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.

Thaipusam

(Source: The Star Online Read more of the story here.)

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.

Prime Minister’s Message on Thaipusam 2013

 

Malaysian Hindus marks the auspicious day of Thaipusam by offering prayers of thanksgiving and fulfilling their vows at temples across the country.

As you pray for a better life, I want all Malaysian Hindus to know that the Government is committed to continuing its efforts to uplift the Indian community. We will stand by you and work together towards overcoming the challenges you face and achieving the success you strive for. With continued ‘nambikei‘ or trust between the Government and the people, we will surely achieve all that we set out to do for the Indian community and indeed, for our country.

I take this opportunity to extend my greetings to all Hindus in Malaysia on the occasion of Thaipusam.

(Source: http://1malaysia.com.my)

Najib: Govt committed in efforts to uplift Indian community

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants all Malaysian Hindus to know that the government is committed in continuing its efforts to uplift the Indian community.

In his latest entry in the 1Malaysia Blog entitled Thaipusam 2013, Najib said the government will stand by all Malaysian Hindus and work together towards overcoming challenges that they faced and achieve the success.

Najib added that with continued 'nambikei' or trust between government and the people, everything set out by the government for the Indian community will surely be achieved.

"I take this opportunity to extend my greetings to all Hindus in Malaysia on the occasion of Thaipusam, tomorrow," he said. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online See full message of PM here.)