONEX FM Red-Carpet Party was also marked by the tribute paid to people
and organizations that the Tamil community is proud of:-

No. 4 28th January 2012
Hon Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum – the only Tamil Minister,
Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation,
Tamil Chambers of Commerce and Professionals,
Late Mareemootoo Manarroo – first Mauritian Stapathi,
DJ ANGEL and Tamode Manarroo – from ONEX FM,
Pathirikai and
L‟Union Tamoule de Maurice.
On behalf of Pathirikai and on my own behalf, I take this opportunity to thank
ONEX FM for their recognition and reassure them that we will continue to
work together towards our set objectives.
As usual the beginning of the year brought to us the Pongal Festival which was
celebrated in most kovils across the island. Pathirikai devoted a few articles last
month on this festival and we are happy that they have been widely read and
appreciated. January was also marked by the celebration of Thiruvalluvar Day
on the 16 th by the MGI and the MTTF. Thiruvalluvar, the great Saint Poet,
Philosopher and Humanist lived 2042 years ago in Tamil Nadu. He is known
for his great master piece – the Thirukkural. The MGI celebrated the event by a
public lecture on the writings of the Saint Poet. The lecture was delivered by the
eminent and emeritus professor Dr. T. Murugarathnam of Madurai, an extract of
which is published in this edition.
In a few days we will start our viradam for one of the most celebrated tamil festival in Mauritius – the
Thaipoosam Cavadee. For generations we have been celebrating the Cavadee with lot of devotions and
passions. It is therefore opportune that we devote our journal this month to the Thaipoosam Cavadee. On
this auspicious occasion we have the priviledge to have as our personality this month, Sri Govindarajen
Payaniandy Gurukkal MSK also known as Aya Rajen. Aya Rajen is a very successful Mauritian Tamil
and has devoted most of his life to religious causes. He explains to us how he became a crowd puller. We
also invite you to pay a virtual visit to the marvelous and most unique wonders of Malaysia – the BATU
CAVES. It is the most popular tamil religious site outside India with the very impressive golden Murugan
statue.
We conclude this month‟s Pathirikai by addressing one big issue against which each one of us should stay
firm and fight constantly – CONVERSION. There is no rationale for conversion, except for immediate
material benefits. We did not choose our faith on birth, god did that for us. It is therefore inappropriate
that for the sake of god we change our faith. Conversion benefits only those „Pasteur-Escroc‟ driving
BMWs to satisfy their greed for wealth. Some of them have even become gold-sellers, travelling abroad
frequently for business purposes. It‟s time that the MRA query the wealth they have accumulated, their
big sums safely kept in their bank accounts and the lands they acquired in the name of faith along the
coasts. Let‟s mobilise against these „vendeur de reves‟ and chase them away.
Cavadee is an occasion for all of us to reflect on this problem and other problems affecting our
community and find ways to reverse this trend. We have to optimise all our opportunities. During these
ten days of Viradam, lot of messages will be read in our kovils. Let's hope that our leaders devote some of
their time on this issue as well. We wish you a good reading and a very pious Cavadee.
Vazhga Tamizh.
Nandri Vanakkam
D. Venethethan
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Opinion : Les bâtisseurs des Kovils (Sthapathi)
Par Vinayegum
vinayegum@pathirikai.com
De nos jours en parcourant notre île, on découvre que beaucoup de nos kovils ont
été reconstruits ou rénovés dans le style Dravidien. L’architecture Dravidienne est le
fleuron de la culture de cette grande civilisation. Un kovil dravidien typique est composé d'une
partie principale appelée Mulastanam. C'est toujours carré dans le plan et surmonté d'un toit pyramidal
d'un ou plusieurs étages ; il contient la cellule où la statue du dieu principal est placée; le Mandapam qui
se trouve devant la Mulastanam est l’endroit où se tiennent les dévots pour prier, le Kodimaram et le
Raja Gopuram surplombant l’entrée principale.
La riche tradition dravidienne nous a légué notre façon de nous habiller, nos danses, notre langue, toutes
ces fêtes qui sont les piliers de notre culture, mais aussi cette riche architecture. Si les paroles s‟envolent
et les écritures restent, les monuments et les vestiges racontent. Les pyramides nous content l‟histoire des
pharaons. Un jour ces kovils seront les marques de notre présence et la preuve de notre descendance
quand les historiens du futur établiront le parallèle entre nos kovils et ceux du sud de l‟Inde.
Le style dravidien est aujourd'hui très rependu chez nous et est assez récent. Les colons avaient besoin
que des constructeurs des routes, des églises et des bâtiments civils. Nos administrateurs, ébahis par la
splendeur des kovils qui s‟y trouvent lors des visites au sud de l‟Inde, sont retournés pour doter notre pays
des répliques de ces bijoux dravidiens. Ces merveilles ont émergé grâce à ces travailleurs venus du pays
de nos ancêtres Ces tailleurs de pierre, ces maçons dont les parents n‟étaient pas dans les bateaux des
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No. 4 28th January 2012
colons, sont venus aux pays aujourd‟hui pour apporter leur savoir-faire et avec une dextérité sans pareille
ont érigés des kovils dont nous en sommes très fières.
Nous avons rencontré un de ces artistes, un Sthapathi, Mons Panner Selvam qui muni d‟une simple truelle
et avec le concours de ces collègues - Sivadass, Ramalingum , Rajendran, Sendill et Segar , ont construit
trois de ces kovils à Maurice dont à Boundary Road – Rose Hill , Bel Air et Plaisance Rose Hill . Mons
Panner Selvam est chez nous depuis bientôt dix ans. Il est né à Kuravapulam au Tamil Nadu le 25
Septembre 1966. Il est marié et son épouse Sandra et ses filles Sooganiya, Kaussaleya et Moniga sont en
Inde. Pour l‟avoir vu dans ses œuvres, cet homme est un artiste ou même un magicien. Il a 25 ans
d‟expérience dans le métier et Son Guru se nomme Kavigalam . Comme c‟est coutumier en Inde, c‟est un
métier reçu en héritage. En sus de la construction des Kovils, il entreprend aussi des commandes de statue
des divinités.
Sivadash, Rajendran, Sendhil Kumar et Manikkam Panner
posant fièrement devant un des leurs œuvres
Il nous faut saisir l‟opportunité de leur présence pour lancer des cours pour ceux qui veulent se parfaire
dans l‟art dravidien. Interrogé à ce sujet, Mons Selvam s‟est dit disponible pour aider. Que la fédération
ou autre fondation saisisse l‟aubaine. Pourquoi pas une école des beaux-arts tamouls où on enseignera
aussi les arts martiaux dravidiens. La richesse dravidienne n‟est pas que sa musique, sa langue et ses
danses. A bon entendeur salut.
P.S Mon Selvam est joignable sur le 7500104.
Vinayegum
17.02.2012
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Interview Du Personalité Du Mois
realisé par vinayegum
vinayegum@pathirikai.com
Govindarajen Payaniandy Gurukal M.S.K ( Aya Rajen )
Nous avons le plaisir d‟accueillir ce mois-ci, à l‟ occasion de la fête Thaipoosam Cavadee, Aya Rajen du
Kovil d‟Ébène. Il s'est bâti une réputation a Maurice comme a l‟étranger et attire des grosse foules dans
toutes ces célébrations. Il est un des rares prêtes tamoules qui a été honoré par l‟état. Nous lui avons posé
quelques questions pour en savoir plus.
Aya Rajen au service de ces devots au kovil d'Ebene
1. Gurukkal, qu’est-ce qui vous a poussé à embrasser le parcours spirituel?
Je suis né et j‟ai grandi dans une ambiance familiale très spirituelle : Mon père fut le fondateur et
dirigeant d‟un kovil à Rose-Hill ainsi que mon oncle. Ayant été élevé dans cette environnent spirituel, je
pense fortement que c‟est un appel de Dieu qui m‟a poussé à prendre la relève et ainsi faire la fierté de ma
famille.
2. Les cérémonies que vous célébrez attirent la grande foule, comment expliquez-vous cette
engouement pour vos prières ?
Plusieurs facteurs contribuent à ce fait :
(a) Mes prières répondent beaucoup à l‟attente des jeunes et je constate avec plaisirs qu‟ils sont très
nombreux à être présent à mes prières.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
(b) Je suis toujours a l‟écoute des doléances de ceux au bas de l‟échelle, dans leur moments de
souffrance.
(c) Je ne fais pas de distinction parmi ceux qui m‟approchent. Je suis à l‟écoute de tout le monde et de
toutes les communautés.
(d) Pendant mes prières, je passe beaucoup de messages et j‟essaie d‟expliquer au maximum les
significations des paroles dites. Je pense que ceci aide les
gens à comprendre mieux les prières et ils s‟y intéressent.
Le message de Dieu (Samayam)
(e) Pour moi personnellement, un prêtre doit aussi avoir
une apparence charismatique pour attirer la foule pendant
une prière et je pense que c‟est une qualité que j‟ai pu
acquérir au fil du temps qui fait que mes dévots me font
confiance et vienne se recueillir au temple pour retrouver
la paix spirituelle.
3. Pourquoi beaucoup parmi nous connaisse peu ou
mal notre très grande religion?
Parce que ils ont besoin d‟un maitre spirituel( Guru ) pour leur canaliser vers des livres sacrées et aussi
manque de l‟enseignement apres chaque grande cérémonie.
4. Il y a une ligne de pensée qui dise que nos prières doivent êtes faites en langue tamoule plutôt
qu’en Sanskrit dans nos kovils .Qu’en pensez-vous ?
Il n‟y a aucune différence entre le Sanskrit et le Tamoule. Les deux langues sont sacrées et autorisées au
Kovil. Dieu Shiva possède trois yeux : La droite est la langue Sanskrit, le gauche est la langue Tamoule et
la troisième c‟est la connaissance suprême et divine.
Les prières dites en langue Tamoule c‟est pour promouvoir la langue Tamoule mais il ne faut pas critiquer
ou détruire cette langue crée par SHIVA luimême
sinon nous n‟irons nulle part.
5. Gurukkal, beaucoup de
nos administrateurs de Kovil ont dû avoir
recours à des achagars du Tamil Nadu.
Malgré le fait que vous avez formé des
achagars qui aujourd’hui opèrent dans
plusieurs kovils à travers l’ile, il y a
toujours un manque. Comment attirer
d’avantage des jeunes dans cette filière?
Ça s‟est une problème majeure dans nos kovil
depuis des années, parce que les jeunes ne
sont plus intéressés dans ce métier de prêtre,
Il y a aussi une problème d‟administration et
autofinancement.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Il faut sensibiliser ses jeunes avec plus de l‟encouragement et de réflexion.
6. Gurukkal, vous faite la fierté des tamoules et vous avez été récompensé par l’état par l’octroi
d’un titre MSK. Qu’est-ce-que cela représente pour vous ?
Je dois remercier le Premier Ministre, le Dr Navin Ramgoolam, qui m‟a fait confiance sur le plan sociale,
culturelle et religieuse.ma famille, mon épouse et mes trois enfants, c‟est un moment inoubliable et
grande fierté pour la communauté tamoule.
7. Vous lancerez bientôt un web site ; pensez-vous que l’outil informatique a sa place dans la
religion ?
Bien sure avec le monde modernise, les jeunes s‟intéressent plus avec l‟informatique qui un plus
pour communiquer.
