Thaipusam, a day of penance and thanksgiving celebrated by Hindus world-wide that attracts thousands of devotees and not to mention tourist to any Murugan temple. This year marked my first visit to the Batu Caves temple during thaipusam. And it was remarkable. Being a person who enjoys learning about other people’s culture and religion, it was an experience not to be missed. Although it took me such a long time to actually attend thaipusam in Batu Caves, I’m glad I did it at this age and now. If I would have gone earlier, I would not have fully enjoyed it. Might even be a little freaked out if I was a kid. It was truly a sight to see.
A brief history on Thaipusam..
It is dedicated to Lord Muruga (Son of Shiva and Parvati) to mark his triumph in defeating the demon army of Tarakasura and evil deeds. On this day, Goddess Parvati presented a lance to Lord Muruga to complete his impending quest. It is a celebration of victory. Devotees gives thanksgiving by offering fruits and flowers. Most of them come adorn in yellow or orange coloured attires as it is said to be Lord Muruga’s favourite colour.
The “Kavadi” that is carried by some devotees which is covered with cloth and decorated with peacock feathers signifies the vehicle of Lord Muruga. Some go to the extreme length of torturing their bodies with piercings to appease the Lord. They poke themselves with hooks, skewers and small lances called ‘vel’. Chariots and heavy objects are pulled with hooks attached to their bodies while others pierce their tongues and cheeks to refrain from talking and offer their full concentration on their Lord. These devotees would normally enter into a trance during the piercing due to the relentless drumming and chanting of “vel vel shakti vel” by friends and family.
For Batu Caves, the procession would start from the Sri Mariamman temple in the heart of KL town and would work its way to Batu Caves the day before Thaipusam. Devotees would follow the chariot and offer their thanksgiving and penance at the top of Batu Caves where the temple is situated in the caves. There is also where their piercings are removed by the swami (Hindu priest) after prayers are said. I never knew the reason behind the whole celebration until recently and after asking around and doing some research on it, I finally get it.
It was scary at first watching some of them in their trance like state, but after a while I got used to it and just had fun snapping away. Some of the pictures I have uploaded on Facebook. (The only downside of WordPress it that you can’t upload pictures that are big or large amounts of them. Or maybe I just don’t know how to do it. =S)
The crowd was massive. The sight was enlightening. The people were rather well-behaved considering the many stories I have heard before this. The shots were awesome. We always managed to be at the right place and at the right time to take photos. The sounds of the instruments that accompanies the devotees on their journey lightens up the atmosphere and the devotion they have for their Lord clearly seen on their faces. The mixed crowd of Indians, Chinese, Malays and foreigners gives of a sense of unity a festival can bring. That is why Thaipusam is known as one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Malaysia and other countries as well. For those who have never been to thaipusam before, I recommend you try it at least once if you don’t mind the crowd to fully experience the whole event.
It was an experience that I do not regret going for and rather insightful. So whats next??? =D
