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Fridays for Goddess Amman, Sundays for Virgin Mary

Even as parts of the country are witnessing atrocities against minorities, a chicken-shop owner in Madras stands out as a symbol of secularism by wearing a cross around his neck and sporting a huge tilak on his forehead.

Born and brought up in an orthodox Roman Catholic family, Peter had turned a staunch devotee of Amman ever since the goddess "chose" him a decade ago to help the needy through Her divine spirit.

For the 35-year-old truly secular man, Fridays are devoted to Goddess Amman and Sundays to Virgin Mary.

Hundreds of people throng his house in Adyar here on Fridays to listen to his prophecies.

"Christianity preaches love and purity in life and Amman is no exception", he says.

Peter, who has been helping a large number of people through the power of Amman, says he never cheats people nor collects money in return for a favour.

UNI

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