8. Pour terminer, que pensez-vous de Pathirikai – le journal électronique pour les tamoules ?
Beaucoup des journaux Tamoule n‟ont pas résisté „mais j‟espère celui-ci feras une grande évolution a la
communauté tamoule‟. Bonne initiative et je vous souhaite pleine succès, que la grâce de la divine Mere
Mahamaariamen soit avec vous .bonne continuation, nandri.
Sri Govindarajen Payaniandy Gurukkal MSK
gurukalr@yahoo.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Govindarajen-Payaniandy-MSK-Aya-Rajen-/119183438104317
Challenges Facing the Tamil Community
Language/Culture and Religion
National Residential Seminar
Tamil Community in Mauritius – Challenges and Opportunities
On the 20 th and 21 st August 2011, a National Residential Seminar was organized to address the challenges
and Opportunities facing the Tamil Community in Mauritius. The Seminar regrouped members of the
seven major Tamil Associations viz. The Mauritius Tamil Cultural Centre Trust, The Mauritius Tamil
Temples Federation, The Murugan Foundation, The Tamil Chamber of Commerce and Professionals, The
Tamil League, The Tamil Speaking Union and the Union Tamoule de Maurice in the presence of
Honourable Tassarajen Pillay Chedumbrum, Minister of Information & Communication Technology. The
objective of the Seminar was as follows:
To create enabling conditions for the development of coherent strategies by the main Tamil
Organisations for the well-being and advancement of the Tamil Community within our rainbow
nation.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Discussion and resolutions were along the following areas:
A. Language/Culture/Religion
B. Youth Empowerment
C. Business and Economy
D. Women and the Family
E. Tamils in Politics
F. Education and Training
We are thankful to Mr Krish Ponnusamy, CSK, member of the
Organising Committee, for having provided to Pathirikai a copy of the report. Last month we published
the resolution of the working group on Language/Culture and Religion. In this issue, we publish the
resolutions on (a) Youth Empowerment and (b) Business and Economy.
(i) Youth Empowerment
i.To circulate information on Youth Empowerment through and by inter-related stakeholders, e.g the
family, school, religious centres, mass media and other related institutions.
ii. To transmit/circulate information, views, ideas, projects through the mass media, e.g. newspaper,
television, radio and the internet.
iii. To collect and interpret relevant information in order to create a reliable database which should be
shared with all Tamil organisations, nationally and internationally.
iv. To request the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation to include at least one youth representative in each
Kovil committee to enable the youth to participate in the decision-making process and in cultural
activities organised by kovils.
v. To ensure, by sponsorship from well wishers, the financing of projects for youth empowerment at all
levels: academically, socially and culturally.
vi. To empower youth, it is fundamental that parents, teachers and elders of the Community emphasize on
the importance of moral values in our youth.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
(b) Business and Economy
i.To set up a Steering Committee, with a specific mandate for one year, with a view to addressing the
issue of absolute poverty. The Committee which will be assisted by volunteers, will also address, on an
adhoc basis, other critical economic issues facing the Tamil Community.
ii. To provide full support to, and encourage greater linkage of the Community with the Tamil Chamber
of Commerce and Professionals to enable it to fulfill its mission and achieve its objectives in a more
effective manner.
iii. The formulation of a one year business plan by September 2011 will enhance a climate for networking
of Tamil businessmen and professionals, and also encourage the development of human capital in the
Tamil Community.
iv. To ensure wide circulation of the next edition of the directory of the TCCP which will be ready by the
end of September 2011. This edition should provide a platform for the induction of new members.
v. To design an organised structure of microfinancing and ensure, within the next two years, its
implementation to support the needy and vulnerable groups.
Thiruvalluvar Day
Special Lecture in the Subramania Bharati Lecture Theatre at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute,
Mauritius on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day on 16 January 2012
This year, Prof. T. Murugarathanam, Emeritus Professor and eminent scholar in Tamil Studies from the
university of Madurai was invited to deliver the memorial lecture entitled
“Thirukkural, a code of Ethics for Men’s relationships in their totality”
Ethics is the study of morality which is an essential characteristic of Man and the aspect of
societal and individual life of all human beings. Ethics studies the good and evil, right and wrong, justice
and injustice prevalent in the daily life. Moral values are formulated in order
to regulate, to conduct and to benefit the social life of the people, i.e. society
as a whole entitity having family lineage, race, caste etc as units.
Thiruvalluvar first talks about the duties of the householder to society,
the duties of the wife towards her husband, the duties of father to child and
vice-versa. He upholds family life against renunciation.
Thiruvalluvar preaches moral ideals to be followed for an ideal
society. The lofty ideals are trusteeship and charity. The value accrued to the
person is fame in the present birth and following births and
heaven. Thiruvalluvar lists some dichotomies in morality, discusses about
them while highlighting worthy ideals. They are family life and renunciation,
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No. 4 28th January 2012
shared food and unshared food, morality and immorality, good and evil, higher birth and lower birth,
earthly life and heavenly life, charity and receiving, etc.
Thiruvalluvar‟s Thirukkural can contribute to save men in this polarized world of troubles and
sufferings.
Dr Khesaven SORNUM
Head,Department of Tamil Studies
Mahatma Gandhi Institute
Moka
About Prof. T. Murugarathanam
Prof. T. Murugarathanam, drawn to the Tamil Renaissance
Movement of mid-twentieth century Tamil Nadu, started his
tertiary studies in well-known Pachaiyappa‟s College, Chennai.
He studied under Prof. M. Varadaraasan (Ex- Vice-Chancellor
of M.K. University) for eight years. He holds B.B(Hons), M.Litt
and PhD degrees in Tamil and Linguistics as well as a Diploma
in Anthropology.
He served for 10 years in various Government Colleges and 25
years in the Madurai Kamaraj University. He retired as
Professor, Head and Coordinator of the School of Tamil Studies
at the M.K University. He occupied the Thirukkural Chair of
the M.K.U for 18 years. He was the first Directory for Tamil
Promotion in Tamil University and conducted academic surveys
in Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia.
He has published 12 books and about 100 papers meant for
Seminars and Conferences on Thirukkural , Linguistics and
Modern Tamil Literature.
He has visited many foreign countries including the U.S.A and Canada and participated in World Tamil
Conferences.
He served as Council Secretary of the International Society for Tamil Cultural Studies for two decades.
He is the editor of the journal The Tamil World. He is a member of many national and international
association, including the association for Asian Studies, U.S.A.
He has carried out many research projects sponsored by the University Grants Commission of India and
the Central Institute of Classical tamil, Chennai.
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Actualités Mondiale
Pakistani Hindu Converting for Material Benefits
First Conference for Hindu Priests in North America
Pakistani Hindu Converting for Material Benefits
By Jay Pillay, jpjaypillay@gmail.com
I have come across this article and I feel it would make
interesting reading.
The villages who are converting seem to be doing so
almost as an attempt to improve their quality of life and
in a way are succumbing to the social pressure that they
are exposed to, as opposed to embracing a 'superior'
religion.
One may well ask why some communities are keen to
convert others to their own beliefs, this is not something
new; history tells us that it has been happening
throughout centuries. it must be said that Hindus tend not
to convert others to Hinduism and there is a good and
simple for it and that is Hinduism is a way of life as
opposed to stoic beliefs and practices in other religions.
We should be aware that people convert for different reasons a good example, is in the article included,
which shows where there is poverty and struggle for life, conversions can be more prevalent. However
even in affluent societies people do sometimes convert, usually to do with their beliefs in a new religion
but mostly by their own ignorance of what their own religion and beliefs has to offer them. We must
therefore make an effort to be conversant with the basics of our values and belief systems; to this end I
will be sharing information through Pathirikai in the future, in a effort to create awareness among our
younger brothers and sisters of the base line information about our religion.
Nandri.
Source - Hindu Press International
MATLI, SINDH PROVINCE, PAKISTAN, January 21, 2012 (Express Tribune):
Money, jobs and a debt-free life: It sounds like a sweet deal for many of the Hindu laborers in Matli, but
it comes with strings attached -- convert to Islam. Hundreds of Hindus in the area have converted to
Islam in the past few years, courtesy seminaries, mosques and self-styled preachers. Switching religions
comes with an upgrade in social status and material benefits - Hindu converts said they could easily get
Watan Cards and National Identification Cards, aid, and were given land and assistance by the
organisation helpfully walking them over to the other side.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
The mosque of Bait-ul Islam seminary in Matli, where many families live after converting to Islam.
PHOTOS: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS
With new Muslim names and a vow to adopt religious rites, they are only hoping that someone will be
impressed enough to offer them land and social security. These desires have been fulfilled at the
Madrassa Baitul Islam, a Deobandi seminary in Matli which meticulously maintains a log of the
conversions. The first entry is dated November 1, 2009. The most recent is December 22, 2011, when they
converted the 428th Hindu to Islam. The seminary - which has received kudos from religious-political
parties including the banned Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan and is affiliated with the Darul Uloom in Karachi
- also pays off the debts of Hindus converting to Islam. Based on the entries in its records, this can range
from a few thousand rupees to over Rs50,000.
A newly converted family is given Rs5,000 as well as a copy of the Holy Quran, and housing for three to
four months. During this time, they are given a religious education and taught how to live their life
according to the Islamic code. There is an on-call doctor and a hospital on the premises and an
ambulance is available to move serious patients. Another seminary in the city educates female converts.
First Conference for Hindu Priests in North America
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANI, USA,
January 24, 2012: (Chakranews.com): The 1st
Hindu Mandir priests' Conference 2012
(HMPC 2012) will be hosted on April 27-28,
2012 and held in Pittsburgh, USA. The
conference objective is sustainability and the
advancement of Sanatana Dharma by making
the modes of worship meaningful and relevant
for the younger generation of Hindus within the
United States and Canada. The purohits
(priests) play an essential role in the spiritual
and cultural welfare of North American Hindu
society. The conference will explore ways to
make the priests' roles more effective in meeting the ever changing needs of North American Hindus.
Some of the detailed discussions will be around the following: * Connecting with Children and Young
Adults * Personal Growth and Continuing Education * Shared responsibilities * Samskaras & Festivals *
Worship practices: Beyond rituals * Internships, Sabbaticals, Exchange Programs * Challenges of
multiple languages, disparate customs * Managing devotees demands * Environmental Considerations *
Employment & Benefits * Hindu Chaplaincy Program It is the hope of the organizers that priests may
take several new concepts from this conference and implement in advancing the growth of the respective
temples. If you would like to contribute in any of the above roles please contact: Dr. Abhaya Asthana,
Program Co-Chair, HMPC 2012, abhayaji@gmail.com.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Société
Let‟s Reflect -Unity in our celebrations!
Evil Eyes
Kolaveri Di Phenomenon
by Revati Sunassee
revrama@hotmail.com
Happy New Year to all!
Let’s Reflect -Unity in our celebrations!
With all the gloomy prophecies, we should be happy to have been successful in
seeing the dawn of 2012! Thank our God and all the Gods that exist! Prayers play a
very important part in one‟s life and it is these prayers that help us survive and give us
the strength to face any disasters! Mauritians rightly pride in their religious fervors as a
whole year goes in witnessing and participating in different religious activities!
