Om Sharavanabavaaya Namaha
THAI POOSAM is celebrated in the Tamil month "Thai", on the day of the star Poosam and on the full moon day . The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Muruga and the occassion when Parvati gave him a Vel (lance) so he could vanquish the evil demon Tharakasuran.
Legend behind Thai Poosam :
Lord Muruga was created during one of the battles between Asuras and Devas. At one point of time , the later were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Lord Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras.
They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva granted them a mighty leader by creating Lord Muruga. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces inspired them, and defeated the Asuras. He took with him twelve weapons , eleven of which were given by his father Lord Shiva and the twelth one is 'Vel' given by his mother Godess Parvathi . This happened in the month of Thai and on poosam star.
According to another legend : When shiva was imparting a mantra to Parvati , Muruga eavesdropped (Listen without the speaker's knowledge) on them.For that mistake , Parvati laid a curse on him , in line with the rule, that even a son, if erring , must be punished. To be redeemed from her curse, Lord muruga offered hard penance at Thiruparankundram. Pleased with his penance, Shiva and Parvati appeared before him and lifted the curse. This happened on the month of 'Thai ' in the day of Poosam star.
CELEBRATIONS :On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi.
Legend behind Thai Poosam :
Lord Muruga was created during one of the battles between Asuras and Devas. At one point of time , the later were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Lord Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras.
They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva granted them a mighty leader by creating Lord Muruga. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces inspired them, and defeated the Asuras. He took with him twelve weapons , eleven of which were given by his father Lord Shiva and the twelth one is 'Vel' given by his mother Godess Parvathi . This happened in the month of Thai and on poosam star.
According to another legend : When shiva was imparting a mantra to Parvati , Muruga eavesdropped (Listen without the speaker's knowledge) on them.For that mistake , Parvati laid a curse on him , in line with the rule, that even a son, if erring , must be punished. To be redeemed from her curse, Lord muruga offered hard penance at Thiruparankundram. Pleased with his penance, Shiva and Parvati appeared before him and lifted the curse. This happened on the month of 'Thai ' in the day of Poosam star.
CELEBRATIONS :On the day of the festival, devotees will shave their heads undertake a pilgrimage along a set route while engaging in various acts of devotion, notably carrying various types of kavadi.
KAVADI ATTAM : It is a dance performmed by the devotees during the ceremonial worship of Lord Muruga. The kavadi itself is a physical burden through which the devotees implore for help from the Lord Muruga. Generally People take a vow to offer a kavadi to the Lord for purpose of tiding over or averting a great calamity.
Origin of Kavadi : The Kavadi is steeped in Mythology. At Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva entrust
ed the saint sage Agastya with two hillocks (A small natural hill), with the instruction to carry and install them in South India. But the sage left them in a forest and later asked his disciple, Idumban to get them. Idumban found the two hillocks, but could not intially lift them , untill he obtained divine help. Near Palani in south India, Indumban Kept the hillocks down to rest awhile. When he attempted to continue with his journey , he found that the hillocks were immovable. He then sought the help of a scantily dressed youth , but the youth claimed the hillocks belonged to him. In the ensuing scuffle, Idumban was defeated. Idumban the realised that the youth was Lord Muruga. He pleaded to be pardoned and asked that anyone comes to hills to worship Muruga with an object similar to two hillocks suspended by a rod , may be granted his heart's desire. Idumban's wish was granted, and so the Kavadi came to play its role on the festivals.
It is thus a special day for worship of lord Muruga . And is celebrated in a very grand manner at all Murugan temples, especially at the enclosed 'Arupadai Veedu' of Lord Muruga.
(Tirupparamkundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swami Malai. Tiruttani and Palamutircholai.)
Origin of Kavadi : The Kavadi is steeped in Mythology. At Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva entrust
ed the saint sage Agastya with two hillocks (A small natural hill), with the instruction to carry and install them in South India. But the sage left them in a forest and later asked his disciple, Idumban to get them. Idumban found the two hillocks, but could not intially lift them , untill he obtained divine help. Near Palani in south India, Indumban Kept the hillocks down to rest awhile. When he attempted to continue with his journey , he found that the hillocks were immovable. He then sought the help of a scantily dressed youth , but the youth claimed the hillocks belonged to him. In the ensuing scuffle, Idumban was defeated. Idumban the realised that the youth was Lord Muruga. He pleaded to be pardoned and asked that anyone comes to hills to worship Muruga with an object similar to two hillocks suspended by a rod , may be granted his heart's desire. Idumban's wish was granted, and so the Kavadi came to play its role on the festivals.It is thus a special day for worship of lord Muruga . And is celebrated in a very grand manner at all Murugan temples, especially at the enclosed 'Arupadai Veedu' of Lord Muruga.
(Tirupparamkundram, Tiruchendur, Palani, Swami Malai. Tiruttani and Palamutircholai.)
sources : wikipediea
