Thaipusam is celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January/February) and this year it fall on 8th of February (Wednesday). Thaipusam is not only celebrated by Tamil community in Malaysia, it is also celebrated grandly in India, Singapore and Mauritius. The history of Thaipusam begin when the origin of Lord Skanda, the purpose of His avatara and its significance are of much importance to all seekers after Truth. During the battle between the Asuras and the Devas, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asuric forces. In despair, they approached Lord Siva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Lord Siva sincerely. The gracious Lord granted their request by creating mighty divine warrior, Lord Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Sakti. This great son of Lord Siva at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, originated them, inspired them and attacked the asuric forces. The asuras were routed and a glorious victory was gained by the Devas.
The festival begins with a grand procession of 10 metre high silver chariot bearing the statue of Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Subramanium. The procession is headed by statue itself which is decorated with gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies while the bulls the chariots. Visitors seeing a Thaipusam procession for the first time may find it unusual but the driving force behind this event is sacrifice. The festival centers on a procession starting from Sri Mahamariamman Temple in downtown KL to the Batu Caves temple, covering a journey of 20 km beginning as early as 4AM in the morning.
On the thaipusam day a lot of devotes will be taking kavadi’s, pallkodum (milkpot), and many other types of kavadi. The reason why they do this is because the devotes had made vows to the God, so when they got what they have wish for the will show appreciation towards the God by taking kavadi’s or some other. Some people even skewer their cheeks. Mainly the man’s will do this but as for woman’s they will take pallkodum. Sometimes you can even see small children age of five will be carry the palkodum. When they do this they will be chanting ‘VEL VEL’ which refer to Lord Muruga’s Spear. A lot of devotes also will bald their hair for Lord Muruga. Before they can pour the milk or take the kavadi to the caves they have to climb the Batu Caves 272 stairs.
The largest Thaipusam celebrations take place in Singapore, Mauritius and Malaysia. It is a public holiday in several states in Malaysia, including Selangor, Penang, Johor Bahru, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
BY : Nageswarie, Anita Raj, Kuganesh, and Rajeswary
how true is the trance process in the thaipusam???
ReplyDeleteWell, it just depends on an individual's mind. If a man thinks that he is now entirely under the control of God, he will believe that God has possessed himself but actually it is only his assumption and nothing beyond that.
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