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Advice from Tirupura Mami on 15-May-2002
Maami is an astrologer and earns her wherewithal from her profession. She earns her bread and all the money that she needs for helping the poor and for what she spends on temples. But she doesn't demand a fee. That is anathema to her. She is satisfied with whatever is given to her by her clients. Anything, even if it is two rupees she doesn't grumble and accepts it with the same grace and smile of contentedness. If at all she demands anything from her clients, it would be nothing other than what is required for her service. All her savings go to the poor or to the Tirupaachur Temple, coming under the Tiruthani Devasthanam. Tiripura Maami has so far saved Rs.60,000/- with her scant earnings. Her dream is to save another 40,000 to make it a lakh and create a permanent fixed deposit, the proceeds of which would go to the Tirupaachur Temple. She says that she learnt astrology from several saints in the Himalayas. Quite a few private TV channels have telecast an interview with her. Magazines have carried her interviews and articles. Here is an extract from an interview with her. For how many years now have you been in the profession of astrology? For the past ten years. But I have become popular only for the past 7 years. Where in Himalayas did you learn astrology? I learnt it when I was residing in the Tibetan border. Maami, you speak English so well and fluently. How did you learn English? (Maami hesitates for a while before answering.) I did my B.A. in the year 1937. But I don't usually tell anyone that I am a graduate, just because I avoid such kind of publicity. What is the reason behind your choosing the Tirupaachur Temple to be the beneficiary of your savings? Because I am a devotee of Tirupaachur Vigneshwara. There are 11 idols of Vigneshwara installed in this temple, which is something very unique. What kinds of works are going on in Tirupaachur temple? We mainly engage in clearing the wild growth around the temple. My clients, residing in India as well as abroad, happily extend me a helping hand in this service. Are you extending your services to any temple other than the one in Tirupaachur? Yes. To be specific, we performed the kumbabishekam of Kadaladi temple, near Tiruvannamalai, with the help and support of general public. I do whatever little I can to few other temples too. What are the other services you render, Maami? I collect and distribute the clothing required for those afflicted by leprosy. I also distribute milk powder and other eatables to them. I do this every week, on Tuesdays. And how about orphanages and poor houses? I am a committee member of Karunai Illam, Karunya Illam, Kaakkum Karangal etc. I arrange for a day's meal for all the inmates, twice a month. And then I give the children in the orphanages their uniform, fees etc.
I don't think it is wrong in any way. Astrology helps you to understand what lies in store and take precautionary measures to prevent or at least minimise its effects. That would also help the pupil to become religious. I personally welcome this move. What is the method of astrology that you adopt? I adopt our ancient system. My predictions are based on the date and year of birth. I don't believe in Tantra or sorcery. People belonging to all religions come to me for predictions. If they happen to be Muslims, I send them to their mosques and dharga. Whenever a couple come to me with strong differences of opinion, I try my level best to bring them together. What do you charge for your predictions? I don't ask for any specific amount. Whatever is given to me by my clients is acceptable to me. Even when people come forward to give money, I tell them to get me things that are needed for renovation of temple and such other articles. Maami smiles happily. What an ideal life to lead, and at such an advanced age! Tiripura Sundari Maami can be contacted at the following address. Tiripura Sundari --Saravanan
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Her name is Tiripura Sundari, fondly known as Tiripura Maami by her neighbours. She is past eighty and lives in Mandaiveli. You can find her in almost any temple in Chennai. Of course it is not unusual to find people of her age to visit temples. But what is more unusual is that she is very silently carrying out a mission to help the poor - financially - and also in contributing her mite for renovation and other related works of temples.
What do you think about the recent move of the government to include astrology in the school syllabi?
