A Walk of Faith: Thaipusam Day 2007 in Singapore

One of the nicest things about visiting Singapore is seeing its ethnic neighbourhoods. So, during the last visit to this place, i took the opportunity to visit Thaipusam Day, which is a great multiday hindu celebration. More about this is here.

What is Thaipusam ?

Devotees of Lord Murugan believ that Tahipusam is the day when he was given the vel (divine spear) by his mother. Lord Murugan is worshipped as the granter of wishes and so, those hindus, who wish to ask for a favor or to give thanks for a favor received participate in the festival of Thaipusam.

A unique feature of this celebration is the carrying of so called kavadis, portable altar up to two meters tall, decorated with peacock feathers and attached to the devotee through 108 vels pierced into the skin on the chest and back (weight of up to 120 pounds is not unusual).

It is believed, that devotees are able to enter a trance, feel no pain, do not bleed from their wounds and have no scars left behind.

If you’re early, Visitors can observe the fascinating piercing of the kavadis from some designated spots within the first temple. It is believed, that the more effort and hardship experienced when carrying this kavadi, the more generous the Lord will be fulfilling his devotes wishes.

On the day of Thaipusam, hindus in Singapore fulfil their vows in a 4 km walk from the Sri Srinivasa Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, that may took up to 8 hrs for the participants.

Relatives and well wishers assist and encourage this devotees by chanting prayers or singing devotional songs.

After usualy 8 hrs, the participants reach the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple for the final part of the celebration.

So, if you become the chance to visit Thaipusam, do so, it’s an amazing event.