FACTS ABOUT THAIPUSAM
I've often been asked by my colleagues and friends who are non-Hindu what is the purpose of celebrating Thaipusam. Why are some Hindus seen walking long distances, carrying heavy loads on their shoulders or have long needles pierced through different parts of their bodies?
There are lots of articles on the Web that provides information and facts about Thaipusam. Some websites and blog articles have provided baseless information and to some extent, even put the celebration of Thaipusam in a very negative light.
Here are some basic facts about Thaipusam:
Definition
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of “Thai”. Thaipusam is actually derived from “thai” which means “10th”, and “pusam” meaning, “when the moon is at its brightest”. It is thus annually celebrated when the moon is full in the Tamil month of Thai (between January and February).
Attire and distance
Devotees dressed in yellow (auspicious colour for Hindus) will walk long distances, carrying offerings, to reach the temple of the Lord Murugan. In Singapore, the long distance covers Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple located at Tank Road. Devotees will be seen chanting hymns as they walk.
Rites and rituals
Female and young devotees will carry “Paal Kudam” known as milk pot and while male devotees will be seen carrying “Kavadi” which consists of two semicircular pieces of wood or steel which are bent and attached to a cross structure that can be balanced on the shoulders of the devotee.
At least a week before Thaipusam, devotees are required to observe strict physical and mental discipline, and also fasting in the form of keeping one’s diet strictly to vegetarian food. Most importantly, devotees will also prepare themselves spiritually with extensive prayer before performing acts of penance or thanksgiving by carrying a Kavadi or Paal Kudam from one temple to another.
Thaipusam in India
In Palani Sri Dhandayuthapani temple, 10 day Festival (Brahmotsavam) is held during ThaiPusam. Thirukalyanam (Celestial Wedding) will be held on the day before Thaipusam. On Thaipusam, Therottam will be held. Lord Muthukumaraswamy will bless devotees in Thanga Guthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse), Periya Thanga Mayil Vahanam (Golden Peacock, Theppotsavam (Float Festival) during the 10 day festival
In Chidamabaram (Thillai) Panchamurthi Veedhi Ula, Thirthavari, Thaandava Darsanam Aarthi will be held on Thai Poosam. In Madurai Sri Meenakshi Amman Temple, Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Theppotsavam (Float Festival) will be held at Mariammam Theppa Kulam. In Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple, 3 Day Theppotsavam will be held during ThaiPusam Pournami.
At the Linga Bhairavi temple in Coimbatore, devotees participate in a 21-day Shivanga sadhana, which ends on Thaipusam at the temple. Women offer kudam or pots of plants, grain and fruit, which they carry on their heads over a certain distance.
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