Detailed Information about Thaipusam Festival & Its Importance

Every year this festival is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and excitement. Thousands of people come to celebrate this auspicious festival with full dedication and devotion to the Lord Murugan. The festival is celebrated in the ancient temple of 'Lord Murugan Temple' which is situated at Tiruchendur, Palani, Tirupparankundram, Pazhamudircholai, Swamimalai and Thiruthani. These are the six sacred abodes. On the festival of Thaipusam special and auspicious puja is organised in the temple since the morning. The devotees who are in this worshiping and praying wear a special decorative 'Kavadis' which is a central shaft of a semi- circular wooden structure. The devotees march to the temple to fulfil their vows in order to worship.

By the ancient and mythological stories this festival of Thaipusam is celebrated on the day of falling of the 'Poosam' star, which is an auspicious occasion that falls on the full moon day of Tamil month 'Thai'. This festival last for two day and celebrated with immense joy and happiness. The history of this temple is unkown to us and the creator of this temple is unknow. But the significance in terms of worshiping and devotion is far more than words. This temple is situated near the Gulf of Mannar. The devotees of this temple come across Singapore, Malaysia, America, Canada, London, etc. This temple is most significant in the faith of all Tamil people in all over the world. Lord Murugan of Thiruchendur by his "Sri Subramnaya Bhujanga Stotra" is praised by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The greatness of Lord Murugan is praised by the following words.

ApasmAra kushta kshayArsha prameha|
JvaronmAdha gulmAdhi rogA mahAntha||
PishAchAshcha sarve bhavatpatra bhoothim|
Vilokya kshanAth tArakAre dravanthe||

The meaning of this shloka is that 'oh Conqueror of Taraka! Acute epilepsy, leprosy, consumption, lung disease, venereal diseases, fever, all types of mental diseases, they disappear the moment they see 'Thy Vibhuti contained a leaf'.

The existence of this temple is of great significance to the culture of Tamil people all over the world, as written in Puranas. Tiruchendur is a Tamil name given due to the abundance of sandal paste in the temple. The temple attracts attention due to the Sri Jayantipura Sculpture. There is an exception tradition stick on to the Kumara Tantra instead of the Saivagram. Sri Jayantipurais described by Kumara Tantra as Shakti(power), akshmala(rosary), katibaddha(one hand resting on His hip) and ambhuja(lotus).

Tiruchendur temple was situated near the sea that got escaped due to the tsunami by the blessing of Lord Murugan on 24th December 2004. Still the devotion for the remains same for the Tamil people all over the world. The festival is celebrated with all excitement and happiness every year and the devotion from devotees remains same for their Lord.