Long-standing family tradition
PRAYERS form a major part of Hindu culture and Kavady is also a form of worship dedicated to Lord Muruga, a celestial being.
Muruga, also known as Mahasena, is the Lord that fronts the forces of good against those of evil and is revered for his extraordinary prowess in annihilating the demonic forces.
For instance, an altercation with Surapadma demonstrates the inherent ability of Muruga to subdue the evil forces that flourish in humanity.
Surapadma was of demonic character with irreligious attributes and a feared ruthless killer with no respect for family and the community. At one confrontation with the community he was intercepted by Muruga and humbly surrendered to the Lord after a fierce battle. But Surapadma soon resorted to his vile actions and this time assumed a form of a giant tree.
After a protracted battle the vel (spear) of Muruga split the tree leaving Surapadam exposed, exhausted and defeated. In commemoration of this victory Lord Muruga ordained that the peacock whose form Surapadma had assumed in battle should become his vehicle (Vahana).
Today virtually every Muruga temple bears the insignia of a vel, a peacock and a rooster.
With reference to the origin of Kavady, it is recorded that a Verlen by the name of Idumban was commissioned to carry two hills (identified as Lord Shiva and Mother Shakti) and relocate them at the feet of Lord Muruga.
Idumban tied the hills to the end of a bamboo pole and hoisted them on to his shoulder. During the journey and in anticipation for a short respite, he placed the bamboo pole with its weight on the ground. After a short break he wished to continue the journey but found he could not lift the load as they appeared to be fixed to the ground.
Later a little boy appeared on the scene and mocked at Idumban, which resulted in a scuffle and Idumban was annihilated by the youth who was actually Lord Muruga.
Idumban was banished to the forest for his wrongdoings and he (Idumban) decided he would repent by fasting for 108 days.
Hence, Idumban, with a bamboo pole strapped with containers of milk on either end on his shoulder, decided on a journey to seek and receive salvation from Lord Muruga.
Piercing his body with traditional thorns he began the journey and made only three stops to refresh himself.
The first stop was called Thaipoosam.
The second was called Panguni Woothram and the final stop was referred to as Chitrai Paravam.
Arising from that agricultural and traditional form of penance, the present Hindu community are obliged to observe three Kavady rituals in a year.
The Thaipoosam Kavady is observed in the month of Thai (January/February). Panguni Kavady is observed in the month of Masi (March/April) and Chitrai Paravam in the month of Chitrai (April/May).
In all these rituals Idumban is revered. Today the bamboo, which was the initial structure, is now replaced with a shape which is semi-circular and decorated with flowers and other greenery and consecrated with a Vel. Lime, sacred ashes, peacock feathers and milk in two brass containers complete the décor.
This year and in the months of April/May the Hindu community are once again engaged in the Chitrai Paravam Kavady. For some it has become a family tradition that expands for many generations.
Secondly, to seek God’s grace to relieve difficulties in one’s life. Thirdly, to seek penance for past mistakes and a desire for a future balanced life. Finally, having acknowledged a measure of relief from incurable ailments, a devotee will continue to observe this ritual with intense dedication.
However, be cautious that participating in such rituals must not be understood as some kind of healing ceremony though one should be conscious of its healing powers. Vel Vel Muruga. Vetri Vel Muruga.