Thaipusam: Blessed ritual to fulfil vows

What is the significance of Thaipusam? This and other questions tweeted by readers over the last couple of days are answered by MIC secretary-general Datuk S. Murugesan (pic), who is well-versed in Hinduism as well as its customs and rituals. 

WHY is Batu Caves such an important gathering point?
Thaipusam is the religious festival for Lord Muruga and Batu Caves is the biggest Murugan Temple in Malaysia. It is also close to Kuala Lumpur.

> What's the significance of Batu Caves and how did that come about?
Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai (a prominent leader of the Tamil community during the pre-independence days). He was inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave and dedicated a temple to Lord Murugan within the caves.

> Why would people want to hurt themselves by piercing? Is it a must?
Hurt or pain is not a must. However, devotees might have taken a vow that they will perform such and such a deed if their prayers are answered. They might incorporate an element of pain in the act of fulfilment.

> I thought Thaipusam was only a few weeks ago. How are these dates set annually?
That was not Thaipusam, it was the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai which fell on Jan 14 this year. Thaipusam is celebrated annually on the full moon in the month of Thai, which falls around the end of January or early February. All these dates are set out in the Hindu calendar, which varies from the English calendar. Thaipusam got its name as it falls on Pusam natchatiram (Hindu astrological star) in the month of Thai.


> What is the significance of paal abhisegam? Is it written anywhere in Hindu scriptures?
Normally, for abhisegam (bathing of the deity), we use various items such as paal (milk), santhanam (sandalwood paste), thiruneeru (vibuthi or holy ash), panneer (rosewater) and panchamirtham (mixture of five fruits). Paal (milk) abhisegam is significant during Thaipusam because most devotees vow to carry a kavadi with milk (paal) in a container and that milk is used for abhisegam.

Spiritual journey: The paal or milk abhisegam is significant during Thaipusam because most devotees vow to carry a kavadi with milk that will then be used to bathe the deity.

 

> I've heard that those bearing the kavadi feel no pain. How do devotees prepare themselves for this difficult task?
Yes, that's what most who bear the kavadi say. Devotees fast, some up to 48 days, before carrying the kavadi and follow a strict code of conduct to prepare themselves both physically and mentally.

> Is wishing “Happy Thaipusam” to my Hindu friends correct? I am not sure whether adding “Happy” is right.
Strictly speaking, it is not the correct way as it is not a celebration like Deepavali or Ponggal. However, there is no harm done in saying “Happy Thaipusam”. No offence will be taken. Perhaps if you want to wish someone, saying “Have a Blessed Thaipusam” will do.

> Is it true that most wishes made can come true?
Yes! Some even say ALL our wishes do come true it's just that we don't see it or expect the form it takes. Therefore, be careful what you wish for!

(Source: The Star Online)