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Saturday, December 21, 2024
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Thaipusam celebrated in Tamil Nadu usually takes place in the temples dedicated to Lord Muruga (Kartikeya or Subrahmanya or Mariamman) where trenches of burning coal are laid out for the devotees to walk over. It has been seen that people who volunteer to undertake this experience with faith, come away unharmed and unscathed.
The chief priest of the temple and the twelve "hero-youths", who are to perform this feat, first go out in a procession from the temple to bathe, smear themselves with turmeric powder and begin the dance. A decorated image of the temple deity is held over the priests head and colourful chhatris (kavadis) is held by the devotees over their heads. Then they walk over a long pit covered with burning coals and come out unscathed. This is followed by singing and feasting which continues till late night. Many strange traditions like the lips pierced with a small spear, locking of the mouth with metal ring and drawing of small make shift chariot with its chain hooked into the back of devotees are performed by the ardent devotees.
At Palani Periyanayaki temple which is a famous temple dedicated to Muruga, Thaipusam is celebrated as a ten day festival with great fervor. People from distance places come here during this festival.
Rail: There is a railway station at Palani but it is advisable to travel upto Dindigal or Madurai by train and take bus or taxi to reach Palani. Madurai and Dindigal stations are well connected with Chennai, Bangalore, Salem, Coimbatore and other important cities/towns in Tamil Nadu.
Road: Palani is well connected by road with all-important cities/towns in Tamil Nadu. There are frequent buses to Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, and Dindigal, etc.
