Palani Murugan Temple – Thai Poosam Festival
Thai Poosam is a very important festival, associated with
pilgrimage to Palani. Devotees from Tamil Nadu reach Palani by foot (Pada Yatra) and worship. Beginning with flag-hosting at Periyanayagi,
this festival runs on for 10 days.
Kavadi of various types (with holy water, sugar,
flowers, tender coconuts, etc.,) are offered to Murugan at Palani on the 6th
day, there is procession of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai in the Silver
Car. During this, Kavadi dance and rural musical-dance are performed. On the 7th
day there is "Thai Ther" (wooden Car) and thousands of devotees
participate in this. On the 7th day "Chinna Kumarar" goes round in his
Golden Car.
Wherever a Muruga temple is located; whether in
India, USA, Singapore, Malaysia or Sri Lanka, Thai Pusam is celebrated there
with gaiety, enthusiasm and devotion. But at Muruga temples in Palani,
Thai Pusam is an especially grand and spectacular event.
Every day, Palani wears a festive look. Every day,
Palani is flooded with devotees, eager to have a glimpse of their most beloved
Lord Muruga. Every day, people congregate here in large numbers to experience
the bliss of being with Palani Andavar. But when Thai Pusam comes, the divine
aura that pervades Palani atmosphere defies description. On Thai Pusam day,
Palani looks enchanting.
One sees a sea of humanity here, eager to immerse them
in Muruga experience. Everywhere, one hears the names of the Lord. As the
mantra, "Hara Haro Hara" reverberates, the whole atmosphere is
charged with the air of divinity. For everyone assembled here, no other thought
occupies the mind except that of Muruga.
When Thai Pusam comes near, we only think of Palani. Thai
Pusam has become synonymous with Palani, the abode of Muruga. With the advent
of Thai Pusam, a steady stream of devotees starts flowing towards Palani. They
come from different regions, from far and near to converge at Palani. They may
have differences like caste and class but while heading towards Palani, they
are all united in their devotion towards Muruga. There may be young ones, old
ones, women and men, rich and poor but all of them have one aim; to reach the
Lotus Feet of Muruga, the Lord of infinite grace. They may be engaged in
different occupations but they all consider worshipping Dhandayuthapani as
their primary occupation.
The word 'Thai Pusam' is the combination of two
words Thai which refers to the Tamil month and Pusam which refers
to the star (nakshatram). The day of Pusam star in the month of Thai is
considered very auspicious. The very purpose of Muruga manifesting in earth is
to destroy the evil forces represented by Sooran and establish Dharma. On Thai
Pusam day, Mother Parvati gives Muruga the all-powerful Vel (the spear). It is
this image; Muruga holding the powerful Vel, sitting majestically on his
transport, peacock, that we see in the Lord's third abode, Tiruvavinankudi in Palani.
The Vel that Parvati gives to Muruga is such a powerful
weapon that it excels the power of Siva's Trishula, Vishnu's Chakra and
Indira's Vajrayudha. With the lance presented by Parvati, Muruga attains
victory over evil forces represented by Soorapadman. Therefore, Thai Pusam is
celebrated as a mark of victory of good over evil.
The lance (Vel) is not a mere weapon. The Vel goes by
different name; Jnana Vel, the Vel that gives knowledge
(jnana), Sakti Vel, the Vel that gives power and energy, Vetri Vel,
the Vel that brings success. The Vel (lance) therefore has not only the power
to destroy but also the power to create, protect, succeed and enlighten. It
radiates the light of knowledge and so it is called Kadir Vel.
The formation of the Vel indicates that it is the source
of all knowledge. The lower part that runs deeper and lengthy indicates that
true knowledge should be deep and not peripheral. The wider portion at the top
represents the vastness of knowledge. Finally, the pointed edge of the Vel indicates
that knowledge should be sharp. Arunagirinathar has composed many songs
like Vel Virutham on the significance of Vel. According to
Arunagirinathar, Vel has the power to ward off the consequences arising out of
karma (Vinai Theerkum Kadir vel).
