‘Eclipse will not affect turnout’

> Batu Caves will open for Thaipusam, says chairman

PETALING JAYA: The expected turnout to celebrate Thaipusam this year will not be reduced due to the lunar eclipse which will be from 7.48pm to 11.11pm on Jan 31.

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam chairman Tan Sri R. Nadarajah told the media that the temple would remain open throughout, even during the eclipse.

He said after consulting temple leaders and other religious scholars and priests, it was decided the temple will remain open.

“There is no ‘Vetham’ or ‘Agammam’ (Hindu holy scriptures), which quotes that the temple must remain closed during the lunar eclipse, it’s only a traditional religious belief in Hinduism,” said Nadarajah.

However, there would be a “parigara pooja” at 11.30pm for those who are concerned about any negative impact to their prayers.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan had earlier cautioned temples about remaining open or performing rites during the lunar eclipse

“During the eclipse, it is believed that negative energy can come through and affect the devotees. This is a not a new practice among Hindus but has been followed traditionally for years,” he said.

Mohan added that only Batu Caves would remain open during the eclipse and he asked them to reconsider their decision for the sake of the devotees who would be coming to the temple on the day.

Some Hindu devotees have started fulfilling their vows as early as this weekend for various reasons, from avoiding the crowd to the belief that the lunar eclipse will cast a “negative vibe”.

Devotee Arjun Kumar, 39, took his family to fulfil their vows of carrying milk pots or “pal kudam” for Lord Muruga on Saturday at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Dhevasthanam in Batu Caves.

“We went on Saturday to fulfil our vows as our son is still young and we wanted to avoid the crowd on the actual day. It is not so much of the belief that the lunar eclipse has a negative impact on our prayers. I think this is just a belief among Indians and is not actual teaching,” he told theSun.

When asked if they would go to the temple on Thaipusam day, he said he might go there for a while in the morning.