As Hindus, we begin our Gregorian year by offering our Thanksgiving to the Surya Bhagavan whose
importance is, undoubtedly, universal! Whether Sankranthi or Pongal, the significance of that celebration
is in paying obeisance to the Lord of Life for our life of bounties! In Tamilnadu, Pongal is the grandest
celebration of the Tamils which is, sadly, not given the importance in Mauritius. Pongal is celebrated in
all households in the Tamil Diaspora and we have hopes that with the sudden promotions for Tamil
Unity, this cultural event of us Tamils will take its rightful place in our Mauritian Tamil Community too!
We move on, then, to our most enlightening, Culturally, Eventful Gem of us, Tamils- The Thaipusak
Kavadi- dedicated to the Lord of our Tamils, Muruga Perumaan! The Kavadi (Cavadee) is the only
Festival which is uniquely Tamil and hence a true cultural identity of the Tamils! Here, too, Mauritians
lead in their strict fast and is noted that, only here, practically the whole community take this strict ten
days fast. Moreover, the participation of thousands of devotees firmly upholds the undeniable Faith of us,
Tamils, towards our Lord, Muruga Perumaan! In my 30 years in this wonderful Land, this event has
always fascinated me , having to witness even the most modern Tamils humbly participating in these
celebrations! Having lived in Singapore and India, I can safely say, it is only here, in Mauritius, that the
Fast is observed so strictly!
Yet, One cannot deny the grandiose of this celebration in those wonderful days when the community
was more united and the procession started from St.Denis Mandhir to Kailasam Kovil in Port Louis ! But
now, with democratization of Religion and its practices, we have Kavadi celebrations all over the Island ,
celebrated in different procedures and timings! To add to this, the division in our Priests has added the
whims and fancies of each one! Thus, we find ourselves at crossroads, as in the past two years ,we find
two or three school of thoughts in deciding the dates for the celebrations and we, as laymen, just don‟t
know which road to take! Although, The Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation tries to unite these School
of Thoughts to have a favourable date, when one listen to the reasonings of the Priests involved, we tend
to become apprehensive! For this year Thaipusak Kavadi , we have a group saying that we should be
celebrating on the 6 th February while another has authorized the 7 th February! Both are right to an extent
since the Pousam Natchatiram is as from 12.29p.m. on the 6 th and ends at 12.42p.m. on the 7 th . Since it is
customary in many kovils here, for the kovil Kavadis to enter the kovil only in the afternoons , there is a
risk of the kavadis reaching the kovils after the right time, if celebrated on the 7 th , unless the kavadi
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No. 4 28th January 2012
processions are started very early in the morning of the 7 th and the Mahadeepaaradhanei is done before
12.42p.m.
If we are to say the fast is important and not the time, then why celebrate Thaipusak Kavadi , any day
in a year can be as good! May we keep these in mind and perform the rituals rightfully thus upkeeping
our treasured traditions in line!
We must also, humbly, remember that in Religion, there should not be any ego involved! Never do
anything to show that you can do better than another or to catch the attention of all! The bigger the
Kavadi doesn‟t mean that you love MurugaPerumaan more than the others; even a simple kavadi carried
with devotion will get the same Grace of the Lord. If you want to do more to show your devotion , you
can always do the „Angapradakshinei‟ round your kovils, which is more difficult and more effective for it
cuts down any ego, or ,even better, go out of your way to find those living in misery and give them a
helping hand!
To end, allow me to forward you an extract from Tamizh Saiva Sittandha Archargar Kajagham’s
Panjangam 2012 Calender prepared by Swami N. Balasubramania Sharma (Mauritius Representative
and Member of the Modern International Hindu Agamic Cultural Arts ORG), Swami Vijayen and Swami
Mareemootoo.:-
„Thai Pousam Cavadee is celebrated in Thai Masam (month of Thai is mid January to mid Febrauary)
and in Pousam Natchatiram. Cavadee Pal Abhisegam poured in the auspicious time (in Pousam
Natchatiram) on the Deity Lord Murugan is beneficial. Lord Murugan got the Tiruvarul Sakthi from
His Mother on Thai Masam and Pousam Natchatiram. Mother Parvathi gave Lord Murugan the
Sakthi Vel.‟
Wishing you a very pious Cavadee Celebrations 2012!
Vetri Vel Muruganukku Haro Hara!
REVATHI SUNASSEE
By MARUDAI Thaneenayagum
EVIL EYES
I would like to draw your attention about on some issues that we often have to face when we came from a
meeting, a get together, a wedding or any such forum.
Most are those who commonly face these type of obstacle are:
o Teenagers (mostly girls)
o Businessmen
o Entrepreneur
o Active members in a society
o Managers
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No. 4 28th January 2012
o Directors
o Skill workers
o Bright Student
o Etc…
This issue do exist since very long and will remain same.
Why, because we always have electricity which consist of Positive & Negative Energy. Both are always
together. So, whatever we do for a good purpose there is always someone who will be against, because
he/she is not able or does not have the courage or ability to perform that particular task.
Then the negative influence that does exist in his self is developed and converted into an evil intention
and projected as an “EVIL EYE” towards the receiver (the one who had been targeted).
Evil Eye is classified in several forms.
Controlling Eyes - Projecting evil eye to control somebody. The effect is that you lose your will
and submit to the other person's will unconsciously.
Conceited Eyes - Putting the other person down eyes. The effect is that you start feeling inferior
around the person who is projecting this kind of an eye on you.
Spiteful Eyes - Projecting hatred and malice. The effect is that you start unnecessarily feeling
malice towards everybody.
To be continued…
Nandri
Kolaveri Di Phenomenon
Source : http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
After a buzz in K-Town, Why This Kolaveri Di... from
Aishwaryaa Dhanush's 3 has become nothing short of a
phenomenon across the nation.
Within a week of its release, the song had an amazing 1.3
million hits on YouTube, more than a million shares on
Facebook and trending continuously on Twitter. The added
bonus is that the lyrics, which are part Tamil and part English,
are a hit with non-Tamilians as well.
Quirky lyrics have now become the 'in' thing in Kollywood!
Anirudh, music director, who is debuting with 3, gives his
explanation for why the song is now a rage. "The reception
that the Kolaveri song has received is beyond what we'd
expected. The song has worked well. It is in broken English,
what we call 'Tanglish'. It is hummable and the lyrics are
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No. 4 28th January 2012
catchy. While we targeted the students, it elders have liked it as well," But the Kolaveri trend is not new
to the industry. Madhan Karky, lyricist of Enthiran fame, says, "Every five years, there is an upswing
trend in lyrics.
On the sets of an upcoming reality show that seeks a good lyricist, contestants cited melodies as opposed
to these trend numbers. The current trend in lyrics is the conversational kind of songs, with English words
in them. And the fact is that the beautiful Tamil language has two and half lakh words which still have not
been used in songs as yet."
Actor-director Parthepan, on the other hand, believes that capturing the pulse of the youth is the true
victory of lyricists. "When Ilaiyaraaja came out with Enna Paattu Paada Enna Thaalam Poda..., he was
criticized initially. But, he was soon accepted unanimously. With the wide reach through the new media,
songs like Kolaveri become not just a trend but a rage as well, which taps the pulse of the youth," says
Parthepan.
Whether it is a passing fad or a change in the way the industry is thinking, one thing is for sure -
colloquial and conversational lyrics that have been seen in albums like Mayakkam Enna, Osthe and 3 are
what the youth prefer to listen to today.
ALL ABOUT THE 'SOUP SONG'
Speaking about the Kolaveri rage that has taken the Internet by storm, Dhanush who has penned the lyrics
and sung it, says, "The concept for Kolaveri Di is new. I call it the 'soup song' for 'soup boys'. I came up
with this term actually. A soup boy essentially means a guy who has been dumped by a girl and the soup
song is a 'love failure' song which a guy sings after getting dumped. I never ever imagined that this song
would become such a huge rage nationally. If someone had told me earlier that it would, I would not have
believed them! I think youngsters loved this song because of several reasons. Firstly, the words that have
been used in the song are words currently in trend today. Also, it's English but sung in a Tamil accent.
Thus, even a Hindi-speaking or a Telugu-speaking person can understand it. Language is no bar at all.
Lastly, I think any youngster can relate to the concept. He can use it to make fun of his friend or even
himself! While I did give some inputs on the music for the song, the credit for music should go to
Anirudh."
The Internet and the Youth of Today - Part II
This is part II of the exposé of Mr D. Venethethan in the Educational Orientation organised by the
MTTF on 9th Dec. 2011, at the Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Reduit . Part I of the document was published
in the previous issue.
Internet for your social engagement
As mentioned above, the old belief that Internet users tend to become isolated and antisocial is fading
away. In fact, Internet is making us more socially engaged and making groups more effective according to
a survey conducted recently among the youths of California.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
·68% of all Americans- both Internet users and non-users say that Internet has had a major impact on
them to communicate in groups.
· 62% say the Internet has had a major impact on the ability of groups to bring attention to an issue. You
recall the Jamill Peerally project for uniting people for a cause recently.
In Mauritius and worldwide we notice the proliferation of Facebook among the youth. Most of our
youngsters have at least one Facebook account. Facebook and other social media have become an
important tool for groups and organisations be it political, religious or otherwise. Adhering to groups and
organization via social media has been made so easy that you now have to be careful before accepting
invitations of any kind. Very often we do not know the person soliciting our participation in an event or
project. However social media makes possible virtual discussion on issues you would not be discussing in
real groups for fear of being reprimanded or because you are so timid by nature. Therefore use it elegantly
and moderately.
Internet for Information and Entertainment
Internet has become the major source of Infotainment (information and entertainment programme)
nowadays. Content providers around the world are providing infotainments to public of all ages. We have
noticed a proliferation of online newspapers, television and radios in all languages and styles. In
Mauritius, most of the newspapers in print have their online version, e.g. L‟Express, Le Matinale, Le
Mauricien etc. I would like however to stress on the setting up in Mauritius of ONEX FM and Pathirikai,
the online radio and newspaper respectively, for the Tamil Community and those wishing to learn the
Tamil culture. Both of these two media do not have the traditional mode, but have rather choose to move
to online directly. They are more accessible, and are available 24/7. Online news media is gaining ground
world-wide. According to a research on American News Media, 46% of people say they get their news
online at least three times a week, surpassing newspapers which stand at 40%. The research showed also
that more money is being spent on online advertising than on print newspaper advertising. I sincerely
hope that Pathirikai and ONEX will follow this trend, though Pathirikai is not a commercial e-paper.
Ills associated with Internet
Objectionable Contents
Just as a coin has got two sides, the Internet also has two faces. What I have painted up to now is the
bright side; let‟s now see the dark side of Internet. Internet is the best platform for providing to the
youngsters objectionable contents such as foul language, pornographic materials and violence. We are
flooded with spams (unsolicited mails) everyday, pestering us to access such materials. Blocking of
addresses only solve this problem partly. You should not get tempted by such emails. You should be
responsible in your actions and behave properly in front of your screen as you would do in society. Your
computer screen is a window to the world; you can see and watch as well as be seen and be watched.
Remember that all computers and devices connected to the Internet have a unique address, known as the
i.p. address. This means that you can be traced back, if needed by the authority.
To prevent objectionable contents from getting to the user, there is the filtering process. Authorities
around the world filter Internet content according to their local legislations and the sensible nature of the
materials. In Mauritius this is done by ICTA (ICT Authority) under the name of “Child Sexual Abuse
(CSA) Online Content Filtering System”. According to the ICT Act, the ICT Authority is to “take steps to
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No. 4 28th January 2012
regulate or curtail harmful and illegal content on Internet and other information and communication
services”. The filtering list is provided by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), a non‐profit
organization that is widely recognised as one of the best in the world at managing a list of CSA sites
coupled with the Interpol blacklist.
