Shirva: Gabriel’s love for tree, communal harmony

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Shirva, 10 May 2012: In Heroor Grama near Shirva, Gabriel Nazareth has shown his love towards the Ashwatha tree and thus have created communal harmony. He has restored a 150 year old tree, making it worthy for all the nature lovers to bask in its shade and more particularly for Hindus, those who have special religious sentimental attachment to the Ashwatha tree to worship and offer their prayers as per their beliefs and traditions.

 

 
Though, Ashwatha tree is being worshiped by Hindus, may be because this tree was on the land of an Christian, it was left as it is. Nazareth has been always thinking to restore it and make it worthy for public. For this purpose as per the treditions he had consultation with the eminent Astrologer Nitte Prasanna Acharya. In ‘Managala Prashne’ he received direction to facilitate worship of the tree and cleansing the area around the tree. Local Youth joined hands in this exercise and Mr. Nazreth spent from his own resources to meet the expenses of the renovation.

 
A beautiful katte (Platform) was built around the tree and sufficient place was allocated for doing pradakshine (Walk around). Interlock blocks were laid on the ground. The area was fenced and cordoned off, granite benches were laid for the people to sit and relax and a roof made of tin sheet was erected to guard against rain and sunlight. Normally it has been a practice to build the katte with stone or cement concrete but here a miniature temple has been built to protect the Ashwatha tree which is on the verge of extinction.

 
As per the direction of Nitte Acharya on Monday the Ashwatha Gudi was inaugurated. The religious ceremonies such as Ganahoma, Ashwatha Pooje and Maha Pooje were conducted. Spending about rupees 2 lakhs for all these Nazreth organized everything and also arranged for the Anna Prasada to the hundreds of people who attended this occasion.

 
Nazreth who is running workshop in Mumbai since 38 years have provided employment to many youths. 68 years of age Nazreth is unmarried. He says that he has done this for the environment, development of the village and for his self satisfaction. The enthusiasm and the cooperation of the youths of the village has made him happy, he said.