Just as Tiru Avinangudi temple, the temple atop the Palani hill is also considered
very sacred and important. Saint Bhogar, a Siddhar, is credited with the
creation of the idol of Palani Dhandayuthapani. Many years later, perhaps
between the 7th and 11th centuries C.E., Cheraman Perumal, a ruler of
Kerala, the contemporary of Saint Sundarar, built the temple around the shrine.
Later, the Nayaks and Pandya kings developed this temple.
Thai Pusam is the most important event in the hill
temple of Palani. Elaborate arrangements are made well in advance. Thai Pusam
festivities start ten days in advance and culminate on Poosam day. On the
Poosam day, Palani becomes heaven on earth.
The pilgrims visiting the Palani Hill for Thai Pusam
have defined what true devotion is. They do not just pack their luggage, take a
train or bus, and reach Palani. Most of them make preparations well in advance.
A true devotee who seeks the blessings of Palani Andavar makes sure that he is
pure in mind and body. He goes beyond the influence of senses. His attention is
always centered on God.
Another unique feature that distinguishes a Muruga
devotee is the vibhuti (sacred ashes) smeared over his forehead and body.
Vibhuti signifies pure devotion. It is made by burning dried cow-dung and is
associated with Lord Siva who appears clad in vibhuti always. Vibhuti gives us
the grim reminder that what we consider as precious would turn into ashes.
In his Subrahmanya Bhujangam, Adi Sankara says: "Apply vibhuti and free your
body from all diseases." Siva Purana speaks highly of the value of
vibhuti. In his Arumugam Arumugam song, Arunagirinathar says that one
who applies vibhuti is worthy of reverence. In another song rendered at Kasi,
Arunagirinathar says, "As we worship you with our body smeared with
vibhuti, oh Muruga, grace us the knowledge to reach your Lotus
Feet" (tiru neeri poosi meipadha mana sevadi kana vaitharul jnana
makiya bodhakathinaiyeyumararul purivaye …..Dharanikkadhi).
The devotees visiting Palani at Thai Pusam observe
strict discipline and celibacy. They start fasting 41 days in advance. Just
before Thai Pusam, they start their marathon journey barefoot only, chanting
the mantra, 'Hara Haro! Hara Hara!’ Though transport facilities are
available, many pilgrims come to Palani by trekking difficult terrains and
walking long distance. Most of them carry the Kavadi on their shoulders.
Some devotees adopt the extreme ritual of piercing Vel
through their cheeks. It is enough if we show devotion by means of Bhajan,
service and surrender. Some devotees shave off their head as a mark of
sacrifice. Though the devotees in general, undergo many sufferings, during the
journey to temple, one cannot see any sign of tiredness or stress on their
face.
Some devotees generally stay in the Kozhummam Iyyerval
Chatram, popularly known as Iyyerval Chatram, and perform Kavadi Puja and
bhajans there. Ultimately, when they reach the top of the hill, their
excitement reaches the crescendo and they dance in ecstasy.
As you arrive at Palani on the occasion of Thai Pusam,
what attracts you most is Kavadi. Wherever you see, you find Kavadi. Kavadi is
an arch-like wooden canopy, beautifully decorated and carried on the shoulders.
According to legend, Saint Agasthyar, an ardent devotee
of Lord Siva, had asked his disciple, Idumbasuran to bring the two hillocks,
Sivagiri and Saktigiri from Mount Kailasa to the South for his worship. Idumban
connected the two hillocks with the help of a wooden piece in the centre and
tied the loose ends with snakes and proceeded towards South.
On reaching south, he placed them at a spot for taking
rest. Later, when he tried to lift it, he could not. He then saw a youth
wearing a piece of loincloth and holding a staff (danda) atop the hill. He
asked the lad to move away. But the child, claiming right over the hill,
refused to oblige. Soon Idumban realised that the boy was none other than Lord
Muruga and paid obeisance to him. Lord Muruga showered his blessings and
proclaimed that anyone coming to his abode with similar arch-like objects would
be graced by the Lord. The Kavadi form of worship became the usual practice.
