Thaipusam (Thaipusam) – Hindu festival, dedicated to the god Murugan (transfer him to the sword, his mother Parvati) and his victory at the demon Surapadmanom. These days, believers ask God for help in healing, Help for relatives, for forgiveness and promised to bring him a sacrifice – kavadi (from milk jugs to large metal structures, which dig into the body of a pilgrim).
Leaving the evening of Georgetown, after a long day in the city, podaёma of Penang Hill and celebrating Taypusama Penang, we went to the bus to Kuala Lumpur. Ticket agency next to the bus terminal cost 35 ringgit, took zahodya, the day before. If you buy a ticket directly at the terminal, the day of departure, as we did on the way to Penang, then all the windows on the price rise on the next bus 10 ringgit, even if it is empty. Or offer to drive three hours for the normal price.
We arrived in KL, one in the morning and went to wait a bit at the guesthouse, located near Chinatown, in which they lived before traveling to Penang. Left things and three in the morning went on holiday. Bus to Batu Cave (Batu Caves) went straight from the bus stop, Rather gestures. Festive night rates – 4 ringgita, instead of three, and on the way we picked up a group of believers. From Chinatown (Sri Maha Mariamman храма) to the caves, which are found in 13 km from KL, during the holidays went barefoot Hindu pilgrims with their kavadi, foot.
We came to the caves in the area 3:30 and is located near the entrance to the caves, to look at the passing procession.
Believers, hung with their kavadi, periodically voskurivali sticks, three pike razom, that in substance it was not possible to find out. But some were just in a trance and spun wildly bulging eyes.
Some came with a view, as if now fall. Very tired.
The column was moving from the bridge, many groups were drummers, warming pilgrims loud, fast rhythms. Many followed them in the dance.
For barabanщikami, usually you can see the main participants, with pierced cheeks and tongues, bearing the fruits hitched on hooks, other hooks to the body and he hooked the rope, who holds the rope, tyanet palomnika ago.
A, eg, the man with the sword, when they stood, gave the sword to two assistants, that kept him with the edge up and this yogi got up to the sword, as if nothing had happened.
Another believer, apart a little crowd of spectators, accept the self-flagellation big whip. Also, zero emotion. Some people say, that they do not feel pain.
Some were strongly upbeat and walked forward as bulldozers, so they had their assistants actively restrain.
Looking at the endless procession, We also gathered up into the cave, 272 steps up.
Before lifting can admire the highest in the world (42.7 m) Murugan statue.
After completion of all the steps, pilgrims come to the cave, where the remains come a little, to go to a small cave (which is normally closed) with another statue of Murugan inside. At the entrance also leave a small donation, so it pays to grab a few Ringgit.
And after a visit to the sanctuary, Pilgrims begin to unload their heavy cargo.
And when the trans goes, it's done, and pilgrims begin to really feel the pain, some cry.
We wandered a little more in the caves, there quietly, than outside, Yet after addicts naverh podbadrivali OTHER mantrami and barabanami, within the same buzz subsides.
We went down, and the crowd kept moving and moving upward, special hustle inside or on the stairs, to someone crushed, was observed. Pilgrims, with huge designs on the shoulders, supported and sometimes give them a break sitting, especially, when they sewed up the stairs.
We even walked near Batu Caves, there was organized a large space, snack. Very comfortable.
Back to the city center is already quite possible to go by bus. And all the people came and climbed into the cave all day. On the trains to Batu Caves was a huge crowd and all went as herring, so it's best to come at night and not to crowd. In the post, used photo JN and EM.
Impressions weight, but would like to go to the guest house and take a nap, it is good to celebrate birthday, and this is one of the most unusual started for your holiday.
For believers preparing for Taypusamu begins from two weeks to one month before the event. During this period, they will refrain from the pleasures associated with: sex, alcohol and gambling; fasting, eating vegetarian food; try to be pure in thought, words and deeds; Many head shaved bald; and will regularly pray.
Like all Hindu festivals, bright, though sometimes shocking, at Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur is worth a look with your own eyes. One of the biggest Hindu celebrations collects several million people. Thaipusam festival takes place every year in 2013-year celebration can be seen on January 27,.
