Thai Pusam, a Blissful Experience
by V.S. Krishnan
”When the Tamil month of Thai dawns, it marks the beginning of a new era of peace, prosperity and happiness,” says a Tamil adage. The month is considered very auspicious because the most colorful festival, Thai Pusam, is celebrated during this month. This is not only an occasion for celebration but also an occasion to worship Murugan with more devotion and more dedication.
Murugan is loved, adored, admired, venerated and worshipped year-round, but when Thai Pusam comes, the emotion surcharged with devotion, reaches an all-time high. With the advent of Thai Pusam, the whole environment is purified, devotion is kindled in heart, illusion is dispelled and the new era of peace and prosperity opens up.
Thai Pusam marks the triumph of victory over evil forces. It marks the transition from darkness to light, from misery to happiness, from ignorance to knowledge and from delusion to reality. Soorapadman, the demon king, possessed everything like power, strength and wealth, but he wanted more and started harassing devas and devotees.
Murugan appeared from a powerful spark that flashed from the third eye of Lord Siva.
According to Kanda Puranam, Murugan appeared from a powerful spark that flashed from the third eye of Lord Siva. With the blessings bestowed by his father Siva and the powerful lance (Vel) given by Mother Parvati, Murugan waged war against Soorapadman and came victorious. It was on Thai Pusam day when mother Parvati gave the powerful spear (Vel) which destroyed the ego of Soorapadman.
The Tamil term ‘Vel’ is derived from the word velluthal which means victory. The Vel symbolizes not only victory but also the light of knowledge. It brings positive energy that results in peace, harmony and prosperity. It is enough to worship Vel and Murugan’s grace will automatically follow.
Among the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, Palani holds special significance, where Lord Murugan appears as a renounced saint, wearing only a loin cloth and with the danda (staff) in his hand. The message which the Lord gives is loud and clear: “Discard desires, rise above ego and surrender.”
A mere look at Palani Andavar is enough to dispel all the stains arising out of ego, karma and maya. A glimpse of the Lord is enough and all desires that originate from mind subside. A glance at the Dandapani idol is enough and all tears are wiped from one’s eyes.
When Thai Pusam arrives, Palani becomes the highly preferred destination. Detached from material life, devotees walk barefoot, denying all basic necessities. They walk long distances, body smeared with sacred ash (vibhuti), with chains of rudraksha beads around their necks, with saffron attire shining and kavadi on their shoulder, just to have a glimpse of the Lord of Palani.
Kavadi made of wood in arch form decorated with flowers is the offerings devotees give to Murugan on Thai Pusam day. Kavadis are of different kinds like milk kavadi, flower kavadi and fish kavadi.
It is a marvelous sight to behold devotees walking and even dancing with colourful kavadi on their shoulders, taking their steps in tune with devotional songs rendered by devotees. The moment they reach the precincts of the temple, they forget all their worries and find peace and happiness at the holy temple.
Thai Pusam is celebrated not just at Palani, not only at major temples in India but all over the world, especially in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Australia and the United States. Come, let us join the stream of devotees turning towards the temples of Murugan and seek His blessings on this auspicious day of Thai Pusam.