Thaipusam

A little bird told me.....

Thaipusam is round the corner. Once again, Batu Caves which is approximately 15km north of KL will be filled to the brim with both devotees and tourists (local and foreign) with plenty of activities abound.

What exactly is the story behind this massive celebration? Perhaps this article from the New Straits Times would shed some light particularly to those who are rather curious with this phenomenal turn out annually.....

Celebrating power of good over evil

2010/01/29

By Ling Poh Lean and Nusaybah Mohd Asri

PETALING JAYA: Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by Hindus during the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai which is usually in the month of January or February.It is celebrated in conjunction with the birth of Hindu god Lord Muruga, the youngest son of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati.

Mythologies have it that a long, long time ago, the world was torn apart by an infernal war between the Devas (celestial beings) and the Asuras (evil forces or demons).

Tired of constant attacks from the Asuras, the Devas paid homage to Lord Shiva and asked for his protection. Moved by their plight, Lord Shiva agreed to help the hapless Devas.

Lord Shiva opened the central eye on his forehead, radiating six sparks of fire. At the convergence of these sparks and through a series of celestial transformation, Lord Muruga appeared.

Lord Muruga brought forward this powerful divine personality to defeat the tyrannous Soorapadme -- the meanest and most powerful of the Asuras.

Armed with a Nyanya Vel (golden spear) presented to him by Lord Shiva, Lord Muruga went into battle with the evil forces.

Finally, Lord Muruga slew Soorapadme. The divine converted one portion of the slain enemy into a peacock as his vehicle and the other portion into a cockerel adorning his banner.

Lord Muruga is considered the very manifestation of valour, beauty, youthfulness, vitality, masculinity and the abode of happiness.

Thaipusam celebrates the very essence of Lord Muruga and the power of good over evil.

Lord Muruga is also known by many other names such as Lord Subramaniam and Lord Arumugam.

Balayogi Swamigan, the head of Thirumurugan Thiruvakku Thirupeedom, who is also the national adviser for Hindu temples and societies said apart from carrying offerings for Lord Muruga on Thaipusam day, devotees could also start presenting their offerings 10 days before the actual day.

"But of course, presenting offerings on Thaipusam day itself is always better because on that day, the sun, moon and Pusam (Jupiter) will be aligned in a line according to celestial calculations."

Devotees offer, among others, milk, curd, sugar, flowers, sugar cane, fruit juices, sandal wood paste and honey while rose water is used during the holy bath of the gods.

According to Swamigan, different offerings will bring different blessings to the devotees.

"Milk gives knowledge and long life, sugar is believed to relieve devotees of debts, sandal wood paste will bless the devotees with children and yellow flowers symbolises prosperity."

Swamigan also said that unlike Deepavali, Thaipusam was a religious ceremony where the main purpose of the festival was to bring offerings to God and celebrate the birth of Lord Muruga.

He said the offerings were carried using the kavadi. "Devotees are required to fast before they carry the kavadi and some devotees pierce their cheeks with skewers," Swamigan said, adding that devotees would usually fast for either three, 15, 30 or 45 days.

He added that they would fast during the day and consume only vegetarian food at night.

Swamigan added that the purpose of fasting was to ease the devotees' mind so that they could relate better with God.

However, he added that the size of the kavadi, the number of days they should fast or the offerings were not the main elements to show devotion.

"We must carry the offerings of love to God and not show off that we are strong by carrying a big kavadi or being pierced with a long skewer. It is all about faith."