MURUGAN temples nationwide were the focus for Hindu devotees performing their Thaipusam prayers.
Sri Subramaniar Swamy Devasthanam cave temple in Batu Caves, Selangor – reached by 272 steps – continues to attract large numbers of devotees, while Penang island turns into a living, breathing spectacle of faith.
Thaipusam commemorates the occasion when Goddess Parvati presented her son, Lord Muruga, with a vel (divine spear) to defeat the demon Surapadman.
Devotees honour Lord Muruga, often after making vows or seeking blessings, with essential elements including spiritual preparations and culminating in barefoot processions to temples bearing paal kudam (milk pots) as offerings.
As an act of devotion, some also carry kavadi – elaborately decorated structures adorned with flowers and peacock feathers – borne on their shoulders.
The festival typically begins with a chariot procession carrying Lord Muruga from one temple to another, and concludes when the chariot makes its return journey.
Gallery
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visiting an Indian sweet stall during his visit to Batu Caves before Thaipusam to see the preparation for the festival.
Offerings being made during the golden chariot procession in George Town, Penang.
Devotees taking on the kavadi and parade to Batu Cave’s Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple accompanied by lively urumi melam drum beats and devotional music. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
Many individuals and organisations offer free food and drinks to devotees at Batu Caves.
Elements of devotion for Thaipusam include spiritual cleansing and the carrying of kavadi and paal kudam.
Devotees carry pots filled with fresh cow’s milk at Batu Caves. The pots are typically made of brass, aluminium or stainless steel.
Devotees taking on the kavadi and parade to Batu Cave’s Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple accompanied by lively urumi melam drum beats and devotional music. — LEONG WAI YEE/The Star
A little girl getting her head shaven at Batu Caves.
