NEW CAR PRAYERS AND PEACE

George Town : Thee advent of technology has made us discard many superstitions and rituals which we may not find practical anymore.

However, there are still many whose beliefs and faiths have not changed, such as a couple who only wanted to be known as Nicholas and Melissa.

They were spotted at the century-old Waterfall Shree Muniswarar Temple to seek divine blessings for their new BMW.

Office executive Nicholas, 30, said he is not a religious man but he believes in such blessings.

''In today's world, people may find my beliefs to be 'outdated', just because I am educated and doing well for myself.

''The blessings will give me peace of mind and the security that I will be safe while driving,'' he said when met the temple recently.

The temple is famous in the  northern region for those wanting to bless their new vehicles.

Company executive Lena Gan, 44, who was also at the temple, said this was her third car which she had brought to be blessed at the temple.

Temple priest P. Somusundaram, 52, said at least eight to 10 cars would come on weekdays  and  about 15 during weekends.

Many come from as far away as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Johar, especially during weekends.

''Not all are new cars, as would come to seek blessings after their cars were involved in a minor accident.

''The charge for the blessings are on a donation basis,'' he said.