Lord Subramanya represents virtue, youth and power, and is the
destroyer of evil. He is the wish fulfilling deity.
Highlights Of Thaipusam Festival
- Large, colourful processions.
- Carrying Kavadi
- Carrying milk pots
- Piercing body with small lances and hooks
- Devotees seek blessings, fulfilling vows and offering
thanks to Muruga
Legend has it that Lord Muruga, son of Lord Shiva, killed Tharakasuran and other demons who were creating mayhem on earth on Pusam star in the month of
Thaipusam Story
Thaipusam is celebrated to commemorate this victory of good over evil.
Sages were fed up with the troubles created by demon Tarakasur and his lieutenants on the living beings in the universe. They complained to Shiva and he instructed Muruga to help them. Shiva gave him eleven weapons and Mother Parvati presented the most powerful ‘Vel.’ Muruga killed all the demons including Tharakasuran on Pusam star in the month of
It is believed that only when the mind is free of material worth and
the body free from physical pleasures can a devotee undertake the sacred
task without feeling any pain. It is said that the devotees who undertake spiritual austerities before Thaipusam do not feel pain when the lance is pierced in their body.
Thaipusam In Singapore
Thaipusam is one of the oldest Hindu festivals in Singapore.
It is not for public puja and long processions.
Thaipusam festival generally lasts for 2 days in Singapore.
On the eve of the festival, the chariot procession with murti of Lord Muruga
begins from Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road to Layan Sithi
Vinayagar Temple at Keong Siak Road. The procession goes through 4.5 km road.
morning. As part of the ceremony, the first batch of devotees carry milk pots
and wooden kavadis. Some pierce their tongues with skewers and carry a wooden
kavadi decorated with flowers and peacock feathers balanced on their shoulders.
Other devotees carry spiked kavadis that require elaborate preparation.
Thaipusam In Malaysia
Thaipusam festival reaches an unbelievable and unexplainable dimension in Malaysia, especially at the Batu Caves. One of the Sanskrit words for cave is ‘guha’ and one of the names of Lord Muruga is also Guha since he likes to live in caves.
Thaipusam In India
This annual festival coincides with temple festival in several Murugan shrines across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. All Murugan shrines observe the day with fervor and vigor. Apart from pujas and usual rituals associated with Thaipusam, there is also the pulling of the chariots of Muruga.