Much-needed service: Mangales being helped into a jeep for her ride up to the temple in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: After 17 years confined to a wheelchair by hip alignment issues, K. Mangales, 59, finally reached the Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple.
For nearly two decades, she had resigned herself to viewing the temple from afar, often witnessing the vibrant Thaipusam festival only from the back seat of a car.
However, her prayers to Lord Muruga were answered this year through a special initiative by the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB).
To mark the upcoming Thaipusam on Feb 1, the board organised a jeep service to transport elderly and disabled devotees up the steep climb.
Assisted by 40 dedicated volunteers, Mangales was one of 60 people who bypassed the gruelling 513-step ascent to the temple, located 833m above sea level, to finally offer her prayers in person at the hilltop shrine.
Mangales, whose hip problem began when she was 42, said she used to walk up to the old temple without fail each year until the onset of her problem.
“When I found out about this opportunity to take the jeep up, I got my sister’s help to sign up, as I have always wanted to offer my prayers at this new temple,” she said when met at the temple grounds on Jan 4.
Mangales, a former factory worker, was accompanied by her older sister K. Venikrishnan, 66, on the ride.
“I am thankful to PHEB for organising this opportunity, allowing me to pray in peace without the crowd,” she added.
Venikrishnan was happy her sister could finally visit and offer prayers at the new temple.
“We have always admired the temple from afar, but it feels special that she has now experienced the special Thaipusam prayers in person,” she said.
D. Jaganathan, 72, who has been reliant on a wheelchair since suffering a stroke two years ago, was also transported uphill alongside four other elderly relatives.
“While I did not make any vows for Thaipusam, witnessing this special prayer made me feel included in the festival, as I will not be able to attend it on the actual date,” said Jaganathan, a former restaurant owner.
R. Kavitha, 45, said the opportunity meant a great deal to the family.
Her son S. Purushotaman, 22, who had polio, typically stays at the base of the hill during Thaipusam while the rest of the family ascends to pray.
“We like to do everything as a family and always include him in our activities,” she added.
PHEB deputy chairman Dr RA Lingeshwaran said the initiative was aimed at ensuring devotees with mobility issues did not miss out on the chance to perform their prayers.
“This is the second time we are bringing them up.
“Last year, volunteers helped carry them up the stairs but this year, we decided to use four-wheel drives to make the journey easier,” he said.
He added that PHEB is ready to offer this special service not just during Thaipusam but throughout the year.
Those interested can contact PHEB or the temple to make the arrangements.
Dr Lingeshwaran said PHEB expects a larger turnout for Thaipusam this year, possibly exceeding a million devotees, as it coincides with a long weekend.
“We expect an increase in visitors this year with direct flights from Chennai to Penang,” he said.
To promote the use of public transport during Thaipusam, passenger ferry services between Penang Island and the mainland will be free from Jan 31 to Feb 1, with extended hours until 3am on Feb 2.
