Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, January 26, 2023
In conjunction with the Thaipusam festival, the Thiru Subramaniyar Aalayam at 69 Tidal Road in Mangere will have its annual 10-day celebration for its presiding deity Lord Thiru Subramaniyar. The celebration will commence with a flag hoisting ceremony on Friday 27 January at 6.30 pm. The festival will continue with full gaiety and fervour every day and culminate on Sunday 5 February with the paal kudam (milk pots) and kavadi procession at 8.30 am.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a temple festival that Hindus of Tamil descent observe. Thaipusam is celebrated on the day of the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). Thaipusam is essentially a combination of the words Thai, which means “tenth,” and pusam, which means “at the full moon.” Thus, it is observed on the day when the moon passes over the star “Pusam” in the Thai month (10th month in the Tamil Almanac). This festival honours Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan, the god of youth, power, and virtue. For many devotees, the festival designates a period of penance.
Thaipusam is observed in Tamil Nādu and Kerala India, Fiji Islands, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Tamil-speaking Hindus living across the globe.
Here are the links to the Thaipusam festivals observed across the globe:
Singapore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17L9u9sMF9A&ab_channel=VideoArt4513
Malaysia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NSNtbLO0q8&t=3s&ab_channel=Manaweblife
Kerala: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhwaiuV-P0Y&ab_channel=ArunDonny
Fiji: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB2WkbfZ8hc&ab_channel=ThePaleBlueDot
South Africa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHfSbWNaYIM&ab_channel=SouthAfricanIndians-SouthAfricanYoutuber
Preparation
Preparations for Thaipusam start with the conditioning of the body and mind through austerities. Devotees prepare themselves with prayer and fasting before performing acts of penance or thanksgiving like carrying a paal kudam or the kavadi.
Kavadi
The basic paal kavadi is made of a short wooden pole with a wooden arch atop it. Milk pots are tied to the end of the poles. The arch is decorated with peacock feathers (peacock is the vehicle of Lord Murugan), flowers and other materials. It is carried on the shoulders of the devotee.
The kavadi that incorporates piercings is focused on the devotee’s concentration on Murugan.
The Alavu kavadi involves piercing the tongue or cheek with a lance in order to prevent the devotee from speaking while travelling the path of faith.
The Alagu kavadi involves the bearer being pierced with needles or spikes. These kavadis can easily weight between 20 to 40ks and are supported by securing it to a belt worn on the waist. The Ratha kavadi involves the devotee pulling a chariot that is fastened to their back with hooks.
Some devotees carry the Arigandam kavadi in which four stainless steel rods are pierced on the waist to hold the weight of the kavadi instead of a belt.
Legend
Thaipusam commemorates the occasion when the goddess Parvati gave her son Murugan a lance to use in his battle with a malevolent demon, Soorapadman. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. Similarly, devotees pray to Murugan for assistance in overcoming obstacles in life and as a token of gratitude carry the paal kudam or kavadi.
Mangere temple procession
Devotees are to assemble by 8.30 am for the 9.30 am Kavadi and paal kudam procession. The procession will culminate with an abishegam with the milk that the devotee has carried.
The Murugan procession around the temple is scheduled for 11.30 am followed by Deeparathanai and Archanai at noon. The Maha prasad will be served at 12.30 pm.
Devotees are requested to be dressed in culturally appropriate outfits. The temple has ample dothis and sarees for those who wish to borrow.
Donations
Those who wish to donate towards the 10-day Maha utsavam and/or maha prasad, may contact Priest Mani at +64 22 161 7692, Ilango Krishnamoorthy at +64 21 739 879 or Raja Guat ru + 64 27 272 1651.
Food donations should be packaged in individual takeout containers. If required, Temple too can provide containers.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
