SEREMBAN – Every year, the focus of Thaipusam is usually centred on large-scale celebrations at Batu Caves, but many Hindu devotees also choose to observe the festival in a more serene and peaceful manner.
Although not as colourful and grandiose as celebrations in the capital city, devotees in quieter places still express what matters most about Thaipusam – the fulfilment of their vows and prayers to Lord Muruga.
For 38-year-old P. Eshwari from Rasah, Negri Sembilan, Thaipusam celebrations are full of devotion here in Seremban.
“Though Thaipusam is grandly celebrated in Batu Caves and Penang, my family and I prefer the modest celebration here, where we can fully focus on prayers and our vows.
“The celebration in Batu Caves has become more and more commercialised in recent years,” she added.
In contrast, it was a quiet Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Thirumurugan Alaiyam temple in Mambau here, with only about 150 devotees carrying paal koodam, or milk pots, to fulfil their vows.
Eshwari and her family had completed their annual journey on foot from their home to the temple here, fulfilling a thanksgiving vow in just under an hour.
Temple committee member P. Krishna Pillay said the number of milk pot bearers has grown in the past few years since the end of Covid-19 lockdowns.
“We don’t have thousands of people carrying paal koodam here. Even though the number is small, devotees are happy and content with their fulfilment of vows.
“And the temple is satisfied that we could cater to the devotional needs of the people here,” he said.
Another popular temple for Thaipusam in the Seremban area is the Sri Balathadayuthapani Temple, located in the heart of town.
The Thaipusam procession here commenced at 7am, with devotees assembling at the Bukit Tembok Sri Puthu Vinayagar Temple for prayers before embarking on the journey to the temple.
The journey on foot lasted about two hours, with those bearing paal koodam arriving earlier than those carrying the ‘kavadi’.
For B. Geethambigai from Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, the modest celebration in Seremban is something her family looks forward to.
“My parents are from Senawang. This year, my husband and I thought we should fulfil our vows here, where I was born and raised.
“Batu Caves is definitely closer to us, but to go and pray as a family, we prefer a quieter and more peaceful place like here Seremban. I’m glad I came here, and I’m satisfied that my vows have been successfully fulfilled,” she added.
Forty-seven-year-old V. Balamurugan, from Temiang, said he plans on fulfilling his vows here in Seremban every year from now on.
“The temple committee has arranged everything for us, from the Sri Puthu Vinayagar Temple to the Sri Balathadayuthapani Temple. It was very systematic and organised. Everything went smoothly. I will come back here every year to fulfil my vows,” he said.
Sri Balathadayuthapani Temple assistant secretary K. Ghandimathi said some 300 to 400 people had carried paal koodam, with the addition of four kavadis this year.
“We are very happy with the devotee turnout this year. It has slowly grown since Covid-19 lockdowns.
“The temple committee was able to provide a smooth and hassle-free procession for the devotees this year, and we hope to improve in the years to come,” she added.
She said the temple had also prepared a free vegetarian lunch for 5,000 devotees.
Thaipusam is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Hindu god Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman, achieved through the use of a vel, a divine spear granted by his mother, Goddess Parvati.
The festival involves acts of penance and sacrifice as expressions of devotion and a means to seek blessings. It is a time when devotees ask Lord Murugan for forgiveness, good health, and peace in the new year.
The celebrations encompass various rituals, such as piercing the flesh with skewers, the donning of elaborate ‘kavadis,’ and pilgrimages to Murugan temples. These practices symbolise the devotees’ perseverance, faith, and willingness to face adversity to achieve spiritual fulfilment.
Besides Batu Caves, other larger, vibrant and colourful Thaipusam celebrations that draw thousands of people are observed in Georgetown, Ipoh, Sungai Petani, and Johor Baru. – January 25, 2024