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 There were several landmarks in Nanganallur at one time. Some of them have perished. One such spot of great significance, which has sunk into oblivion, is the banyan tree on the 4th Main Road.
This 'banyan tree' witnessed several spiritual and social activities under its leafy roof. The tree must be several years old and used to be a meeting place for several old people. Since it stood like a sentinel guarding the Ardhanareeswarar Temple adjoining the tank bund, people tired from walking from the railway station used it as a 'stopover' place for resting.
Since the roads were perennially bad, the discomfort during walking (trekking) was mitigated by the cool shade of the banyan tree. Travel weary people carrying luggage in both hands sat beneath the tree to heave a temporary sigh of relief. After a while they proceeded on their homeward journey.
The banyan tree used to be called the 'geriatric ward' of Nanganallur. Many pensioners used to discuss their domestic problems there with their friends. Sensitive issues were discussed at great length. The duel between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was one of the topics of discussion.
The bnyan tree, a la marriage mart, has witnessed many marriages being settled there. Exchanging of horoscopes was a common sight there. The families of the boy and the girl were scrutinised under the shade of the tree.
The gatherings under the tree gained momentum only in the evenings after 5 p.m. Taking a stroll, the grand old men of Nanganallur used to settle down there eagerly waiting for their friends. People from different parts of Nanganallur used to converge on the market area which housed the magical tree.
The government employees used to be obsessed with the intricate pension scheme. The government financial budget and family financial budget would be discussed in great detail. The spendthrift children and lavish ministers would be chided by the elders who would compare their good old days with the present-day.
Since the banyan tree is linked to religious beliefs, the icons of Naga Devathas were installed on all sides of the tree. It looked as if the Naga icons were embracing the tree. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that barren women will beget children when they circumambulate the tree in the mornings and many women have circled this tree. The morning air enveloping the banyan tree is believed to be pristine, pure and redolent with medical properties.
The Tamil months of Thai (January 15 - February 15) and Aadi (July 15 - August15) were carnival time here. Women used to make a beeline to do pooja to the tree and the Nagas on the Fridays of these two months. Women, young and old, wearing traditional sarees, crowded at the tree to perform 'abishekam (holy bath) to the Nagas and distributed thamboolam to other women gathered there. There was such a rush that ther used to be a milk river trickling down the road.
The banyan tree was a mute witness to the all spiritual and mundane activities. The widening of the 4th Main Road spelt doom for Nanganallurvasis. The tree had to be felled much to the chagrin of the residents.
The banyan tree at Adyar witnessed many important events and personalities using its shade; similarly, the banyan tree at Nanganallur was an important spot, enticing the passersby to relax under its shade.
The meeting place of friends is no longer there. Most of us mourn its irreparable loss as it had assumed great significance in our lives.
UshaRaja
Plot-93-D,
Second Main road,
Nanganallur,
Chennai-600061.
usharaja60@hotmail.com
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The banyan tree
