Metro

Saturday May 17, 2008

Braving all odds to write book

By K. KASTURI DEWI


DEVOTEES scolded her for taking photographs during temple ceremonies. She also received a ticket for speeding while trying to make it to an appointment and some temple officials even asked her for money to hand over old photographs of temples.

But all these did not hinder thevaram (Tamil religious songs) teacher Anjalai Devi Nadarajan, 53, from pursuing her call to write a book on Hindu temples, functions and festivals in Penang titled Hindu Endowment Board and Chettiar Temples of Penang (Volume One).

“I just felt like it was a calling for me to write this book and I was guided by God,'' said Anjalai who took two and half years to do her research and complete the book.

Anjalai said the other reason why she decided to write the book was because she had read a lot of books written about Hindu temples and functions by non-Hindu writers.

“It was time for a Hindu to write about Hindu temples and ceremonies because a Hindu devotee would have a deeper understanding of the faith,'' she added.

She said initially she had planned for the book to be a pictorial compilation meant for foreign tourists but during the course of her research, she realised that Hindus here had a thirst for understanding and getting to know the religion better.

Anjalai’s book features stories and pictures of 14 temples in Penang and the festivals celebrated at these temples.

To have a better understanding of the festivals and functions at the temples, Anjalai had to personally attend each and every one of the festivals and functions.

Anjalai said she spent more than RM30,000 to come out with the book and initially printed 2,000 copies which would be sold at RM30 per copy after the book is launched on May 17 by Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy at 7pm at the Wisma Natukottai Chettiar on New Lane.

Part of proceeds from the sale of the book would be contributed to the temples.

Anjalai also said she had plans to work on her second book fea-turing the other temples in Penang but she was currently looking for sponsors. She can be contacted at 012-4296237.

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