Social Media
Another problem with Internet is the influence of social networking on our life. Be careful of the
information that you post on your profile. Make sure that personal details are not accessible to people that
you don‟t know. There are cases where houses have been visited by burglars in the absence of owners
who have posted their vacations plans on their online profile. You have to know that with the proliferation
of social networking, the number of virtual friendship connections is growing dramatically. According to
a research by Facebook on Facebook among its 721 million active users, the average number of people
separating any two facebookers, known as „degrees of separation‟ is 4.74. This figure was 5.28 in 2008.
Person A Person B
So even if you pass on personal information to a friend that you know, there is high chance that it goes to
many that you don‟t know as well.
Conclusion
To cut the story short; Internet is the biggest invention after the Personal Computer. It brings much more
goodness for us than harm provided we use it elegantly and with moderation.
D. Venethethan
December 2011
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No. 4 28th January 2012
By Parama Mauree
p.mauree@live.com
THIRUVALLUVAR KURALS
MEDITATING ON THIRUVALLUVAR KURALS
on the occasion of Valluvar Aandu 2042
VERSE 430 : Arivudaiyaar ellaam adaiyaar Arivilaar ennudaiya renum ilar.
· The wise is rich with every blessing blessed,the fool is poor of everything possessed
· The wise possess everything,but the poor are the unwise rich.
· Those who have wisdom have all ; fools with all have nothing.
On Learning, Saint Thiruvalluvar, emphasizes its power for the benefit of all mankind,namely
1 Learn that you may faultless learning gain and having learnt true to it remains
2 Numbers and letters –these two living souls are like eyes true
3 As poor before the rich with begging hand, the ignorant before the scholars stand.
4 Dug deep in sandy soil water flows ,the more you learn the deeper wisdom grows
5 In one birth for learning gained ,in seven births is bliss attained.
6 Wealth of scholarship can none destroy All other fortune are devoid of joy.
Saint AVVAIYAR says that Education is the only wealth a human life carries from birth to birth
through death..
Blessed are the souls of country rulers who grant free education to all children of their nation.
Greater blessings to those who afford , in addition,free meals, uniforms, class materials and transport to
the poorer classes in their respective country. There are classical examples of such good personality, in
Tamil Nadu-- Chief Minister Ms Jayalalitha and another saintly soul,Sri Sri Mata
Amritanandamayi Devi in Kerala.
Mauritius is also a blessed country for facilitating poor children to get access to education. Sir
Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Veerasamy Ringadoo are the initiators of free education to all.
However we need to review our system of education when we record quite outstanding bad results
around.
The rate of failures and the rate of unemployment do question our spirit as to how should we re-orientate
our education system to meet the needs of our people .This will be the right governance. In a world of
scarcity we should avoid minimum waste .This is what Valluvar means when he says we have to live
according to the principles of correct educational values. Educated people should not commit corruptive
practices.
While celebrating Thiruvalluvar year 2042 ,let us pray to the Almighty whom Valluvar calls the
BEGINNING
“To grant us the vision for a better educated Mauritius having as mission to impart the best education to
our children so that we may attain all our national objectives.
PORTRI ! THIRUVALLUVAREY PORTRI ! HAIL
TO DEIVAPULAVAR THIRUVALLUVAR ! ELLAM UDAIYAVAR !
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Patrice Comorassamy
St Leu, Reunion
Idumban (Idumbar)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karrupu-Swamy-Marsi-Kalpou/133087246717250
Idumban, Idumbar, ou encore Idubar » est un nom hautement symbolique, puisqu‟il veut dire
“orgueilleux”. Idumbar n‟est pas lié au Seigneur
Muneeswarar. Selon la légende, Idumbar est un Arakan
(Rakshasas = dans le monde du Ramayana et du Mahabharata,
Rakshasas sont une race d‟humanoïdes surnaturel. Il y avait à la
fois le bon et le mal, en tant que guerrier, ils se sont battus aux
côtés des armées du bien et du mal. Ce sont donc des puissants
guerriers, magiciens et illusionnistes experts). Nous pouvons
habituellement trouver des statues d‟Idumban dans le temple
Murugan. Il est considéré comme un grand dévot de « Sri
Muruga ». Plus tard, il a été comme un Karval Deïvam (guerrier
des dieux). Plusieurs légendes existent concernant les origines
d‟Idumban, toutes ces légendes nous sont liés aux origines du
« Cavadee » dans la dévotion au Seigneur « Mourouga ».
Le Sage Agastya voulut prendre possession de deux collines appelées
« Sivagiri » et « Saktigiri ». Il envoya son disciple, un asura appelé
« Idumban » à la quête de son désir. Il était l‟un des rares survivants de la
guerre entre les forces du Dieu « Mourouga » et ceux de « Surapadman »
(dans d‟autres versions il est considéré comme un bandit repenti, disciple d‟un
gourou). Suite à une défaite d‟un concours entre « Mourouga » et
« Ganesha », le seigneur « Mourouga » se sentit blessé d‟avoir perdu. Le
seigneur « Ganesha » remporta le fruit précieux (le Jnana-pazham) en allant
simplement autour de ses parents. « Mourouga », triste de sa défaite, alla
s‟assoir sur son paon et dépourvu de colère, il promit de quitter sa maison et
sa famille. Il partit en direction de Tiru Avinankudi au Adivaram. Shiva apaisa
la colère de celui-ci, en lui proclamant qu‟il était lui-même a été le fruit
(pazham) de toute sagesse et de connaissance. D‟où cette place a été
appelée «Pazham Nee» ou « Palani ». Plus tard, il se retira dans la colline et
s‟y installa comme un refuge de paix et de solitude.
Idumban porta sur ses épaules les deux collines en bandoulière sous la forme d‟un cavadee. Lorsqu‟il
atteint « Palani », il se sentit fatiguer, il déposa le Cavadee pour prendre du repos. Lorsqu‟il reprit sa
route, il a constaté qu‟il ne pouvait plus soulever les collines. « Mourouga » avait prit la forme d‟un petit
garçon empêchant Idumban de continuer sa tâche. Le refus de ce petit garçon de quitter les collines
déclencha une bataille acharnée. La mort d‟Idumban suivit, mais il fut ramené à la vie par la suite. Ainsi,
il s‟aperçut que le garçon n‟était d‟autre que son Dieu de dévotion : Sri Mourouga, il adressa donc des
prières en l‟honneur de cette déité.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Dans d‟autre version, suite à la mort d‟Idumban, les sages et bons
nombres de fidèles demandèrent avec insistance la grâce
d‟Idumban, si bien que leur Dieu accepta de le ressusciter. Pour le
remercier Idumban et ses proches firent la promesse de porter le
Cavadee tous les ans et d‟offrir leur douleur au Dieu. Apaisé,
« Mourouga » promit à son tour que tous les mortels qui porteront
le Cavadee jusqu‟à son temple seront récompensés et obtiendront
sa grâce tout en se rapprochant de lui, de sa sagesse et de sa bonté.
Aujourd‟hui, des milliers d‟hindous portent le cavadee comme
offrande au Seigneur pendant le « Thaipusam ». Ils symbolisent
donc les collines de la charge que « Idumban » portent sur ses
épaules.
D‟autre version mentionne un démon nommé « Tharakasuran » qui troublait « les Rishis et les
Saints ». Le Seigneur Mourouga était appelé par ses parents Shiva et Parvati pour détruire les asuras. Il
prit douze armes, dont onze de son père le Seigneur Shiva et une arme donnée par sa mère Parvati, « le
VEL ». Mourouga détruit « Tharakasuran » le jour « Pusam Nakshatra » dans le mois Tamoul de « Thaï »
et donc c‟est pour cela que « Thaï Pusam » est célébré dans tous les temples de Mourouga.
Selon une autre légende, Shiva dédia un mantra à Parvati, mais il s‟aperçut que Mourouga était en train de
les espionnés. Suite à cette faute, Parvati envoya une malédiction sur lui, en correspondance avec la règle
selon laquelle même un fils, si égaré, devrait être punis. Pour se racheter de sa malédiction. Il effectua une
dure pénitence à « Thirupparankundram ». Satisfait de sa pénitence, Shiva et Parvati se manifesta devant
lui et leva la malédiction. Ce jour était le jour de « Pusam Thaï ». C‟est donc une journée spéciale pour le
culte du Seigneur Subrahmanya
Ainsi peu importe la légende, le jour du Thaipusam, les fidèles font des offrandes à Muruga. Les fidèles
dévots effectuent leurs pénitences en ayant la pensée : « Que les gains d‟un dévot de Sri Mourouga durant
le Cavadee est inestimable à la douleur qu‟il s‟inflige durant sa pénitence. »
On note que sur l‟île de la Réunion, après le Cavadee des fidèles sacrifient un coq ou un bouc pour ce
guerrier. Il s‟agit d‟un remerciement au bon déroulement de la pénitence.
Langue
Some Useful Phrases in Tamil
Learn Spoken Tamil through songs - Azhagendra Solluku Muruga
Useful phrases in Tamil
Source : http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/tamil.php
The earliest known Tamil inscriptions date back to at least 500 BC. The oldest literary text in Tamil,
Tolkāppiyam, was composed around 200 BC. The Tamil alphabet is is thought to have evolved from the
Brahmi script, though some scholars believe that its origins go back to the Indus script.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
The alphabet is well suited to writing literary Tamil, centamil. However it is ill-suited to writing
colloquial Tamil, koduntamil. During the 19th century, attempts were made to create a written version of
the colloquial spoken language. Nowadays the colloquial written language appears mainly in school
books and in passages of dialogue in fiction.
Tamil, a Dravidian language spoken by around 52 million people in Indian, Sri Lanka, Malaysia,
Mauritius, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, the USA, UK and Australia. It is the first language of the Indian
state of Tamil Nadu, and is spoken by a significant minority of people (2 million) in north-eastern Sri
Lanka.
Formal Tamil or [centamiḻ] is generally used in formal writing and speech, while informal
Tamil or [koṭuntamiḻ] is used in everyday coversation, also in cinema, theatre and
popular entertainment on television and radio, and many politicians use it to bring themselves closer to
their audience.
English [centamiḻ]
(Formal Tamil)
Welcome (vaarungal)
Hello (va akkam)
How are you?
Fine, thank you
Long time no see
What's your name?
My name is ...
Where are you from?
I'm from ...
Pleased to meet you
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Good night
(eppadi irukkindriirgal)
(nadraaga irukkindren)
(ungalai paarttu niraiya naatkal aaki vittathu)
(ungal peyar enna?)
?
... (en peru ...)
(ungal sondha oor edhu?)
(en sondha oor ...)
....
(ungalai paarthathu migavum sandhosham)
(kaalai vanakkam)
(madhiya vanakkam)
(maalai vanakkam)
?
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Goodbye
Good luck
Cheers/Good health!
Have a nice day
Bon appetit
Bon voyage
(iravu vanakkam)
(poy vittu varugiren)
(appuram parkkalaame)
(nal vaazthukkal)
(nal aarokkiyam peruga)
(indha naal iniya naalaaga amayattum)
(magizhnthu unnungal)
(iniya paya num thodaratum)
I don't understand (puriyavillai)
Please speak more slowly
Please say
that again
Please write it down
Do you speak Tamil?
