Thousands of Hindus Take Part in Rituals of Penitence and Prayer, Honouring Lord Murugan

On February 11, Malaysia’s Hindu community gathered in vast numbers at temples across the country to observe Thaipusam, a significant religious festival. Devotees, particularly from Tamil Hindu backgrounds, participated in intense rituals of devotion, including body piercings with hooks and skewers as a show of faith.

Thaipusam is especially vibrant in Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim country where ethnic Indians, many of whom are Tamil Hindus, represent around seven percent of the 34 million-strong population. The festival commemorates the day the goddess Parvathi presented her son, Lord Murugan, with a divine spear to vanquish demons, marking an occasion of profound religious significance. Thaipusam is also observed in other countries with large Hindu Tamil populations, such as India and Singapore.

The Batu Caves complex in Selangor, just outside of Kuala Lumpur, has been a focal point of the celebrations for over a century. Devotees ascended the 272 steps barefoot to reach the sacred temple, bearing offerings such as milk pots or intricate, heavy metal structures known as “kavadis.” Some of these kavadis weigh up to 100 kilograms, and those carrying them often sway to the rhythmic beats of percussion instruments and the chanting of religious hymns. Additionally, many participants pierce their bodies with skewers or hang chains and hooks as part of their act of penance and devotion.

Revathi Ramasundra, a senior nurse, explained, “We pray every day, but once our prayers are answered, we show our gratitude to Lord Murugan by carrying the kavadis and milk pots as part of our vow fulfillment.”

Mahendran Masialamoney, a businessman, shared his personal reasons for participating in the festival: “This year, I prayed for my children’s education and my career opportunities.”