Act of devotion: A couple carrying their child using a sugarcane kavadi at Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple. — Bernama
GEORGE TOWN: The Thaipusam celebrations have begun early, with large crowds thronging the two temples in Jalan Kebun Bunga here to pay homage to Lord Murugan.
Dressed in yellow and carrying paal kudam (milk pots) as offerings, devotees could be seen making their way to the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple and Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (also known as the Waterfall Hilltop Temple) for an early start.
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Among the ceremonial rituals was the shaving of heads, all in the name of devotion and sacrifice.
One of them who took part in the ceremony was three-year-old V. Loganesh, who thanked Lord Murugan for blessing him with good health.
“We shaved Loganesh’s head to offer his hair to Lord Murugan to express our gratitude. We also offered milk to the temple.
“The boy was suffering from poor digestion and, true enough, after placing vows with Lord Murugan, the problem went away,” said A. Sarasvathy, 47, who is Loganesh’s aunt, when met at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple here yesterday.
Lecturer J. Ragunathan, 43, from Kulim, Kedah, and his three children had their heads shaved as offering in return for blessings.
Giving thanks: Loganesh getting his head shaved as his aunt Sarasvathy (left) and his cousin S. Shalini, 27, (right) look on at Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“This is the second time we have our heads shaved in return to be blessed with good health for the family.
“We are thankful for a good life,” said Ragunathan, who was joined by his nine-year-old son and 18-month-old twin daughters.
Outside the temples, an entire stretch of Thaneer Panthal (refreshment stalls) have been set up ahead of the celebration.
Retired driver G. Rengasamy, 67, was seen selling vegetarian burgers next to the entrance of the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple.
Helping him were his wife, children and grandchildren.
“I have been selling here for the past nine years and business has been good.
“Many devotees have started coming early over the weekend to avoid the crowd on the actual day of Thaipusam.
“I’m now selling about 600 burgers daily and I expect the crowd to grow over the next few days,” said Rengasamy.
Thaipusam falls on Thursday, with coconuts usually broken during the journey of the chariots to and from the temples on the eve and the day after the celebration.
It is celebrated in the Thai month, the 10th month in the Tamil calendar, which usually falls in January or February to commemorate Goddess Parvati giving her son Lord Murugan a divine spear, the “vel”, to vanquish the demon Soorapadman and restore prosperity and well-being to humanity.
In some places, there will be a Thaipusam procession that involves devotees carrying kavadi, which are decorated structures, as a sign of sacrifice and respect for Lord Murugan.
In preparation for Thaipusam, Hindus usually fast and participate in various religious activities to purify themselves.