Yes, a little
How do you say ...
in Tamil?
Excuse me
How much is this?
Sorry
Thank you
(medhuvaaga pesungal)
(thirumba sollungal)
(ezhudhi kollungal)
?
(neengal Thamizh pesuveergalaa?)
(konjam pesuven)
... ?
(adhai ... Thamizhil eppadi solluveergal?)
(mannikka vendum)
(idhu evvalavu?)
(ennai manniththu vidungal)
(nandri) (miga nandri)
Response
(ungalukku nalvaravu)
Where's the toilet? ?
(kuliyalarai engai ullathu?)
I love you
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Get well soon
Leave me alone!
Help!
Fire!
Stop!
(naan unnai kaadhalikkiren)
(ungal udal viraivaaga gunam adaiyattum)
(ennai thaniyaaga irukka vidungal)
! (nil)
! (neruppu)
! (kaappaatrungal)
Call the police! !
(kaavalargalai azhaiyungal)
Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year
(Christmas matrum puthaandu vaazthukkal)
Happy Birthday
(iniya pirandha naal nalvaazthukkal)
azhagendRa sollukku murugA For the word 'azhagu' (beauty), Oh, MurugA!
undhan aruLandRi ulagilE poruLEdhu murugA = can there be any explanation other than that of
your Grace in this world? Oh, MurugA?
sudarAga vandhavEl murugA = You came in the form of 'rays' (from the third
eye of Lord ShivA), Oh, MurugA!
kodum sUrarai pOrilE vendRavEl murugA = You won in the battle with the terrible
'SUrApadman' (the dEmon), Oh, MurugA with
the mighty 'vEl' (spear)!
kanikkAga manam nondha murugA = You were saddened (and angered) during the
episode of the 'fruit', Oh, MurugA!
mukkaniyAna thamizhthandha selvamE murugA = You gave us the 'three fruit combination' - the
'Thamizh' language (three aspects of which
are: iyal - Literature; isai - Music; and
nAdagam - Drama), Oh, precious MurugA!
ANdiyAi nindRavEl murugA = You stood as an 'ANdi' (the form of a recluse -
in Pazhani), Oh, MurugA with the mighty 'vEl'
(spear)!
unnai aNdinOr vAzhvilE inbamE murugA = those who sought refuge in You will have their
lives filled with joy, Oh, MurugA!
pazham nee appanE murugA = You are the fruit (of intellect), Oh, MurugA!
gnAnap pazham unnai allAdhu pazhamEdhu murugA = there can be no intellectual 'fruit' other than
You, Oh, MurugA!
kundRARum kudikoNda murugA = You reside in the six hills, Oh, MurugA!
pakthar kuRai neekkum vaLLal nee allavO murugA = Isn't it You? The generous One who eliminates
the deficiencies of Your Devotees? Oh,
MurugA?
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No. 4 28th January 2012
sakthi umai bAlanE murugA = You are the Son of Shakthi (UmAdhEvi), Oh,
MurugA!
manidha sakthikku ettAtha thaththuvamE murugA = You are the 'philosophy' which is unattainable
by ordinary human strength, Oh, MurugA!
praNavap poruLkaNda thiru murugA = You saw (show) the meaning of 'praNavam'
(Aum), Oh, MurugA!
param poruLukku guruvAna dhEsigA murugA = You became the Great Teacher for the
Almighty Lord ShivA, Oh, MurugA!
aragarA shaNmugA murugA = 'ara - harA - shaNmugA - murugA'
endRE pAduvOr eNNaththil AduvAi murugA = You dance in the minds of those who sing
(with the above lines - 'ara - harA - shaNmugA
- murugA'), Oh, MurugA!
anbiRku ellaiyO murugA = Is there a limit to (Your) Love? Oh, MurugA?
undhan aruLukku ellaithAn illaiyE murugA = There is no limit to Your Grace, Oh, MurugA!
kaNkaNdadheivamE murugA = You are the God who appeared in our vision,
Oh, MurugA!
endhan kaliyuga varadhanE aruLthArum murugA = my Generous One in this aeon - (kali-yugA),
Give us Your Grace! Oh, MurugA!
murugA ... murugA ... murugA ... .
Religion
Les Pratiques du Cavadee
Thai Poosam: the Festival of Tamils Celebrated All Over the World
Les Pratiques du Cavadee
Plusieurs milliers des dévots observent dix jours de jeûne avant de participer a la grande cérémonie
religieuse dite Thaipoosam cavadee dedié à Dieu Muruga.
LE VEL
Une trés grande majorité des dévots( baktenes) qui ont une profonde affinité
pour Dieu Muruga , dans une ignorance totale se donnent à des pratiques qui
font un tort immense à notre communauté, prenons par exemple, des dévots
qui ont un amour et une foi spirituelle illimités pour Dieu Muruga se font
percer les jambes, les tibias et autre parties de leurs pieds avec des métaux en
argent en forme de Vel comme moyen de sacrifice. En ce faisant,le dévot
ignore complètement que Le Vel est non seulement l‟arme sacrée du Dieu
Muruga(LE SAKTI VEL) mais représente aussi Dieu MURUGA . A titre
d‟exemple, dans un kovil même en l‟absence d‟un moorthi (Statue) de
Muruga, un „VEL „est appelé à représenter la présence de Muruga .Cependant
percer la partie supérieure de notre corps avec des Vels comme moyen de
sacrifice pour Dieu Muruga est acceptable par contre se faire transpercer la
partie inférieure de notre corps avec des Vels est considérée comme un
manque de respect pour notre divinité. Un Shakti Vel symbolise la présence
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No. 4 28th January 2012
divine de Muruga ainsi c‟est la raison principale qu‟on apporte le Shakti Vel le jour du cavadee au berge
de la rivière pour effectuer l‟abhisegam. En ce faisant on vénère Dieu Muruga è travers Le Shakti Vel
et pour le profond respect qu‟un dévot a pour Dieu Muruga, j‟ implore tous dévot de suivre les consignes
données par les kovils durant les dix jours des prières afin de faire la vraie gloire de Muruga le jour du
cavadee.
LE RADON
Les Tamoules de l‟ile Maurice considèrent Dieu Muruga comme l‟être suprême et pour tout l‟amour
qu‟un devôt éprouve pour Dieu Muruga et dans un esprit rempli de
sacrifice il tire un chariot (Radon) à l‟interieur duquel il mets un petit
murthi (statuette) de Muruga .En ce faisant et dans l‟ignorance
absolue il montre un manque de respect envers Muruga en
lui donnant son dos, alors qu‟il croit bien faire en sacrifiant son corps
avec tant de piété. Neanmoins si un devôt a un profond amour
spirituel pour Muruga, ce devôt doit le porter sur son epaule où sur
un gros chariot(radon) ou Muruga predomine. Muruga doit être porter
sur la partie superièure de notre corps c‟est à dire sur nos
epaules donc si vraiement on croit sincèrement dans notre Dieu
Muruga pourquoi donne-t-on l‟occasion aux autres de passer des
critiques dèsobligeantes pour celui qu‟on adore?
Pour le respect et l‟amour que nous avons pour Dieu Muruga il est
consellé à tous les devôts d‟accomplir son devoir spirituel avec beaucoup d‟humilité en portant
son cavadee avec un esprit pieux et un coeur plein d‟amour,de fraternité et d‟amitié. La seule chose que
Dieu Muruga nous demande c‟est de mener une vie pieuse, remplie d‟amour sans hypocrisie et de haine
envers nos frères et soeurs.
Maintenant que vous avez eu un petit rayon de lumiere ,l‟esperance y prime et le devôt accomplira sa
tâche avec beaucoup de piétè et d‟amour spirituel vis-à-vis de lêtre suprême.
Nandri
Thai Poosam: the Festival of Tamils Celebrated All Over the World
By Muthusamy R
The Festival at Palani, Batu Caves, Singapore, Mauritius, Sydney and South Africa.
‟Thai Poosam„ is an important festival celebrated for Lord Murugan or Lord Subramanian or Lord
Karthikeyan in the tenth month of Tamil calendar month „Thai‟ („Pausa‟ tenth month of Hindu Calendar
month) (14 January – 13 February). Thai is an auspicious month for Tamils. This festival is celebrated on
the full moon day when the moon passes through the star „Poosam‟ or „Pushya.‟ The Tamils (Hindus) all
over the world are celebrating this festival in Murugan temples including the six bastions of Lord
Murugan (Arupadaiveedu) in Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, Singapore, London, Sydney, Paris, and USA. The
Lord Murugan is native Lord of Tamils. He is the younger son of Lord Shiva. In Tamil Murugu means
handsome. The handsome god is represented as „Lord of War‟ and he is also known as the Chief of Deva
Army (Deva Senathipathy). He has also destroyed the demon Surapadman on a Shashti (sixth lunar day).
Lord also destroyed another demon Tharakasuran on the Poosam star day and for this reason Thai Poosam
is celebrated.
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PALANI:
Palani is one of the six bastions of Lord Murugan. The Sri Dhandayudhapani (Murugan) temple is located
on Palani hillock (Malai Kovil or hill temple). Thai Poosam is one of the main festivals of
Dhandayudhapani temple in Palani. It is a ten days festival. The celestial marriage of Lord Murugan with
his two consorts „Sri Valli‟ and „SriDeivanai‟ will takes place. On the seventh day the Lord and his
consorts will be taken in a car and the procession will be along the four Ratha streets. On the tenth day
there will be float festival. The festival attracts lot of devotees. People from all over the state proceed to
Palani by walk. Some people vows to offer a kavadi to the Lord. They will observe fast and break their
fast once their vow is fulfilled. About ten thousand kavadis are offered during Thai Poosam festival.
People believe that all their miseries will be mitigated by the Lord. Kavadi is a “flattened pole with loads
at the ends.” The pole would be made up of wood or metal. Some people would like to carry simple pole
while others prefer to carry decorated poles. The pots attached on either side may be filled with milk or
water from holy river Cauvery. Some may prefer to bring flowers. Some other may prefer to carry kavadi
decorated with peacock feathers. The kavadi bearers duly garlanded and dressed in yellow costume,
commence their pilgrimage from far off places and proceed by walk. On the way there will be „Kavadi
Attam‟ or dance by the devotees. The supporters will recite the Tamil song „Kavadi-Chindhu.‟ People
also vow to feed these Kavadi bearers.
BATU CAVES:
Batu caves, Malaysia is the extremely popular shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is one of the well
recognized Murugan shrine outside India. The shrine is located near Kuala Lumpur. You have to travel 13
Km from Kuala Lumpur to reach the temple. The temple is located in a typical limestone hill. You will
find a series of caves or cave temples. Along the hill the famous Sungai Batu River flows. The Thai
Poosam festival of Batu caves Murugan Temple is celebrated in grandeur. This most popular Thai
Poosam festival outside India attracts around one and half million devotees from Singapore as well as
from India and Australia. We can boldly state that this is the only place wherein largest devotees
participate in the festival. On Thai Poosam day the devotees organize an eight hour procession from
Mahamariamman Temple, kuala Lumpur to Batu caves at early morning in the wee hours of the morning.
