Vel sent for divine blessing

Sacred ritual: A priest carrying Lord Murugan

GEORGE TOWN: Lord Murugan’s golden vel (spear), which will be carried on a golden chariot on Thaipusam eve, has been sent to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Queen Street to receive a blessing.

The vel was brought down from Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Hilltop Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga at 9am yesterday in a simple ceremony attended by the two temples’ committee members.

Hilltop temple chairman R. Subramaniam said the 0.9m-tall golden vel was brought down after the morning prayers at the hilltop temple.

“One of the priests carried the vel in a car to the Queen Street Maha Mariamman Temple, reaching there at about 9.30am.

“An 18-day pooja (special prayers) session will be conducted at Queen Street Maha Mariamman Temple until Feb 8,” he said when contacted yesterday.

The story goes that the vel was created by Lord Shiva’s consort Parasakthi who is also Lord Murugan’s mother.

Parasakthi appeared in 18 forms before merging into a single indestructible vel which was handed to Lord Murugan during the Poosa natchathiram on Pournami Day (full moon) in the month of Thai (January to February).

“After receiving a blessing from the Lord’s mother, the vel will be sent back to Lord Murugan on the golden chariot on Thaipusam eve,” Subramaniam said.

He added that the public could join the prayers held daily from 6pm.

The golden chariot, which will carry the spear used by Lord Murugan as his divine weapon, is expected to start its maiden journey from Queen Street Maha Mariamman Temple at 5am on Feb 8.

It will arrive at the hilltop temple around 11pm.

The chariot will move on rubberised wheels pulled by devotees.