Thaipusam is one of the biggest celebration in Penang for the Indian community. There are throngs of people that will travel to Penang island whether they are the devotees, locals or just tourists who wants to witness this unique occasion.
Here’s some information and facts about Thaipusam that you may want to know.
The name, Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated on the first full moon day of the Tamil month of Thai meaning the “10th month in the Tamil calendar”, coinciding with Pusam star.
Thaipusam is observed in honour of Lord Murugan
Thaipusam is observed by the Hindu community in honour of the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, son of Lord Shiva. In Hindu’s belief, he was sent to help devotees who were disturbed and plagued by demonic attacks, also known as asura.
Lord Murugan was bestowed an invincible lance, called a vel, by Goddess Parvati to defeat Tarakasura’s demon army and put an end to their evil deeds. Based on stories and legends, he emerged victorious in his quest, and appeared before devotees, riding a chariot and wielding a spear.
Thus, the celebration of Thaipusam signifies the defeat of the devils and the celebrates the victory of good over evil.
Devotees carry a pot of milk
Many devotees is dressed in yellow, as it is often associated with Lord Murugan and carrying a pot of milk along their journey towards the temple. These pots of milk is called Paal Kudam.
The Paal Kudam (Milk Offering) is another popular form of offering during Thaipusam. The Paal Kudam means carrying paal (milk) in a kudam (vessel in the form of a pot) which is usually kept and carried on the head, to be offered to Lord Murugan. This milk will then be used by the priest to perform Paal Abhishegam.
Devotees pierce their skin
Some devotees pierce their tongues, cheeks, backs, and skin with various small hooks, spears and long needles during the Thaipusam.
The piercing of their bodies is a symbol of the burdens carried by them. Not only do devotees sustain these piercings as a show of endurance and willpower, they are also symbolical of how much pain they are in. The ritual is one of self-sacrifice to defeat inner demons, expel ego, anger, lust and greed, as well as gain the blessings of Lord Murugan.
In most cases, only kavadi bearers will get their skin pierced to support the weight of the ceremonial sacrifice. This act of reverence to Lord Murugan is in addition to the 48 days of prep that kavadi bearers have to observe, which includes a strict vegetarian diet, and abstinence from all sorts of luxury and desire.
Kavadi bearers
Kavadi worship at Thaipusam is rooted in the story of the demon Idumban. Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills, Sivagiri and Saktigiri, to his abode in the South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them.
Idumban collected the hills, and tied them to a simple shoulder pole and continued his journey south. Near the forest at a site now known as Palani, he was exhausted and set the hills down while he rested. When he attempted to resume his journey, he found that the hills were stuck to the ground. Upon ascending the slopes he encountered Lord Murugan who claimed the hills as his own.
In the subsequent fight, Idumban was killed. Both Agastya and Idumpi (Idumban’s wife), pleaded with Lord Murugan to restore Idumban back to life.
The revived Idumban requested that he remain forever at the portal of Murugan’s shrine. Lord Murugan duly appointed Idumban as official gatekeeper at his temple and advised that henceforth all those who worshipped Murugan with a Kavadi, would first acknowledge Idumban.
The Kavadi itself, signifies the two hills and those who carry the Kavadi during Thaipusam, will be blessed and their wish will be fulfilled.
Devotees shave their head
Shaving of the heads during the Thaipusam celebrations is also a part of a ritual by some devotees. The act of shaving signifies the cleansing of the soul, and is also a symbolic sacrificial offering also known as kanikai.
In addition to adults, both men and women alike, newborn babies have their hair shaved too. Shaven heads are rubbed with sandalwood paste, which helps reduce the itchiness of the aftermath of shaving.
Devotees enter a state of trance
Devotees in trance can be a part of the Thaipusam, and they consider it as a spiritual experience, known as arul vaku. During this divine state, devotees are believed to experience the energies of the deity flowing through them.
During the trance, the gods are said to take over the devotees through gestures, such as a dance-like walk and vigorous movements. Entranced devotees appear to have transcendent powers, enabling them to pierce their flesh with hooks, spears, and vels without feeling pain, and many without bleeding.
The Chariots
Thaipusam celebrations in Penang is unique as it features two chariots – the silver chariot and the golden chariot. The silver chariot carries the statue of Lord Murugan while the golden chariot carries the vel (spear).
Although starting and ending at different temples, the chariots share the same 6.6 kilometres procession route which takes more than half a day to complete. The golden chariot departs from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Lebuh Queen and arrives at the Arulmigu Sri Ganeshar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga. Meanwhile, the silver chariot departs from the Kovil Veedu Temple in Lebuh Penang and arrives at the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Coconut Smashing
Hindu devotees smash coconuts on the roads to symbolise “the breaking of one’s ego to reveal purity inside”. The coconuts are usually smashed right before the chariots passes by the route.
Roads are closed to make way for Thaipusam
If you’re driving, you’ve got to take note of the road closures and traffic diversion to make way for the Thaipusam celebrations and also the chariot procession.
For those who are in Penang, you might want to check this link so you can better plan your journey ahead.
