When the British moved to far eastern countries like Malaya, Burma, Siam, Cambodia about 200 years back, to work in farms etc, they brought South Indian Hindus. For their religious prayers etc, the said workers could not bring Shiva linga during their boat ride from India. They bought a long arrow to symbolize the weapon used by Lord Muruga and to safe guard them, from any threats they would face in a foreign land.
Every month on full moon day, they had organized celebrations and prayers to Lord Muruga in each town on rotation basis. Thaipusam on Thai Tamil month full moon day was celebrated in Singapore, Penang and Batu Caves, near Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, every year. These celebrations are for thanking the Lord Muruga for all the good they had during the year and to seek His further blessings for the future years.
Original Lord Muruga worship in India is based on devotees walking a certain distance and reach the Murugan temple; along the way the devotees carried the Kavadi and Paalkudam to be offered to Lord Murugan at the end of their journey in the Murugan temple. In Singapore the devotees usually start their journey from Sri Perumal temple in Serangoon Road and end at Sri Thaedayuthapani temple in Tank Road. This tradition had been followed for more than 150 years.
The devotees go through fasting for at least one month before their Kavadi or Paalkudam offerings are made on Thaipusam day. Fasting includes only vegetarian diet, no sexual activities and having regular daily prayers to Lord Muruga.In addition to kavadi etc, the devotees choose to offer their hair by shaving their head before the Taipusam; Sri Thendayuthapapni Temple initiate the head shaving event three weeks before the Thaipusam day near the temple.
In Singapore there is no public holiday for Thaipusam. Seven states (Johore , Negri Sembilan ,Putrajaya ,KL ,Selangor ,Penang and Perak) in Malaysia have declared Public holiday for Thaipusam. However, the Singapore Government provides proper police support for the devotees; the devotees are not to use musical instruments during while walking in the Roads towards Sri Thedayuthapani temple. Also in tradition of honoring the Thaipusam, one of the Singapore Government Ministers would visit both temples, namely Sri Thendayuthapani temple and Sri Perumal temple on Thaipusam day.
Sri Thendayuthapani temple provides lunch for up to 10, 000 people on Thaipusam day
from 12.00 noon until all the cooked food items are delivered to the devotees and
visitors in the afternoon. Last years due to Covid restrictions, such lunches were packed
and delivered to the devotees who were not to consume the food inside the temple
premise.
On the first Friday of Thai Tamil, month, Tank Road temple management and other
people do a prayer at South Bridge Road Mariamman temple seeking the blessings of
Goddess to have a good Tahipusam celebration. A day before Thaipusam, a Silver
Chariot carrying Lord Muruga is taken from Tank Road temple to China Town Lyan Sithi
Vinayagar temple in the morning. After the prayers in Lyan Sithi Vinayagar temple the
same deity is carried back in the Silver Chariot to Tank Road temple by 9.00 pm on the
same day; this signifies the start of the Thaipusam celebrations.
The volunteers register for doing the service on Thaipusam day in both the temples; After the Thaipusam had been celebrated well, the two temples managements jointly organize an appreciation dinner for the volunteers.
It costs considerable amount of money for the Sri Thendayuthapani temple to stage this Thaipusam celebration. In Tank Road temple, Thaipusam is a mile stone event; the temple President or Karbar is changed over on next day after the Thaipusam for the coming year.
A sample of a devotee’s real feelings in carrying a Kavadi on Thaipusam day to offer to Lord Muruga is shown here under: Mr. KR. Sathappan, 59 years old, has been carrying the Kavadi to offer to Lord Muruga: It is an honour to uphold my family tradition of carrying Kavadi for Lord Murugan. My father started taking Kavadi at the age of 60+ after he went through heart bypass surgery. He did this to show his gratitude and Love for Lord Murugan. After my father passed on, I started taking Kavadi to continue the tradition. I have been carrying Kavadi for over 15 years as we do not keep track of the years. We always believed and considered it as a form of gratitude and service to God. Carrying it for Lord Murguan has truly given me immense joy, peace, tranquility as well as satisfaction. Taking Kavadi and participating in Thaipusam allows one to cleanse not only his Mind and Body but also one’s soul. Having complete faith and trust in God enlightens us and Lord Murugan has never failed to help his devotees. I have personally experienced it myself in many occasions in my life, even year last when I was in a severely critical condition. It was the devotion to him and his blessing which gave me the strength and created ways for recovery. With devotion, I genuinely believe that All can feel his presence. Om Muruga Saranam. Note: Kavadi is usually made of wooden parts with balancing on two sides, the centare rod is resting on shoulder of the devotee while going to Lord Muruga’s temple. These days’ metal parts are also used to make kavadi. Paalkudam is a pot of fresh milk carried mostly by ladies and youngsters to offer to Lord Muruga.
Article is written by:
C N Nachiappun,
Singapore,
18 April 2021
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