Devotees vowed to offer kavadi will carry different types of kavadis. As described earlier, some
extremists will pierce their tongue or cheeks with a sharp shaft. Some other will pierce hooks other
shoulders and pull toy cars. After a holy dip in the Sungei Batu River, the devotees and kavadi bearers
will climb the 272 step stairway leading to the hill-cave temple. At the sanctum sanctorum the priests will
help the devotees to remove their hooks from the body. They will apply the holy ash on the wound. By
god‟s grace there is no blood coming from the hook pierced flesh. Another cave temple or the Sri
Subramanian Temple at Gunong Cheroh, Ipoh, Malaysia also celebrates Thai Poosam. Yet another place
is at the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple along Jalan Waterfall in Penang.
SINGAPORE:
Thaipusam is celebrated with grandeur in Singapore. The devotees commence the celebrations on the
preceding day of Thai Poosam. Lord Murugan is placed in the Silver Chariot and taken out in a
procession to Layan Sithi Vinayagar temple and in the evening the chariot returns back. The Chettiar
Kavadies and other devotees follow the chariot. People call this event as Chetty Pusam in Singapore. On
Thaipusam day, you will find larger number of devotees. In Singapore also certain devotees vow to offer
prayers by piercing their bodies with spikes and spears. They also pull toy chariots by hooks (hooks are
pierced and attached on their back) from Srinivasa Perumal Temple. All kinds of Kavadis are also carried
by them. The holy spear (Vel) in the sanctum sanctorum is bathed with milk continuously for a longer
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duration. Here you will find number of Chinese devotees as well as other religious people and even other
races offering prayers and fulfill their vows.
MAURITIUS:
Thai Poosam is also celebrated to Lord Subramanian at Mauritius. As told earlier the extreme devotees
from Mauritius also „sport anatomy-defying piercings of all kinds.‟ There are other type kavadis offered
by the devotees.
VICTORIA, Australia:
Thai Poosam celebration was reported at Sri Shiva Vishnu Temple, 52. Boundary Road, Carrum Downs,
Victoria – 3201. The Hindu Society of Victoria, Celebrated the festival on 1.2.2007. There was an
Abishekam for Lord Subramanian at 5.15pm and the Rathothsavam followed at 7.45pm. Devotees carried
kavadis and milk pots (Pal kudam) and offered to the Lord. The prime deity and his consorts were
decorated with flowers and jewelry. The deity was taken out in palanquin. There was also rathothsavam
on the same day. Prasadam and annadanam was served to all devotees.
SYDNEY MURUGAN TEMPLE:
Celebrate Thai Poosam as a simple event. There will be the worship of the lamp.
SOUTH AFRICA POOSAM KAVDY FESTIVAL:
The Tamil community at South Africa celebrates Thai Poosam festival every year. The devotees offer
honey and pots of milk to Lord Murugan. You will find thousands of yellow-clad devotees carrying
spectacular kavadis. You may hear the emotional charged chants of vel, vel! The idol of Lord
Subramanian (or Lord Murugan) is placed on a silver chariot and taken out for a procession.
Dames
How to wear a Sari
Get your Daily Horoscope instantly
How to Wear a Sari
Source : http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-wear-a-sari
Sari is attributed to its total simplicity, practical comfort, and sense of luxury a woman
experiences when she wears one. A Saree properly draped transforms a woman to become
graceful, stylish, elegant and sensuous. So just make a note on some basic steps about how
to drape a Sari.
A sari is an outfit which reveals as much as it hides. Wearing a sari is an art which require
practice.
A perfectly draped sari makes personality but a clumsily draped sari can equally bring down the look of
the Sari and spoils the whole appearance of the woman. So just make a note on some basic steps about
how to drape a sari in different styles.
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STEP 1
Sari is worn on different occasions and thus there are number of sari draping styles
available. If you are going to an office its advisable to pin up your sari, this looks smart
and is manageable too. For parties, just pin up the tip of the sari and let the rest fall on
your hand. This gives a very graceful look. We understand how important it is to know
how to wear sari in proper style thus we learn you how to wear a sari in different styles
with illustrated demonstrations in different steps.
Different ways of wearing a Sari :Nivi style. This style of sari draping is common to the
state of Andhra Pradesh. It is also the most popular style of sari draping. In this style of
sari draping, one end of the sari is neatly tucked into the band of the petticoat on the
waist. After wrapping the sari cloth around the waist once more, the sari is neatly folded
into pleats, which are then tucked into the waistband of the petticoat
just below the navel. Then after wrapping it around the body one more
time, the other decorative end of the sari also called the "pallu" comes
diagonally in front of the torso and draped over the left shoulder.
1. A waist - to - floor length petticoat tied tightly at the waist by a drawstring.
2. A tight fitting blouse that ends just below the bust.
STEP 2
After step one you take the sari and tuck the plain end of the sari into the petticoat for
one complete turn from right to left. Make sure that the lower end of the sari touches the
floor.
STEP 3
Beginning from the tucked-in end start making pleats in the sari, about 5 inches deep.
STEP 4
Make about 7 to 10 pleats and hold them up together so that they fall straight and even.
STEP 5
Tuck the pleats into the waist slightly to the left of the navel, and make sure that
they are turned towards the left.
After this you take the sari and tuck the plain end of the sari into the petticoat for
one complete turn from right to left. Make sure that the lower end of the sari
touches the floor.
STEP 6
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No. 4 28th January 2012
The end portion thus draped is the pallu, and can be prevented from slipping off by fixing it at the
shoulder to the blouse with a small safety pin.
You are now draped in a saree . Now stand before the mirror and get enchanted by the grace you exude.
Cholesterol: know the facts
By Shiv Naraynen
trotters22@hotmail.co.uk
It being January and all, after all these good living for Christmas and New year
celebrations you have let your hair down regarding what you ate during all the dinner
parties ( especially all these fried foods and you most probably been hearing quite a
lot about cholesterol prior to that.
And what you've probably heard is that cholesterol is bad for you, and that high levels of it can lead to
nasty and potentially life-threatening conditions, like heart disease and strokes.
While that information might be correct, it's not the whole story. Cholesterol is not a black and white
issue, so here are the facts you need to know.
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol is a vital part of a healthy and functioning body. "It's a waxy substance made by the liver,"
says Tracy Parker, heart health dietician at the British Heart Foundation.(BHF)
"You absolutely need it. It's part of the production process for sex hormones, Vitamin D and more. It's
essential."
Without cholesterol, you couldn't live, but as with so much in biology, it's all about balance. Too much
cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of narrowed arteries causing heart disease and strokes..
It's commonly believed that some food - junk food in particular - is packed with cholesterol. In fact,
cholesterol is rarely found in food in any great quantities. Eggs and shellfish are the main culprits (and
they contain the 'good' kind - more on that later). But what is found in junk and processed food - as well
as high-fat dairy products, certain oils and the visible fat in meat - is saturated fat.
A simple blood test can give an accurate assessment of your cholesterol levels
Good and bad cholesterol
You may have heard of the terms 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol. What this actually refers to are the actions
of lipoproteins, the molecules that carry cholesterol within your blood.
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 'bad' cholesterol. It takes cholesterol from the liver to the cells. "If you
have too much LDL cholesterol, you get a build up that can narrow arteries," and narrow arteries can
increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
But high-density lipoprotein (HDL) “good” takes cholesterol from the cells back to the liver. "In
effect," "it helps to prevent a build up of cholesterol by taking excess cholesterol away."
You still need both, but at a population level we've got too much of the bad and not enough of the good.
"It's like the situation with type 2 diabetes,".
High cholesterol used to be seen as a problem of ageing. But we've seen an increase in the number of
younger people being diagnosed with high cholesterol."
Sensible eating will go a long way to reducing your cholesterol levels
What are the symptoms?
In a nutshell, none. You're unlikely to feel the ill effects of high cholesterol until damage has been done.
But high cholesterol is often picked up as part of routine blood tests. If you are concerned about high
cholesterol you can ask the doctor for a full lipid profile, which will detail your levels of good and bad
cholesterol.
Even then, it's not the whole story. "The thing to remember is that heart disease is multi-factorial“, "Even
if a blood test shows that you have too much bad cholesterol and too little good cholesterol, your doctor
would still take other factors into account."
High LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease, but age, weight, diet, whether you smoke or
not and how much you exercise are all part of the equation too, along with genetic factors in a few people.
When considering cholesterol results, a doctor will take an overall measure of risk.
If you're concerned about high cholesterol, particularly if you're overweight, smoke or do too little
exercise, make your doctor your first port of call. Cutting out cigarette-smoking is a crucial element of
reducing your risks
What can be done?
Happily, if you're a young man without an inherited predisposition to high cholesterol, it's quite
straightforward to either bring your bad cholesterol levels down or avoid them getting too high in the first
place. As with so many other health problems, if you smoke your first act should be to quit.
Processed cakes, biscuits and pastry, high fat dairy products and fatty meats are all high in saturated fat -
the stuff that gets transformed into cholesterol in the liver. A lot of junk and processed foods contain palm
or coconut oil, which are also high in saturated fat. You might have to read the label to be sure.
Avoid these as much as possible and swap bad fats for olive or sunflower oil in your own cooking. But if
all this sounds a bit difficult to remember, the most important thing for young men is to maintain a
healthy weight.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
If you lose weight you'll almost certainly be lowering your intake of saturated fat and reducing your risk
of high cholesterol.
Cholesterol treatment and diabetes
The most common drug that is prescribed is a statin. Statins should be prescribed as primary prevention in
all diabetic patients over 40 years old with a TC of more than 4mmol/l or and LDL-cholesterol of more
than 2mmol/l.
Statins may be prescribed to younger diabetic patients if there are additional risk factors for
cardiovascular disease or there is evidence of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) or diabetic kidney disease
(nephropathy).
All diabetic patients with a history of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular disease should be prescribed a
statin to prevent further attacks (secondary prevention).
Some people find they are intolerant of statins and experience side-effects, such as muscle pains, fatigue
and nausea. If that occurs, there are a number of alternatives - you must consult your doctor and never
stop taking statin without consulting a doctor as it can cause more harm if discontinued suddenly
Tips
“ Everybody over the age of forty (Especially Diabetes) should know their cholesterol level in terms of
figures. don‟t accept good or bad from your doctor”
LDL is bad cholesterol (Keep level low)
HDL is good cholesterol (keep level high)
Shiv Naraynen
Cardiac Nurse Specialist UK
RGN Bsc (Hon)
Trotters22@hotmail.co.uk
Tamouls, les racines de l’histoire
Soblen RAMEN, Raj JUGERNAUTH
Source : http://dravidiens.blogspot.com/2006/09/tamouls-les-racines-de-lhistoire.html
En 1850, la population tamoule construit son premier temple. Au fil de deux siècles et demi, elle a su
consolider sa culture et célèbre aujourd‟hui le Thai Poosum Cavadee.
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No. 4 28th January 2012
“LEURS femmes et leurs enfants sont vêtus de superbe mousseline blanche des Indes, qui serait enviée
de nos plus élégantes Françaises. Les femmes malabardes, surchargées d‟anneaux, de bracelets d‟or et
d‟argent, de bagues à chaque doigt des pieds, la tête plus ornée par leurs beaux cheveux noirs que par l‟or
et les bijoux qu‟elles y entremettent.” Telle est la description que donne Jean Milbert dans son Voyage
Pittoresque à l‟île de France, au Cap de Bonne Espérance et à l‟île de Tenerife des Tamouls, qu‟il appelle
aussi Malabars parce qu‟ils viennent de la côte de Malabar, en Inde.