Many artists swing and dance by balancing the Kavadi
over their head. It is a marvelous sight even children and women carrying
Kavadi on their shoulders walking towards the top of the hill with extreme
devotion. The number of Kavadis reaching the Palani hill on the occasion of
Thai Pusam is estimated at around fifty thousand.
Having taken the arduous journey to Palani and having
trekked the hill, when at last the devotees return to the ground, they are very
tired, exhausted and hungry. Where would they go for lunch? Who will feed them?
Having come to seek the blessings of Muruga, can they go back hungry?
"No," said some of the devotees from Kerala who had come to Palani
during Thai Pusam. These devotees who came as a group from Kerala felt that
they should do something to satisfy the hunger of pilgrims.
Thaadi Mani Iyer, who was doing hotel business at
Koduvayur near Palakkad, and his friends collected some money and arranged
meals for a few. That was the beginning of a new scheme of Annadhanam (mass
feeding). Initially, while staying at a Chatram (choultry), they procured the
materials necessary, prepared food and served few people only. Gradually, the Annadhanam
scheme developed. Sri Nelluva Narayana Iyer, Sri Anamala Ramachandra Iyer, Sri
Palani Muttiah and many others lent their solid support. Contributions started
pouring in.
This happened nearly a century ago. Soon, the Annadhanam
movement gained momentum. The organizers thought that there is nothing greater
than serving the devotees of Lord Muruga. They believed that doing service and feeding
the hungry devotees is equal to worshipping Muruga. Serving the Muruga devotees
is serving Muruga.
Soon an institution was established at Kozhikode called
the Tiru
Palani Thai Pusam Annadana Sangham. As the
number of mouths to be fed increased, the donations which came in the form of
money and materials also increased. In order to regularize the transaction, the
Tiru Palani Thai Pusam Annadana Sangham was registered and proper accounts
maintained. The silent service which the Sangham has been doing for years has
been appreciated by many. This year, 2015, the Sangham will be celebrating the
85th anniversary of Annadhanam service with justifiable pride.
To the ever-increasing number of devotees who climb the
hill to worship Muruga, the Lord showers his bountiful blessings. "Palani Dhandayuthapani
is the Lord of abundant grace, the ultimate refuge for the people caught in the
illusions of life. He is Kali Yuga Varada, the Lord who protects the devotees
in this age of Kali Yuga. He is the Lord who leads the people from darkness to
light", said Sri V.S. Lakshminarayanan, an active member of Tirupalani
Thai Pusam Annadana Sangham who does textile business at Thrissur.
Palani temple finds mention in many religious texts and
literature. Many saints have highlighted the glory of Palani Andavar in their
songs. Saint Arunagirinathar has composed over 90 songs about Palani Andavar
and about Bala Murugan at Tiru Avinangudi, at the base of the hill. Some
of the notable songs are Arumugam Arumugam, Ulaga Pasu Pasa, etc.
An important ritual done to the Dhandapani idol is Abhishekam or
anointment. Though Abhishekam is done with various items like pure water,
sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), milk, etc., the most prominent Abhishekam
is done with panchamirtham; a sacred paste made with jaggery, ripe hill
plantain, dates, etc. The word amritam in Sanskrit means immortality.
Every devotee returning from Palani carries the panchamirtham as the Prasadam.
Needless to mention, the devotee returning from Palani after worshipping Dhandayuthapani
feels liberated from the ocean of Samsara and finds unity with Muruga.
What is the message that we get from Palani Andavar?
Muruga's father, Siva is the source of all knowledge. Muruga's mother, Parvati,
is the embodiment of power (sakti). Having inherited the combined qualities of
his parents, knowledge and power, Muruga has become the Lord Supreme,
unequalled and unparalleled.
Yet, Lord Muruga has renounced everything, went atop the
hill and stands with bare loincloth. He stands there as
an andi (penniless mendicant). The message he gives is very loud and
clear; stop coveting wealth, stop going after material pursuits, stop acquiring
possessions and properties and adopt simplicity and humbleness. Let us distance
ourselves from this world of illusion and try to reach Muruga, the eternal
reality.
