Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by the Indian community. Thaipusam is observed annually during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai in January or February, and this year it falls on February 5. It’s time to pray to Lord Murugan for good health, prosperity, and forgiveness in the coming year.
Here are some facts you might not be aware of Thaipusam
Where is Thaipusam celebrated widely?
Thaipusam is celebrated worldwide. Malaysia, Singapore and India are some countries where Thaipusam is celebrated grandly and it is also a noticeable festival.
Who is Lord Murugan?
Murugan is a Hindu deity. Kartikeya, Subhramanya, Skanda, Shanmuka (Shamuga), Subhramanian, Sadhana, Guha, Sentil, Saravana, and Kumaraswamy are some of his other names. Furthermore, He is the son of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati, and he is regarded as the epitome of bravery and intelligence. By the same token, this is revered as a god of war and victory. He is also the brave leader of the deva forces and was created to destroy demons, which represent human negative tendencies.
Lord Murugan wields a’vel,’ or spear, in one hand. This spear was bestowed upon him by his mother, the Goddess Parvati, and represents her shakti or spiritual power. By all means, Thaipusam is said to commemorate the day she gave the spear to Murugan. His other hand is in the abhayamudra, or “protection from fear” gesture. This mudra represents fearlessness, reassurance, safety, bliss, and spiritual protection. He rides a peacock, which represents piety and the subjugation of all sexual desires. The peacock itself holds a serpent in its claws, representing the annihilation of bad habits and all negative influences.
What is Kavadi?
Kavadi bearers abstain from all forms of luxury and desire for 48 days leading up to the festival. They fast and eat only vegetarian foods. As a result, devotees purify and balance their inner selves in preparation for their encounter with the Divine. As the deity’s energies flow through them, participants frequently enter a trance, a divine state known as ‘arul vaku’ (trance of grace). Entranced devotees appear to have transcendent powers, allowing them to be pierced with hooks, spears, and vels without feeling pain or bleeding. On Thaipusam, Kavadi bearers shave their heads and take a purifying bath before embarking on a padayatra (foot pilgrimage) to the shrine bearing offerings.
Types of Kavadi?
- Thol Kavadi
- Paal Kavadi
- Shadal Kavadi or also known as Mayal Kavadi
- Alavu Kavadi
- Vette Mulle
- Koodam Mulle
Why carry milk offerings during Thaipusam?
Another popular form of offering during Thaipusam is the Paal Kudam (Milk Offering). The Paal Kudam refers to carrying paal (milk) in a kudam (vessel in the shape of a pot) on one’s head to be offered to Lord Murugan. The priest will then use this milk to perform Paal Abhishegam. Abhishegam is a Hindu ritual in which a sacred substance – in this case, milk – is poured on the deity as an offering while mantras are chanted. Lord Murugan accepting the milk is an acknowledgement of the devotee’s prayer.
How is Thaipusam celebrated in Kuala Lumpur?
Early in the morning, around 4 a.m., devotees begin preparations. The procession begins at Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, and includes the use of a silver chariot. In essence, the chariot is loaded with statues of Lord Murugan and his two consorts and driven to Batu Caves temple, where it arrives around noon.
The chariot, which was first used in 1893 and cost RM350,000 to build, is made of 350 kilogrammes of silver. It stands about 6.5 metres (21 feet) tall and has 240 bells on it. It is made up of 12 parts that were manufactured in India. When they arrived in Malaysia in 1893, they were shipped and assembled.
Generally speaking, if you plan to visit Batu Caves during the Thaipusam festival, it is best to go early in the morning or late in the evening because it can get quite hot during the day.
π Be Smarts wishes you a Happy Thaipusamπ
πββοΈ π₯ Vel Vel πββοΈ π₯
