A prayer for our furry friends

CHENNAI: On Sunday, at 8 am, it will be your dogs, cats, birds and other pets that take the pride of place as priest Santhanagopala Iyer conducts a special puja at the ancient Ganesha idol located under the peepul tree at C P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, Alwarpet. A puja that's really special since it's meant to invoke the blessings of the lord not just for humans but also their four-legged companions.
For, October 4 is observed globally as World Animal Welfare Day. And this year, special prayers are being organised in temples and churches across the city to mark the occasion. "It's the feast day of St Francis of Assissi, who is regarded as the patron saint of animals; it was also on this day in 1968 that we got the Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals to gazette their first set of rules on animal experimentation in India," says Chinny Krishna, chairman, Blue Cross of India. "So we thought we should organise something special."
At the C P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, prayers will be offered to Lord Ganesha and Bhairavar, a form of Shiva where he is always accompanied by dogs. The priest will also recite some slokas from the suryanamaskaram, which refers to the sun being the orginator and life-giver to all creatures on earth. "Animals have never been excluded in our tradition, the kolam we draw in the morning with rice flour is actually meant for ants to feed on," says Nanditha Krishna, director of C P Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation. So, people are most welcome to bring along their pets for the puja. There are only two rules all dogs have to be on a leash and no caged birds are allowed.
At noon on the same day, at the San Thome Cathedral Basilica, a special service has been organised by Blue Cross volunteer Mark Rozario. "There will be prayers, singing and sermon after which the animals will be blessed," says Father S Kanikairaj, parish priest. A section of seats towards the entrance of the church will be reserved for people coming with pets.
"God has created everything in this world, including animals and we need to respect all forms of life," says Father Kanikairaj. "We will pray to God to not just protect animals but also give people the desire to take care of them." Prayers are also being organised at the Jain temples at GN Chetty Road and Chintradipet though pet animals are not allowed inside.
"It's a really great idea as it's a special day to honour all living things. And remember that animals have spirits and souls too," says Anandaroopa, who is planning to attend the special service at San Thome with Devi, his Romanian crossbreed dog.
priya.menon@timesgroup.com