Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 15, 2008
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Online edition of India's National Newspaper Friday, Feb 15, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version |
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Tamil Nadu
ENDURING EDIFICE: Silladi Dargah, which was renovated recently, stands on the shores of Nagore in Nagapattinam district. NAGAPATTINAM: More than four and half centuries old, Silladi Dargah, on the shores of Nagore, has been given a facelift, thanks to the liberal contribution from philanthropists. The December 2004 tsunami devastated the coastal Nagore, killing hundreds of people. But the dargah was not damaged although seawater engulfed the entire premises. It has now been renovated at a cost of several lakhs of rupees with funds donated by devotees. Pilgrims, who visit Nagore Dargah, also make a journey to Silladi dargah as they believe that offering prayers there cures one of all ailments. Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali, popularly known as Nagore Andavar, offered prayers daily at Silladi Dargah. The death anniversary of the saint is celebrated as ‘Kandoori’ festival every year. The highlight of the festival is the participation of a large number of Hindus along with Muslims. People of both communities take bath in the ‘peerkulam’ (holy tank) in Nagore Dargah. There is a belief that the tank water has curative powers. Donated by Hindu kingThe dargah is a symbol of communal harmony as it stands on land donated by Hindu king Achuthappa Naicken of Thanjavur to saint Shahul Hameed in the 16th century. The dargah has a golden dome flanked by five minarets. Four of them — Sahib Minara (77 feet tall), Thalaimattu Minara (93.5 feet), Muthubaq Minara (93.25 feet) and Ottu Minara (80 feet) — are within the shrine. The fifth, Periya Minara (131 feet), was built by Prathab Singh, Mahratta king of Thanjavur, in front of the shrine. The dargah shows strong Hindu influences both in architecture and rituals such as applying sandal paste, pouring holy water and tonsuring the head. Musical instruments such as nagaswaram and shahnai are played at the dargah. When saint Shahul Hameed came to Thanjavur on a pilgrimage, he cured the illness of King Achuthappa Naicken. A grateful king gifted lands to the saint, who spent the rest of his life in the area serving all the people irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. After he passed away at the age of 68, his body was entombed at Nagore. The dargah is located on a sprawling five acre site near the beach. A large congregation of devotees from all religions visit Silladi Dargah every Thursday.
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