Thaipusam and its significance

KOUSALYA SELVAM
KOUSALYA SELVAM
05 Feb 2023 08:01am
Devotees carrying pots of milk on their head during Thaipusam, the simplest type of kavadi, offer to Lord Murugan..
Devotees carrying pots of milk on their head during Thaipusam, the simplest type of kavadi, offer to Lord Murugan..
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Thaipusam is an Indian festival where over a million of Hindus gather every year at various temples to celebrate the occasion.

The celebration is mainly for Tamil communuties and it is widely known in India, Malaysia and many other countries.

January or February month marks the most auspicious month for Lord Murugan devotees.

Dressed in bright yellow or orange (Lord Murugan's favourite colour), the devotess conquer most of the temples in Malaysia for one whole week like Batu Caves Murugan Temple, Thaneermalai Temple, Penang, Kallumalai Temple, Ipoh or any Lord Murugan temple to present their offerings, vows and prayers.

Batu Caves temple - File pix
Batu Caves temple - File pix



Thaipusam, namely Thai (month) Pusam (star) is known for their Paal Kudam, colourful Kavadi bearers and Piercing (either in mouth or body) where devotees believe their sins can be cleansed through such acts which is also a part of Hindu faith.

What is Paal Kudam?

Paal Kudam are milk pots which contains milk as offering to Lord Murugan during the festival. Devotees used to carry the milk pots on their head covered with yellow cloth.

Instead of milk, devotees also milk pots which contains coconut water, rose water, paneer, holy ashes namely Thineeru, Kungumam and Sandhanam.

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Batu Caves - File pix
Batu Caves - File pix



What is a Kavadi bearer?

One of the things which makes Thaipusam even more interesting is the way the devotees pay their respect or penance to Lord Murgan.

During the celebration, devotees transform their bodies into temples. They would fast about 48 days before as this is a ritual that needs to be fulfilled by the Kavadi bearer.

The Kavadi is typically a wooden structure that is carried by the bearer on his shoulders. It is believed that when they carry this, it is a form of sacrifice to Lord Murugan.

Some would pierce their skin,tongue or cheeks with Vel skewers.Others pierce their backs with small hooks.

To all those celebrating, Sinar Daily wishes Happy Thaipusam.

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