Born Hasan, this septuagenarian’s heart also beats for Lord Shiva
LUCKNOW: At a time when politics of hate is filling up the air space, this story of a Muslim man showing reverence towards Lord Shiva in his own little way offers hope.
Meet Noorul Hasan, 75, who will be felicitated by trustees of a 200-year-old Shivalaya temple at Sadar on Monday, the Mahashivratri day.
“We will first perfor m a ‘mahaabhishek’ and thereafter Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma will felicitate Hasan, who has often played the role of ‘Nandi’ (ardent follower of Shiva) for the temple,” says Awnish Kumar Agarwal, an office-bearer of the temple trust.
Hasan not only shares the boundary wall of his house with the temple but has been closely associated with the temple for years and has contributed immensely towards its restoration.
“From allowing space for preparation of the temple bhog, to ensuring full time water supply from his house for the ‘abhishek’ and prayers, monitoring day-to-day activities to playing an important role in trust’s decisions, Hasan has been doing it all,” claims Agarwal.
A businessman by profession, Hasan says, "I have been seeing this temple for very long now. It was in bad shape. But when the temple trust decided to go for its restoration, we decided to do our best to facilitate it."
Agarwal says: "We call him ‘chacha’ and can proudly say that temple restoration could not have been possible without his support. He has closely monitored the construction and ensured that construction material wasn’t wasted or stolen. He would facilitate water supply from his house to ensure that the construction process goes on smoothly.”
On growing intolerance in the country, Hasan says: "My family believes that every religion should be respected. And there should not be any restriction on people to contribute their bit for any religion. With all respect, we do as much as we can for the temple."
Hasan along with his sons and daughters-in-law eats the ‘prasad’ and attends all the mega events hosted by the temple.
"Keeping in mind his support we have decided to felicitate him on the occasion of Mahashivratri,” says Rajesh Chandra Agarwal, another office-bearer of the temple trust.
Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma will be doing the honour, says Agarwal.
The temple has replicas of all 12 ‘Jyotirlings’ and many come here for prayers.
“The idols were brought from Jaipur to give a new look and theme to the temple that lay unattended for many years,” says a trustee.
My family believes that every religion should be respected. And there should not be any restriction on people to contribute their bit for any religion. With all respect, we do as much as we can for the temple
NOORUL HASAN