Jean Milbert était à Maurice entre 1803 et 1806. Ses écrits donnent une indication du niveau de vie alors
atteint par certains Tamouls dans l‟île. Cette communauté, venant de Pondichéry, de Karikal, de Yanaon
ou encore du Bengale, était bien implantée avec d‟autres groupes ethniques de l‟Inde, au Camp de l‟Est,
dit Camp des Malabars, dans les environs de l‟actuelle église Saint-François Xavier à Port-Louis.
Avec la loi de 1767, calquée sur une législation qui avait alors cours en Louisiane, l‟essor économique
des Tamouls “libres” débute. Dès lors, une troisième catégorie parmi les habitants émerge : les libres, les
gens de couleur et les Tamouls.
Propriéraires d’esclaves
A partir de cette date, ces derniers peuvent faire du commerce, être propriétaires de terre et propriétaires
d‟esclaves. Benjamin Moutou, historien contemporain, affirme que des documents attestent qu‟un certain
Joseph Moutou était déjà propriétaire d‟esclaves sous l‟occupation française.
Mais la présence des Tamouls “libres” ou “non libres” est cependant antérieure à la loi de 1767. Ces
derniers ont même joué un rôle important dans le développement de l‟île.
Certains documents révèlent que le 4 mars 1729, le vaisseau La Sirène arrive à Maurice avec des Indiens
de Pondichéry. Des contrats de travail sont signés par les artisans libres à partir de 1734. Le 9 avril de
cette année, Apen Canaury, un artisan indien de Pondichéry, signe un contrat de travail à l‟île de France.
D‟autres, Rama, Velle Chavry Apen and Afria Contreney Chinedou en font autant, souligne Sada Reddi,
professeur d‟histoire à l‟université de Maurice.
En 1776, les familles Paytanne, Paguy, Tandavarayen, Arnachelon et Chinaramen déposent des plaintes à
Pondichéry alléguant qu‟ils n‟ont pas reçu comme convenu de l‟argent de leurs parents établis à l‟île de
France. Des soldats indiens de Pondichéry sont également recrutés par la marine de guerre française dès
cette époque.
Au même moment, affirme Benjamin Moutou, d‟autres Tamouls arrivent en tant qu‟esclaves à la suite de
razzias à Chandernagore, Bengale, qui était alors une enclave française en Inde.
Le professeur Haudère dans un ouvrage publié en 1995 révèle que Mahé de Labourdonnais raconte dans
ses mémoires que lors d‟une mission à Pondichéry, on lui a promis “des gens appartenant à la caste des
scribes”. Gouverneur de l‟île de France de 1735 à 1746, Mahé de Labourdonnais cherchait en fait toute
une panoplie de travailleurs qualifiés pour le développement de l‟île.
Les artisans tamouls seront en partie responsables de la formation des esclaves. Les Tamouls libres sont
notamment des maçons, des tailleurs de pierre, des orfèvres et des charpentiers de marine mais aussi des
commerçants, des prêteurs sur gages, des “commis en écriture” et des fonctionnaires. Parmi ces derniers,
Denis Pitchen, qui sera payé par le gouvernement français pour s‟occuper du syndic des Malabars au
camp de l‟Est. La fortune de la famille Pitchen sera évaluée à huit millions de livres selon les recherches
de Sada Reddi.
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Influences sur la langue
Les Tamouls affecteront ainsi le parler créole. “Chali” pour parquet et “muruku”, “vindaye” et “rougaille”
s‟immiscent désormais dans la langue. L‟implantation des Tamouls à Maurice se poursuivra même après
la fin de la colonisation française.
En 1810, l‟île est conquise par les Anglais qui comptent parmi leurs troupes des Indiens : le Madras
Batallion Native Infantry, le Madras Engineers et le Madras Pioneer Corps. Pendant la colonisation
britannique, d‟autres Tamouls, des fonctionnaires, commerçants, propriétaires de terrains ou propriétaires
d‟esclaves arrivent dans l‟île suivis des laboureurs engagés en 1834.
En 1828 et 1837, on recense un nombre élevé de commerçants tamouls notamment Louis Ramsamy,
Appavou Francois Ayapa, Lafleur Perembelon et Baya, note l‟historien Sada Reddi. Figurent également
de nouvelles familles telles que Sinatambou, Chetty, Potochetty, Ramchetty, Soucramanien, Veliavel
Annasamy, Moutousamy et Virapa. La famille Sinatambou construit le premier temple tamoul en 1850 à
Terre-Rouge.
De 1834 à 1870, les Tamouls assoient leur religion sur des bases solides avec des temples et des
kalimayes dans les régions rurales et urbaines. Le cavadee et la marche sur le feu sont très populaires et
les processions du cavadee inspirent les hindouistes non-tamouls à célébrer des festivités à l‟échelle
nationale.
“If Pongal and Deepavalli have survived, it is largely due to them – the Tamil merchants. Sankranti was
almost inexistent among the Hindi-speaking until Basdeo Bissoondoyal popularized it in the 1940‟s”,
écrit Uttama Bissoondoyal. Plus près de nous, ce sont les Modeliar, Renganaden Seeneevassen, et
Veerasamy Ringadoo, entres autres, qui marqueront les 19e et 20e siècles de leur présence la politique
mauricienne.
La diaspora tamoule aujourd‟hui dans le monde représente 1,9 millions de personnes, installées entre
l‟Afrique du Sud, la Grande-Bretagne, la Malaisie, et bien d‟autres pays. Grâce à l‟établissement de
liaisons aériennes avec le Tamil Nadu, elles ont l‟occasion comme les Mauriciens de retrouver leurs
racines et de renouer avec leurs origines.
Un art pour atteindre le Suprême
CULTE
Le Cavadee, un art pour atteindre le suprême, tel est l‟essence même de ce culte dédié au Dieu
Subramaniam ou Muruga. Hérité des temps anciens, tout en résistant aux divers courants philosophiques
qui ont influencé la vie religieuse en Inde, le Cavadee, très populaire dans le Sud, plus précisément dans
le Tamil Nadu, a franchi les frontières pour influencer considérablement les manifestations religieuses à
Maurice.
Enrichir sa vie intérieure
Comme toute autre célébration dans l‟hindouisme, le Cavadee est célébré à un jour précis. Il est lié à
l‟idée des temps sacrés. Certaines périodes, certains jours sont exceptionnels ou propices de par leurs
liens étroits avec le rythme de la nature. Ainsi le moment propice pour célébrer le Thai Poossam Cavadee
est lorsque l‟étoile Poosam coïncide avec la pleine lune au mois de Thai. Aussi une entreprise d‟ordre
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No. 4 28th January 2012
socio-religieux sous forme de purification telle que le jeûne, la prière et le pèlerinage précède le jour
choisi. Ces instants qui rompent avec la monotonie quotidienne de la vie visent non seulement à créer une
source d‟énergie et d‟inspiration nouvelle mais aussi à enrichir la vie intérieure et aident à se parfaire
spirituellement. Car rien n‟est accessible sans la grâce divine.
Murugu, Nature et Beauté
Dans les premiers textes sacrés Muruga est décrit comme le fruit d‟une dévotion ardente. Il est Murugu
qui signifie la Beauté suprême. Son culte renvoie à l‟univers de la nature et s‟exprime à travers les arts
que sont la musique, la danse et la sculpture (yota…). Muruga est monté sur un paon. La danse de cet
oiseau, symbole même de la beauté, est avant tout, une expression cosmique. Ainsi le Cavadee, dès son
origine, était une expression esthétique.
Le Cavadee : un objet d’art
L‟élément central du Cavadee est un morceau de bois transversal monté sur deux supports verticaux faits
de bois sculpté très élaboré. Le tout prenant la forme d‟une arche habillée d‟un morceau de soie rouge
brodé à la main. La position des plumes du paon qui décorent le Cavadee renvoie aux quatre points
cardinaux. Le Cavadee est un véritable objet d‟art. Celui qui le porte, en symbiose avec la beauté, se
laissait mener par la musique et la danse. Cette danse religieuse était avant tout un acte solitaire, une
expression de communion intense avec son Dieu. Et pour faire cette union avec le Suprême, le dévôt
apportait avec lui comme offrandes, les fruits de ses labeurs tels que le lait, le miel et le sucre.
Muruga, et les Tamouls à Maurice
A travers les multiples expressions artistiques dans la célébration du Cavadee, on retrouve aujourd‟hui à
Maurice cette union avec Muruga. Muruga et la culture tamoule ne font qu‟un. Les Tamouls fidèles à
l‟histoire de leur civilisation considèrent Muruga comme étant le créateur de la langue et de la culture
tamoules. Par conséquent, pour eux, Muruga occupe une place centrale dans le panthéon hindou. La place
importante accordée à Murugu dans les temples mauriciens et plus particulièrement au temple Kailasam
de Port-Louis, celui de Sivi Subramanien de Quatre Bornes et le fameux temple de Palani Andee de
Clémencia, en est la preuve. A vrai dire, s‟il faut faire une comparaison entre Maurice et l‟Inde
concernant les lieux sacrés de Muruga, on ne peut s‟empêcher de faire le rapprochement entre Palani – un
de ses sanctuaires les plus importants de l‟Inde – et le temple de Clémencia à Maurice. Au temple de
Clémencia, on trouve une réplique d‟une statue dont l‟origine se trouve à Palani en Inde. Ici comme à
Palani, Muruga est le Dieu des Dieux sous sa forme de „Dandhayu- thapani – le renoncement symbolisant
la connaissance absolue. Cette connaissance absolue est l‟essence de tout un chacun, nous enseignent les
sages.
Divers
Sri Mahamariamman Temple - Batu Caves
La Petite Histoire de Mont Roches Tamil Band
Sri Mahamariamman Temple - Batu Caves
Batu Caves is, without a doubt, one of Malaysia's most unique wonders. Its sheer natural beauty, with an
intricate network of tunnels and grottos carved into the stunning limestone face of a cliff wall, is awesome
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No. 4 28th January 2012
to behold. Yet that very beauty is enhanced by an air of quiet spiritualism that surrounds this unique
religious Hindu site.
Its status as one the most popular Hindu religious sites outside of India
can be traced back to the late 19th century, when an Indian trader
visited the caves and was inspired by the entrance of the main cave,
which reminded him of the vel, or spear, the potent symbol of the
Hindu deity Lord Murugan. In the years that followed, this Indian
trader founded a temple in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Mahamariamman
Temple, and installed a consecrated statue in the biggest cave within the
Batu Caves network. As time passed, the practise of celebrating
Thaipusam, a festival commemorating Lord Murugan's victory over a
demon, at Batu Caves gained hold and the caves grew in prominence as
a religious site.
Visiting Batu Caves is like undertaking a pilgrimage, as visitors have to
make their way up a flight of 272 steps in order to reach the entrance of
the caves. At the foot of the hills, a large golden statue of Lord
Murugan, the principal Hindu deity
connected to the site, stands, seemingly like a vigilant sentinel against unseen
evil. The cave temple complex, a total of three main caves and a couple of
smaller ones, is dominated by the biggest cave, known alternately as
Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave. This cave, with a 100 metre high ceiling
houses several shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. Other caves offer
interesting perspectives into the Hindu pantheon and myths, and are adorned
with statues of deities and paintings depicting the popular myth of Lord
Murugan.
