KUALA LUMPUR: More than a million people, Hindus and tourists alike, thronged Lord Murugan temples in the country today in conjunction with the Thaipusam celebration.

While Hindu devotees fulfilled their vows by carrying 'kavadi' or pots of milk, the tourists were mesmerised by the unique celebration where the 'kavadi' bearers had spikes pierced into their bodies.

The crowds were the biggest at the three major Lord Murugan temples: the Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthabani Temple or Waterfall Temple in George Town, Penang, and the Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Temple in Gunong Cheroh, Ipoh.

Thaipusam, included in the tourism calendar of Malaysia, falls on the day of the full moon in the Tamil month of 'Thai' and is celebrated over three days.

On Saturday, a chariot bearing the idol of Lord Murugan began a procession through the streets, usually starting at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple to the Lord Murugan temple.

The fulfilling of vows by devotees takes place on the second day. On the third day, the chariot bearing the idol of Lord Murugan returns to the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Sri Maha Mariamman is regarded by Hindus as the mother of Lord Murugan.

Thaipusam is a celebration to remember the day Lord Murugan received the 'vel' (sacred spear) from his mother to kill the demon Soorapadman. - Bernama

Related Stories:
Thaipusam: Blessed ritual to fulfil vows
A Thaipusam journey

• Kandinsky work sold for for US$21mil but misses the mark
• Singapore pressures Indonesia to identify firms behind haze
• Malaysia-Kuwait tie-up to boost Islamic finance training
• Fitch Affirms Genting and Genting Singapore at 'A-'/ Stable
• Wall St. extends rise, investors see no change in Fed policy
• Angelina Jolie stunt double sues News Corp over hacking
• Malaysia-Market factors to watch on June 19(Wednesday)
• EPF being courted by mid-cap companies
• Astro aims to boost user base to 3.6 million by year-end
• 1MDB hopes to raise RM3.2bil from power assets IPO
• MAHB sets May 2, 2014 as KLIA2 revised opening date
• Saudi prince plans mile-high tower
• Mokhzani: No conflict of interest in Kencana Capital-Yinson deal
• Perlis has yet to transfer water assets to PAAB
• Malaysian entries in Cannes Lions shortlist

• West Africa has world's worst piracy rate
• Congolese teacher admits killing elephants for ivory: WWF
• NASA enlists public in hunt for major asteroids

• FedEx eyes record win at Wimbledon
• Brazilian Massa looking ahead to team’s revival
• V Shem-Khim Wah face tough opener in Singapore Open
• Springboks’ De Villiers may miss final
• Results worldwide
• Former world junior champ Zulfadli in main draw
• Star Wallaby winger fit to face Lions
• Hesson laments NZ’s failure to grab chance
• Omega Pharma pin Tour hopes on Mark
• Shahidan needs Cabinet nod to hold posts, says Khairy
• Direct flight now to Naypyitaw for Malaysian SEA Games squad
• Aussie Kulacz hopes to repeat 2009 Selangor Masters triumph
• India’s Anirban relying on short putter for success
• Iain steels himself for a good show at Seri Selangor
• Justin’s win inspires English golfers

• Please wait.

• Why the suit and tie?
• Fitch Affirms Genting and Genting Singapore at 'A-'/ Stable
• Relatives want Batang Kali memorial
• 2014 Budget set for Oct 25
• Boy nabbed for buying air rifles
• Build structures to deal with tough conditions
• Practise safety at construction sites
• Mentally disabled man missing since Sunday
• Peat fires and the ever-repeating haze
• Congolese teacher admits killing elephants for ivory: WWF