What is the history of Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a time for Hindus of all castes and cultures to say thank you and show their appreciation to one of their Gods, Lord Murugan, a son of Shiva. The festival of Thaipusam was brought to Malaysia in the 1800s, when Indian immigrants started to work on the Malaysian rubber estates and the government offices.
What is the history of Batu Caves?
Batu Caves was promoted as a place of worship by K. Thamboosamy Pillai, an Indian Tamil trader. He was inspired by the vel-shaped entrance of the main cave and was inspired to dedicate a temple to Lord Murugan within the caves.
What is the significance of Thaipusam?
Anchored by a large, colourful annual procession, Thaipusam sees Hindu devotees in Singapore seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and offering thanks. The festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Subramaniam (also known as Lord Murugan), the destroyer of evil who represents virtue, youth and power.
Why is Batu Caves sacred?
The Caves Are A Sacred Pilgrimage Site Tamil Hindus flock to the Batu Caves for Thaipusam, a holy festival celebrating Lord Murugan. Some pilgrims also pierce their tongues and cheeks to show devotion to Lord Murugan and his father Shiva.
How is Thaipusam celebrated?
At its simplest, the pilgrimage may entail walking the route carrying a pot of milk, but mortification of the flesh by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with vel skewers is also common. In addition, some pierce their tongues or cheeks, all the way through, with a small spear.
Why do people wear yellow on Thaipusam?
Devotees paying homage to Lord Murugan at the Batu Caves Hindu temple during Thaipusam celebrations. Devotees wear yellow clothes while carrying pal kudam (pots of milk) as a form of thanksgiving to Lord Murugan.
What is inside the Batu Caves?
Temple Cave, Dark Cave, and Art Gallery Cave Batu Caves’ jagged limestone hillside is home to three main caverns. The largest and most popular is known as Temple Cave, which has a ceiling over 300 feet high. Inside the lit cave, you will find various Hindu shrines and ornate depictions bringing legends to life.
When was Batu Caves statue built?
It is located at the Sri Murugan Perumal Kovil at the foot of Batu Caves. It took 3 years of construction and unveiled in January 2006 during Thaipusam festival….Lord Murugan Statue.
| முருகன் சிலை | |
|---|---|
| Murugan Statue at the entrance of Batu Caves | |
| Beginning date | 2004 |
| Completion date | 2006 |
| Opening date | 29 January 2006 during Thaipusam festival |
Why do Hindu men carry the kavadi during Thaipusam?
You see, the festival of faith, endurance and penance is celebrated to honour Lord Murugan, the god of courage, wealth and wisdom. According to Hindu mythology, Thaipusam is celebrated to acknowledge Lord Murugan’s triumph over the evil forces. One of the most popular way penances are paid is by bearing the kavadi.
What do Thaipusam people eat?
Thaipusam is a public holiday in Malaysia In many states in Malaysia Thaipusam is a public holiday. Devotees prepare themselves for the occasion by cleansing their bodies through fasting and abstinence, and usually observe a vegetarian diet for a certain period of time.
Who built Batu Caves temple?
K. Thamboosamy Pillai
It was in that year, that the influential descendant of Indian immigrants from Tamil Nadu, India, Mr. K. Thamboosamy Pillai installed the ‘murti’ or consecrated idol of Sri Subramaniar Swamy (Lord Murugan) in the 400 ft high Temple Cave.
Why do we pour milk on Murugan?
Abhishegam is a Hindu ritual of pouring a sacred substance – in this case, milk – on the deity as an offering, while chanting mantras. The acceptance of the milk by Lord Murugan is an acknowledgment of the devotee’s prayer.
Why do people go to Batu Caves for Thaipusam?
In Malaysia, the cave temple of Batu Caves is a key focal point of the celebration, as it is a temple dedicated to this god. Devout pilgrims bring offerings to Lord Muruga and make their way to Batu Caves in the days coming up to, and culminating on, Thaipusam day.
When was the Thaipusam festival first celebrated in Malaysia?
The festival of Thaipusam was brought to Malaysia in the 1800s, when Indian immigrants started to work on the Malaysian rubber estates and the government offices. It was first celebrated at the Batu Caves in 1888.
How old are the Batu Caves in India?
With limestones said to be as old as 400 million years old, Batu Caves used to be known for providing shelters to the Temuan People; a tribe of Orang Asli before being known as an attraction to tourists and a place of devotion to the Hindu community.
Is there a train from Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves?
The Komuter train line to Batu Caves carries passengers from its starting station in the further southern suburbs of the Greater Klang Valley. Generally the line is intended to ferry commuters from the suburbs, and pour them out at the various business districts of Kuala Lumpur.