The fingerprint code

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It is an occult science, which challenges the scientific human rationales like none other. Nadi Shastra or palm leaf astrology first evokes curiousity, then suspicion, and finally conviction. Nadi in Tamil means ‘destined’. Therefore, only those who are destined to know about their past, present and future will approach the Nadi reader at a pre-destined age and pre-destined time. There are no advertisements to lure them. Word of mouth is enough.

And all you need to part with is your thumbprint! Once the leaf matching your thumbprint is found, the Nadi reader checks with you — your as well as your grandfather’s names, about your family and your present state of affairs. There are no questions asked, only statements made. You simply have to answer yes or no. And if they have found your leaf right, you answer only affirmatively.

Legend has that 2,000 years ago Agastya Rishi, using his divine insights, wrote about the seven births of every human being in an ancient Tamil script, vatta ezhuthu. The script can be deciphered only by expert Nadi readers. About 300 years ago King Sarabhoji made copies from the original leaves. It is these copies that are today used for interpretation.

Though Tamil Nadu is still regarded as the rightful heir to the science, in due course of time, the palm leaves scattered all over India.

The state government too is trying to promote tourism based on Nadi Shastra. Situated 24 km from Chidambaram, Vaitheeswaran Koil is famous for this occult science. Palm leaves are still said to be preserved in the Saraswati Mahal Library in Thanjavur.

“Written in a poetic format, it needs considerable training to achieve expertise in reading Nadis. The skill has been handed down from generation to generation as an inheritance. We train men rigorously for five years before allowing them to read the Nadis,” says K M Ramaswaami who manages the Agasthiya Nadi Jothidam in Chennai.

With a strength of ten readers, Jothidam receives between 40 to 70 people in a week seeking to know their destiny. However almost 50 per cent of the people return disappointed, as a lot of palm leaves have been damaged over time.