For devotees, Thaipusam is a celebration as they get ready to fulfill their vows to Lord Murugan, despite the fact that some may see it as a sequence of agonizing rites and difficult sacrifices. Aside from that, Thaipusam is a vibrant religious celebration, complete with the sounds of booming drums, dancing peacocks, the midnight chariot parade, and yellow-clad devotees bearing flowers and milk offerings.
The sacrifices and rites offered at Thaipusam are listed here, along with an explanation of their importance.
The sacrifices and rites offered at Thaipusam are listed here, along with an explanation of their importance.
Fasting or observing a vegetarian diet
Thaipusam is more than simply a three-day religious celebration for Hindus. Actually, planning begins a month in advance.
In order to execute rites like walking on fire, devotees who want to carry the kavadi—a short wooden pole topped with a wooden arch—must first purify their bodies and minds.
Once their requests for improved health, a job advancement, or a child are granted, they carry out these rites as part of their vows.
Many people forgo the comforts of a nice bed in favor of hard flooring or give up meat in favor of vegetarianism in the days leading up to Thaipusam. Some even make a commitment to eat only one meal every day.
In order to execute rites like walking on fire, devotees who want to carry the kavadi—a short wooden pole topped with a wooden arch—must first purify their bodies and minds.
Once their requests for improved health, a job advancement, or a child are granted, they carry out these rites as part of their vows.
Many people forgo the comforts of a nice bed in favor of hard flooring or give up meat in favor of vegetarianism in the days leading up to Thaipusam. Some even make a commitment to eat only one meal every day.
Piercing skin with metal skewers and rods
Some devotees get metal skewers or sharp rods poked into their flesh on Thaipusam day.
To maintain the weight of the kavadi bearing Lord Murugan's picture, tiny spears or sharp metal hooks are typically drilled into their skin. As a sign of respect for Lord Murugan, the devotees take this action.
Surprisingly, most kavadi-bearers experience no discomfort at all, despite the supposed suffering. This is because repeatedly repeating mantras and praying to Lord Murugan causes them to enter a trance, which is a semi-conscious condition.
Devotees are thought to be confessing their sins by carrying the kavadi. Similarly, the kavadi represents assisting individuals in letting go of their ego, rage, desire, and greed.
Some devotees get metal skewers or sharp rods poked into their flesh on Thaipusam day.
To maintain the weight of the kavadi bearing Lord Murugan's picture, tiny spears or sharp metal hooks are typically drilled into their skin. As a sign of respect for Lord Murugan, the devotees take this action.
Surprisingly, most kavadi-bearers experience no discomfort at all, despite the supposed suffering. This is because repeatedly repeating mantras and praying to Lord Murugan causes them to enter a trance, which is a semi-conscious condition.
Devotees are thought to be confessing their sins by carrying the kavadi. Similarly, the kavadi represents assisting individuals in letting go of their ego, rage, desire, and greed.
Tonsuring heads as an act of sacrifice
For women, hair is a representation of beauty and femininity. Thus, the greatest sacrifice is seen to be shaving their heads and presenting their hair to Lord Murugan during Thaipusam. This also holds true for males who, during Thaipusam, shave their heads as a sacrifice.