Thaipusam
Thaipusam is one of the most important festivals dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is celebrated by Tamil devotees across India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other parts of the world. The festival falls on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February).
Thaipusam commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati gifted Lord Murugan the divine spear (Vel) to destroy the demon Surapadman and his army.
This symbolises:
The triumph of good over evil The power of devotion and faith Self-purification and surrender to God
Murugan, armed with the Vel, waged war against the demons and ultimately defeated Surapadman, bringing peace to the universe.
How is Thaipusam Celebrated?
Kavadi Offering (Carrying Burdens for Blessings)
- Devotees carry a Kavadi (a decorated wooden or metal structure)
- It represents surrendering one's burdens to Lord Murugan.
Piercings
- Many devotees pierce their skin, tongue, or cheeks with small spears (Vel) to show devotion and seek blessings.
- Despite these extreme acts, devotees enter a trance-like state and feel no pain.
Pal Kudam (Milk Offering)
- Devotees carry pots of milk (Pal Kudam) as an offering to Murugan, symbolizing purity and devotion.
Fasting
- Many observe strict fasting and abstain from pleasures.
- Some walk barefoot for miles to Murugan temples.
Where is Thaipusam Celebrated Grandly?
Palani Murugan Temple (Tamil Nadu, India) – Thousands of devotees climb the Palani hill, carrying Kavadi and offering prayers.
Batu Caves (Malaysia) – The largest Thaipusam celebration outside India, with millions of devotees and a grand procession.
Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (Singapore) – Murugan temple where devotees carry Kavadi and offer prayers.
Murugan Temples in Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the USA
This year Thaipusam is on 11th Feb 2025. Lets pray to Lord Muruga and obtain the values of wisdom, devotion, and self-realisation.
The Story of the Mango
Every knows the story of Ganesha and the mango. One day, the sage Narada visited Mount Kailash, the abode of = Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He carried a sacred mango, known as the Gnana Pazham (Fruit of Wisdom). Narada, known for his playful nature, offered the fruit to Shiva and Parvati. However, he mentioned a condition:
"This fruit cannot be shared. It must be given to only one person who is the most deserving."
Shiva and Parvati decided to give it to one of their sons—Lord Ganesha or Lord Murugan. But since the condition was that the fruit could not be split, a challenge was set. The one who could first complete a full round of the world would receive the fruit.
Murugan, immediately got on his peacock and set out to circle the entire world. He traveled across mountains, rivers, and oceans, determined to win.
Ganesha, on the other hand, chose a different approach. He simply walked around his parents, Shiva and Parvati, and said, "My parents are the whole universe to me. By circling you, I have circled the world."
Impressed by his wisdom and devotion, Shiva and Parvati gave the fruit to Ganesha.
When Murugan returned after his long journey, he saw that the fruit had already been given to Ganesha. Feeling disappointed and believing he had been treated unfairly, he became furious. In his frustration, he renounced everything and left Kailash.
He traveled south and reached a hill called Tiruaavinankudi (todays Palani). There, he stood in a simple cloth, and took the form of a renunciate (Dandayudhapani).
Shiva and Parvati, realising their son's anger, came down to console him. Parvati lovingly told him, "You are the fruit (of wisdom) itself, my son! Why be upset over a mere fruit?"
In Tamil, "Pazham Nee" (பழம் நீ), which later became "Palani".
This realisation made Murugan understand that true knowledge and self-realisation are greater than material possessions.
Lord Muruga’s 6 Temples (Arupadai Veedu)
Now let’s look at the six temples that are considered the most important pilgrimage sites and are deeply connected to Tamil literature, mythology, and devotion. In Tamil these are referred as Arupadai Veedu (ஆறுபடை வீடு), representing the six houses of Lord Murugan. Below are brief descriptions of each of the six houses.
1. Thiruparankundram (Near Madurai)
- Significance: This is where Lord Murugan married Deivanai, the daughter of Indra, after defeating the demon Surapadman.
- Specialty: Built in the 8th century during the reign of Pandyas, the temple has a very rare feature. The idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu face each other in this temple. It is considered as a unique feature in Hindu temples. With intricate stone carvings, the temple is a fascinating structure which leaves a lasting impression on the visitors. It is one among the six temples of Lord Muruga. Legend has it that Lord Muruga married Goddess Devasena here and the temple is believed to be one of the most auspicious places for marriage. It also stands as a symbol of religious harmony. The temple is cut out of rock
2. Tiruchendur (Thoothukudi district)
- Significance: This is where Murugan vanquished the demon Surapadman using his divine spear (Vel).
- Specialty: Tiruchendur is the second among the Arupadai Veedu (six sacred abodes) of Lord Murugan. This temple is uniquely located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, in the southwest of the India. It is the holy site where Lord Murugan, as the Commander of the Divine Army, defeated the demon Surapadman, who symbolized evil. Every year, devotees celebrate this event as the Soorasamharam festival, marking Murugan's victory over darkness.
3. Palani (Dindigul district)
- Significance: This is where Murugan renounced everything and chose to remain as a hermit after the dispute over a sacred mango with his parents, Shiva and Parvati.
- Specialty: Murugan is worshipped here as Dandayudhapani, a monk holding a staff. The story of Palani is one of the most famous legends of Lord Murugan and is deeply connected to his renunciation. It revolves around a divine mango, a family dispute, and Murugan’s realisation of self-sufficiency.
4. Swamimalai (Near Kumbakonam)
- Significance: Here, Murugan taught the meaning of the sacred Pranava Mantra (Om) to his own father, Lord Shiva.
- Specialty: It symbolises Murugan as the supreme guru
5. Thiruthani (Near Chennai)
- Significance: After defeating Surapadman, Murugan came here to rest and attained peace.
- Specialty: This temple is associated with Murugan’s marriage to Valli, his tribal consort.
6. Pazhamudircholai (Near Madurai)
- Significance: This is where Murugan tested the devotion of Avvaiyar, the great Tamil poet-saint.
- Specialty: Unlike other temples, this one has Murugan with both his wives, Valli and Deivanai.
The Arupadai Veedu temples are deeply mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature and religious texts like Skanda Puranam.
References:
https://www.dharisanam.com/pages/arupadai-veedu
https://behindeverytemple.org/hindu-temples/muruga/swamimalai/
https://tiruchendurmurugan.hrce.tn.gov.in/
https://www.tamilnadutourism.tn.gov.in/destinations/tirupparankundram