Experience Lord Muruga’s power

THE Devasthanam Foundation of South Africa, a body of South Indian temples, feels it’s imperative that some clarification be provided in respect to the article. The Tamil language and civilisation is as old as mankind. Muruga, being referred to as the Tamil Kadavul, has traces of Murugan worship to the Kumarai Kandam (Limeruria – The Lost Civilisation off the Bay of Bengal). The tradition of Murugan worship is as per Saiva Agama (prescribed temple worship) and to a large extent South Africa has developed its own unique tradition to the observance of Kavady due to our indentured history. In particular, as a matter of correction to Naidoo’s statement, South African temples do observe three Kavady festivals and the learned writer may have omitted to mention Pungani Uttram (the original Kavady). If time does permit the learned doctor a visit to the Brake Village Murugan Temple for its Pungani Uttram, I am certain he would be pleasantly surprised as this might be the largest Kavady in Africa. Kavady festivals are generally observed over a period of 10 days, which are observed in fasting and prayer. During this period, people give up their many vices and focus purely on the worship of Lord Murugan. We need to acknowledge and encourage this discipline and daily temple worship and activity. This form of Murugan worship has attracted both the common man and the more informed aspirant. During the time of Kavady this platform needs to be used to deliver a simple message to our people about the importance of spiritual life as the learned doctor correctly mentioned. Our varying point of opinion is, however, those statements must not be made to create further confusion to our people. While Naidoo speaks of the Gita and its moral lessons, he fails to mention that Krishna says to Arjuna on the battlefields of Kurukshetra: “I am Skandha” (10.24). Would this not mean that the valuable lesson that the Gita is to deliver could ultimately be Lord Muruga’s message as well. Why the need to run down the Kavady practise? The foremost Muruga Bhaktha Arunagirinathar stressed the importance of remaining still (Summa Iru). It is believed that Arunagirinathar was initiated into sainthood by Lord Muruga himself and the Upadesa (spiritual knowledge) given to him was “Summa Iru”. Arunagirinathar gives expression to this divine experience: “I knew no other means to realise God but to remain in silence without any word being spoken.” (Summa Iru Sollara Enralume Amma Porul Onrum Arinthilane (Kandar Anubuti 12). According to Arunagirinathar, observing silence, looking inward and practising “Siva Yoga” paves the way for self-realisation. The very message that the learned Naidoo is trying to deliver but fails to look at these aspects from a devotee of Lord Muruga. The Devasthanam believes that a person has to start somewhere in his spiritual life and Kavady is this simple way. It is our firm view that the reason behind the populace support of the Kavady festival is essentially because of the “hands-on involvement” and participation people feel to be part of Kavady, unlike in other prayers where people are more like spectators. The Devasthanam quite confidently believes that the tradition of Kavady will never stop in this country and perhaps Naidoo must re-align his position to rather embrace the devotees of Lord Muruga on their simple terms rather than have the “ivory tower approach”. Come experience the glory of Lord Muruga on the ground, Dr Naidoo. I am certain you will feel His power and energy. Om Saravana bhava Murugavel