This morning being quite cool, I visited her abode in Sg Pari and was surprised to learn from the 1st Mrs Kumar - her name's Selvi - that the 1st week of March should mark the start of a festival celebrating the Mother Goddess.
She did not seem quite clear about the dates but from what I gathered, there would be a short weekend of festivities involving a goat sacrifice. A couple of weeks later, devotees would throng another temple dedicated to Kali down Jalan Sg Pari opposite the Buntong Police Station. With a climactic finish at the 'male' temple dedicated to Muneshwar just a stone's throw away.
"That seems to coincide with my birthday next month. Are the temples within walking distance?" I could hardly believe this dramatic news: I made this 2nd visit on just a whim.
"That seems to coincide with my birthday next month. Are the temples within walking distance?" I could hardly believe this dramatic news: I made this 2nd visit on just a whim.
"They are just 20 minutes away if you walk briskly!" Selvi challenged.
When I returned from my trek down Jalan Sg Pari, I was not surprised to see Kumar, having been told by Selvi that he would usually drop by mornings.
Apparently he's no longer trancing as deeply as he used to. The reason? He's had a toe removed a year ago, a necessary operation brought about by diabetes. He grumbled about it to Kali who reminded him to take care of his bodily health.
One benefit, if one could call it that, to visitors who seek Kali's advice is that the Mother Goddess now speaks in English through Kumar while he remains in a light trance.
"She's right beside him," Selvi reassured me. "It's just that no one is able to see her."
"People come for help from Penang to Johor Bahru and Singapore, and from as far away as England," Kumar confirmed. "They write emails to the temple address."
"How do people know of Kali's power and chrisma?" I asked.
"By word of mouth, from references by grateful people who have benefited from Amma's advice and guidance. Wayward children have reformed, got on with their studies and prospered. And needless to say, we all have to exercise patience in the face of life's adversities."
"Ah, so her power remains undiminished since I first met you in the '80s. I wonder if I may introduce a friend who seems unsure of her future direction."
"By all means, just give me a call, and I would be ever willing to help," Kumar empathized. "When she turns up, I'll need to know her date of birth for a start."
"Thank you Kumar for your kind offer. I shall try to arrange a meeting later."
With that, we said goodbye. He hopped on his motor-bike and shot off.
The equally mild-mannered Selvi proceeded, with the help of an assistant, to push her 3-wheeled cart up the short slope out of the temple grounds: she sells iced drinks at the nearby school.
Another world, that of the WWW and computer games, exists at the cyber cafe where I write this. But you may not encounter there the serenity and contentment of those who live quite simply with Kali for companionship, down in that quiet lane in the shadow of Sg Pari Tower.
Apparently he's no longer trancing as deeply as he used to. The reason? He's had a toe removed a year ago, a necessary operation brought about by diabetes. He grumbled about it to Kali who reminded him to take care of his bodily health.
One benefit, if one could call it that, to visitors who seek Kali's advice is that the Mother Goddess now speaks in English through Kumar while he remains in a light trance.
"She's right beside him," Selvi reassured me. "It's just that no one is able to see her."
"People come for help from Penang to Johor Bahru and Singapore, and from as far away as England," Kumar confirmed. "They write emails to the temple address."
"How do people know of Kali's power and chrisma?" I asked.
"By word of mouth, from references by grateful people who have benefited from Amma's advice and guidance. Wayward children have reformed, got on with their studies and prospered. And needless to say, we all have to exercise patience in the face of life's adversities."
"Ah, so her power remains undiminished since I first met you in the '80s. I wonder if I may introduce a friend who seems unsure of her future direction."
"By all means, just give me a call, and I would be ever willing to help," Kumar empathized. "When she turns up, I'll need to know her date of birth for a start."
"Thank you Kumar for your kind offer. I shall try to arrange a meeting later."
With that, we said goodbye. He hopped on his motor-bike and shot off.
The equally mild-mannered Selvi proceeded, with the help of an assistant, to push her 3-wheeled cart up the short slope out of the temple grounds: she sells iced drinks at the nearby school.
Another world, that of the WWW and computer games, exists at the cyber cafe where I write this. But you may not encounter there the serenity and contentment of those who live quite simply with Kali for companionship, down in that quiet lane in the shadow of Sg Pari Tower.
I'll confirm the festival details later but meanwhile here's a link to the temple locations.
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| Lord Muneshwar resplendent in his temple |
