What is Thai Poosam?

Thai Poosam is a festival celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). This day is dedicated to Lord Muruga, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This day is regarded as a day that marks the triumph of good over evil, as Muruga himself descended to the earth plane to protect the people.

History of Thai Poosam

Lord Muruga is the commander-in-chief of the Devas’ army and is bestowed with enormous powers by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati presented a lance or Vel, signifying “Brahma Jnanam” or absolute knowledge, to Lord Muruga to help him conquer the three Asuras- Surapadman, Singamugan, Tarakasura and their army of demons.

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The Significance of Thai Poosam

On Thai Poosam, Mother Goddess Parvati bestowed him with this divine weapon to protect all the people, saints, and devas. The significance of the “Vel” has been portrayed in many sacred texts. It is a symbol of light and wisdom which was used by Lord Muruga to rid all the evil forces and bring peace and balance back to the Heavens and Earth. Lord Muruga fought against the evil forces, which were tormenting gods, sages and humans across Trilog, or three different universes. The three Asuras represent the three evil forces- Ego, Attachment, and Hatred. The sacred Vel is a divine weapon that can be one’s protective shield and should be meditated upon for the desired results.

How is Thai Poosam Celebrated?

Lord Muruga liberates people from their bad karmas and enriches their lives with enormous positivity. Thai Poosam 2020 is a festival that is marked by acts of penance such as carrying the “kavadi”. Kavadi is a small wooden log, carried on the shoulders, with an arc of decorated wood or cloth piece connecting to either side of the log. The Kavadi is very sacred, and people with special wishes and prayers carry that to the temple, marking their deep love and faith for Lord Muruga.

Lots of people would walk to the temple, which is called “Pada Yatra”, meaning a journey by foot. Before undertaking the Pada Yatra, they would fast for more than a month. They refrain from taking non-vegetarian food and consume only vegetarian food cooked the traditional way. Special prayers, bhajans and chanting of divine couplets are common. They would chant all the way to the temple to gain energy. Many people even reach the state of trance, moved by the intense devotional fervor surrounding them.

“Paal Kudam”, known as a pot of milk, is also carried by the devotees. This milk is further submitted at the divine feet of Lord Muruga. “Abhishekam”, or the ‘divine bath’ is performed for Muruga. People with great challenges in life pray to God to remove obstacles and once the problems are resolved, the milk pot is offered as a tribute to Lord Muruga.

“Anna Daanam” or mass feeding is performed, as feeding the public is considered to be holy. Many devotees volunteer their service or donate money to be a part of this selfless deed. Body piercing by Vel is also carried out. Frantic worshippers would pierce their cheeks and tongue. Some people would even pull small chariots, which are attached to their body with hooks.

People also offer special prayers at home. Decorating the Lord’s idols or photo frame is considered sacred. Prasadams or special feast is also offered to God. Vrat is strictly followed, with people consuming just one meal a day along with fruits and milk for the rest of the day.

Thai Poosam Across The World:

Tamil people living across the globe consider Thai Poosam as a special festival and celebrate it with pomp and glory. Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has a Muruga Temple with with a statue of Lord Muruga which is more than 140 feet tall. Singapore, Srilanka and Penang also celebrate this festival. Thai Poosam is also celebrated in the US, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.

Benefits of celebrating Thai Poosam:

The steps towards Lord Muruga are the path to freedom against all odds of life. He showers his divine grace to protect people and elevate their spiritual life.

It is a day of wisdom and enlightenment. People pray on this day to receive knowledge and gain the power of intelligence. Education and knowledge are essential tools for success in the world

The divine “Vel” is a great amulet. Lord Muruga’s Vel grants protection against all evil things

Special pooja on this day would bring peace and tranquillity in life. People who have differences of opinion with their kith and kin and are facing challenges due to quarrels should submit themselves before the lord. Lord Muruga would bless them and reunite them with their family again