Men carry kavadi as act of devotion for answered prayers

Sea of people: Hindu devotees and visitors thronging the Batu Caves temple in Selangor.

 

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BATU CAVES: When contractor C.R. Pusparajan fell into bad times over 15 years ago, he prayed to Lord Murugan for help.

When his fortunes turned around, a thankful Pusparajan made a promise he would carry the kavadi during Thaipusam.

“I used to have bad luck. I was unemployed, but I prayed, and give thanks to Lord Murugan, I am a towkay (business owner) now,” Pusparajan, 30, said.

He added that Lord Murugan had also turned him from a bad person into a good person, and he would continue to carry the kavadi as long as he could.

This is the 18th year that the contractor has carried the kavadi at the Batu Caves temple.

Fulfilling his vow: Pusparajan carrying his kavadi at the Batu Caves temple.

 

Pusparajan's kavadi, which weighed about 40-50kg, was decorated in a peacock motif, with 980 peacock feathers, LED lights and a statue of Lord Murugan on top.

When asked if he found the experience of carrying the kavadi to be difficult, Pusparajan smiled and said: “If I thought it would be difficult, I wouldn't be doing it. Lord Murugan gives me strength.”

Lorry driver Krishna Rao, 27, pulled a large chariot weighing almost 500kg using strings that were hooked onto his back.

“This is the third year he is doing this to fulfill his prayers for his future,” said his executive brother L. Jothi, 29, who accompanied him.

For student N. Jabez, 20, this year marked the first year he was carrying a kavadi.

Jabez, whose kavadi was attached to him with about 50 hooks, said he felt spiritually fulfilled after his experience, and would do so again next year.

“It was my pleasure to carry the kavadi,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)