La Petite Histoire de Mont Roches Tamil Band
With its natural beauty and religious significance, Batu Caves remains an
important and unique site in a country filled with a thousand sights and
sounds.
En 2009 La Mont Roches Tamil Band a célébrée son
Jubilé d‟Or- (cette année fera 53 ans) un long parcours
mais rempli de beaux souvenirs. Depuis ma tendre
enfance, j‟avais cette religieuse passion pour la musique
et rêvais toujours qu‟un jour je serais musicien. En 1959, à
peine sorti du collège, avec la précieuse aide de mon fidèle
ami d‟enfance, le regretté Samy Nursoo, je fondai le
MRTB.
Nous débutâmes humblement avec un harmonium et une
paire de tablas. Petit à petit d‟autres jeunes très
enthousiastes se joignirent à nous. Même avec le moyens de bords, nous réussissions à enrichir l‟orchestre
avec d‟autres équipements musicaux. Puis commencèrent l‟apprentissage et les répétitions assidues. Je
voudrais, ici, saluer l‟arrivée de ces trois jeunes filles, aujourd‟hui mariées- Mmes Kamla Chetty
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Moorghen, Anjalay Padiachy et Sidé Payen- qui de par leurs volontés et leurs participations actives
allaient donner une autre dimension à MRTB dans ces premières heures de lutte.
Le MRTB connut une première étape dure et lente et avait à lutter contre vents et marées pour sa survie ;
mais le MRTB ne se découragea pas et ne récula pas.
La persévérance allait porter ses fruits. Le clairon
sonné, les retentissements des instruments de
percussion entendus, le petit village de Mont Roches
allait se réveiller dans l‟émerveillement.
La consécration eut lieu en 1961 chez M.Munien
Ellengen lors du mariage de sa fille. De là, MRTB prit
son envol dans la direction du chemin de la gloire.
Durant les premières deux décennies, MRTB serait
très sollicité pour les mariages, les fiançailles et les
fêtes culturelles. En 1963, pour la fête de Varusha
Pirappu nous donnions un grand concert au Stade de
Rose Hill ; ensuite ce fut en l‟honneur de cette grande dame du Sud de l‟Inde- Mme Satiavanee Muthu,
Ministre de l‟Information ; puis on participait à ces grandes manifestations organisées en l‟honneur du
MGR,(ex Chef Ministre de Tamil Nadu) invité distingué, venu spécialement pour la fête de
l‟indépendance de l‟île Maurice et puis ce serait pour la artistes du Sud de l‟Inde venus pour le film
Festival en1981.
Le début des années 80 orienterait le MRTB dans un nouveau départ dans une nouvelle direction. En
1983, le MRTB fut choisi pour animer la compétition de Paadal Pottee. Le 2 Octobre de la même année,
nous organisions un grand Gala Cultural Show au Plaza sous le thème ; l‟Unité dans la Diversité. Nous
rencontrâmes un vif succès et nous eûmes droit à une longue ovation sous les applaudissements nourris de
l‟assistance. En 1984, pour marquer son 25 ème anniversaire, le MRTB quitta son sentier battu pour se
lancer dans une mission d‟une grande envergure : Propager la culture Tamoule dans les quatre coins de
l‟île par le biais des auditions musicales. Avec un programme bien étoffé, nous nous mîmes en route. La
première représentation eut lieu au Plaza. Coup d‟essai, coup de maître- un succès dépassant toute notre
attente. C‟était le prélude de notre longue tournée glorieuse. Du nord au sud , de l‟est à l‟ouest, MRTB
serait accueilli chaleureusement. Les salles étaient toujours pleines à craquer et les foules en délire. Cette
tournée restera à jamais graver dans l‟histoire de MRTB.
courageux frères et sœurs en particulier
au nord : les frères Caramben et Deva Collunday
Je saisis cette occasion pour exprimer mes profonds
remerciements et toute ma gratitude à cette merveilleuse
équipe de MRTB qui m‟est restée toujours très dévouée
et solidaire même dans les moments les plus difficiles-
Danny Dentès, Jean Koutoum, Iven Marguerite,
Ganessen Annavee, Kannadassen, Saraspadee et Pamela
Pyaneeandee, le trio Poomany-Kan, Vadee et Jeya-
Maligai Sanassee, Malini Nursoo et autres et un Vel
Mooken toujours en verve. Avec leur apport
indéfectible, MRTB a gravi tous les échelons pour se
hisser sur le podium aux côtés d‟autres grandes
formations musicales. Je ne pourrai jamais oublier ces
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No. 4 28th January 2012
au sud : R.des Anguilles : les frères Maroothan
Souillac : les frères Vayapooree
Chemin Grenier/Chamouny : Vella Ragaven, Seeneevassen Chellen et Ponsamy Samy, les frères
Chenganaïdoo Samoogon et Manikon qui se sont dévoués corps et âmes pour préparer la venue de
MRTB dans leur région respective. Aussi, pour chacune de nos représentations musicales dans leur
quartier, nous fûmes toujours envahis par une affluence enthousiaste. Je faillirai à mon devoir si je
n‟ajoute pas un petit mot de reconnaissance pour ma femme et mes enfants, surtout mes deux filles,
Saraspadee et Pamela et mon fils Sivamanee, sans oublier mon neveu Ganessen Annavee, pour leur total
et inconditionnel à mes côtés des années durant toutes les sorties de MRTB qu‟elles soient culturelles ou
religieuses. C‟est aussi avec une immense joie et une pensée spéciale que j‟adresse, au nom de MRTB et
en mon nom personnel, un grand BRAVO et nos remerciements les plus sincères à tous ces dévots de la
musique qui ont sacrifié leurs précieux temps et se sont dérangés en grand nombre pour venir à nos
auditions musicales.
Après cette épopée, je voudrais, sans prétentions aucune, lancer un humble appel à cette nouvelle
génération débordée d‟aspirations et d‟inspirations pour une prise de consience de l‟importance de l‟Unité
et de Solidarité pour l‟épanouissement de ma communauté Tamoule. Une connaissance de sa langue et de
sa culture donne à l‟individu, voire à la communauté un sentiment d‟appartenance à la nation. Toute l‟île
Maurice d‟aujourd‟hui reconnaît que l‟interdépendance des différentes communautés et leurs cultures
sont étroitements liées d‟un même destin. Alors, ensemble, partageons avec les autres communautés nos
riches valeurs culturelles pour contribuer dans un même élan à rendre notre île un potager adorable et une
île durable.
VAAZGA TAMIZE INAM VAAZGA TAMIZE MOZHI
Nandri, VanaKam
Moorgesh Pyaneeandee
Hommages
Hommage à mon grand-père
Canabady Pillay Chedumbrum
(20 Aout 1928 – 12 janvier 2012)
Je me permets pour ce mois-ci de faire le portrait de mon grand-père et de
rendre hommage à ce grand homme Canabady Pillay Chedumbrum qui s‟est
éteint le 12 Janvier 2012. L'homme que tu as été. Il y a beaucoup à dire ! 83
ans !
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No. 4 28th January 2012
Tu as été un époux exemplaire, pendant plus de soixante années, aimant et soutenant fidèlement ta chère
moitie, Deva..
Tu as été un père merveilleux et courageux, ne reculant devant aucun obstacle pour élever tes quatre
enfants dans la dignité..
Tu as été un grand-père extraordinaire pour nous, six petits-enfants et tu as aussi eu la joie de connaître
trois arrière-petits-enfants..
Oui, il tu as été ce chef de famille aimé et respecté.
Moi, comme un de tes petits-enfants, j‟ai eu le bonheur d‟avoir connu un homme bon, un homme de
cœur, un pilier pour la famille.
Tu as été le patriarche, l‟aïeul, celui qui nous ouvre la voie, qui nous accueille avec amour et tendresse et
nous apprend comment aimer…
On se souvient de tes histoires sur les différentes étapes de ta vie, de ta joie de vivre, de tes rires et de tes
blagues, mais aussi, de ton dur travail dans les plantations, de ton sacrifice pour ta famille. On se souvient
aussi de ta bénédiction combien symbolique pour nous tous et ta foie inébranlable en Dieu.
On se souvient également des parties de cartes. C‟est toi qui m‟a appris à jouer aux cartes.. je me
rappellerais toujours de cette période où tu m‟accompagnais à l‟école quand mes parents n‟étaient pas au
pays..
Tu nous racontais la belle histoire du Kovil Tookay de Camp-Diable, comment la construction s‟est faite
avec l‟aide „des blancs‟, comme tu les appelais.. comment a l‟époque, le dialogue se faisait entre planteurs
et patrons des usines sucrières, pour le progrès économique et social du pays.. Tu as été si fière quand le
Kovil a été reconstruit quelques années de cela et tu y allais à pied jusqu‟à tout récemment. Tu es
probablement la seule personne qui connaisse intimement l‟histoire de ce Kovil à Maurice..
Tu nous a transmis ta simplicité, ton amour et ton goût de vivre mais surtout les valeurs éternelles.…
Même si tu n‟as pas été au collège, tu lisais toujours le journal et tu nous encourageais à apprendre
pour devenir des professionnels que nous sommes maintenant et aujourd‟hui, je fais de même avec mes
enfants..
Nous sommes privilégiés d‟avoir eu comme grand-père un homme de grande valeur et un érudit de la
langue tamoule. Nous sommes tristes aujourd‟hui car notre perte est immense. Personne ne pourra
combler ce vide. Nous garderons à tout jamais le souvenir émouvant de cet homme simple, souriant et
généreux et d‟une personne de grande bonté. Au revoir grand-père.. Tu me manqueras beaucoup mais je
suis sure que Dieu t‟as déjà accueilli.
Ton petit-enfant, Kobashni
Le rôle des grands-parents
Bien souvent, les grands-parents sont sollicités pour jouer les nounous. Pour garder les petits-enfants,
lorsque l‟un d‟entre eux est malade et ne peut se rendre à l‟école.. Mais ils sont plus que ça.. ils sont les
piliers de la famille! Ils entretiennent la solidarité au sein de la famille et tissent des liens essentiels avec
leurs petits-enfants. Des liens qui grandissent avec le temps. Car ils partagent ensemble des moments
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No. 4 28th January 2012
privilégiés, des activités comme la cuisine, le jardinage, les ballades... Les grands-parents sont pour eux
non seulement des partenaires dans les moments de loisir, mais aussi des confidents, des « transmetteurs »
de valeurs, des témoins de l‟histoire… et parfois même des médiateurs entre eux et leurs parents..
Donnons aux grands parents tout le respect qu‟ils méritent et aussi une place importante dans nos cœurs
car c‟est seulement quand ils ne sont plus là qu‟on réalise à quel point ils nous sont chers.
Hommages
Potri Om Nama Shivaya
Shivaya Nama Om
In Memory of Ponsamy Cunjamalay
(also known as Pynee)
This has been a few days since you suddenly left us, it‟s very difficult to accept this departure and to
think that you will no more be among us.
May your soul rest in peace and that from where you are you‟ll bless your two sons and will always guide
them to take the right path.
We are thankful to the personnel of J. Nehru Hospital, Clinic Darné and Dr Adan
From your wife Malini, your two sons Vegen and Bryan and Mayom, Vayron, Rajesh, Padmini, and all
brothers, sisters, in-laws and all the family.
Published by Pathirikai®
Chief Editor
D. Venethethan
chief.editor@pathirikai.com
http://www.pathirikai.com
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