Palani Murugan
 

தைப்பூசம் -- When is Thai Pūcam in 2014?

Thaipusam
Thai Pucam: Kavadi

Thai Pusam (தைப்பூசம், Taippūcam) is celebrated on 17 January, 2014 (Friday). Special abhishekam, homam, archana, puja, and deeparadhanai are held in Lord Murugan's temples on this auspicious day.

The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadam. There is a misconception among people that Thaipusam marks Murugan's birthday; however, it is believed that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May-June), is Murugan's birthday.

In Palani Sri Dhandayuthapani temple, ten-day festival (Brahmotsavam) is held during Thai Pusam. On the day of Thai Pusam, Therottam (Chariot or Car Festival) is held.

Many devotees will wear saffron or green clothes, undertake Paada Yatra, take Kavadi, Paal Kudam (milk), pierce miniature spears (Alagu Kuthuthal), shave their head (mottai), or do Angapradakshinam.

ThaiPusam (Thai Pusam) is celebrated on 17 January, 2014 (Friday).

Special abhishekam, homam, archana, puja, deeparadhanai is held in all Lord Murugan's temples.

Palani Thai Pusam Festival

Dhandayuthapani Temple's 10 day festival (Brahmotsavam) is held during Thai Pusam. The important dates are listed below
  • 16-Jan-2014 - Thursday - Tiru Kalyanam - Velli Ratham
  • 17-Jan-2014 - Friday - Thaipusam - Therottam (Chariot, Car Festival)
  • 18-Jan-2014 - Saturday - Thanga Guthirai Vahanam (Golden Horse)
  • 19-Jan-2014 - Sunday - Periya Thanga Mayil Vahanam (Golden Peacock)
  • 20-Jan-2014 - Monday - Theppotsavam (Float Festival)
Palani Āndavar, Lord of Palani, honoured by gods and rishis
Palani Āndavar, Lord of Palani, honoured by gods and rishis
Palani Andavar, Lord of Palani, honoured by gods and rishis
Palani Āndavar, we love you!

Pujas

Special abhishekams are done to Lord Murugan Moolavar and Utsavar with milk, curd, panchamirtham, tender coconut, sandal, paneer, honey, thiruneer, panchakavi, fruit juices and other diraviams amidst the chanting of Vedas.

Special alankarams like santhana kappu, thanga kavasa kaapu, raja alankaram, poo alankaram are done to Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan Utsavar comes in procession in the mada veethis of temple to bless devotees.

Lakhs of devotees throng Lord Murugan temples, especially Arupadai Veedu temples. Devotional hymns are sung accompanied by the playing of percussion instruments in temples.

In Chidamabaram (Tillai) Panchamurti Veedi Ula, Teerthavari, Thaandava Darsanam Aarthi are held on Thai Poosam

Sri Ramalinga Swami became Jothi on this day. To remind this Jothi Darsanam is held in Vadalur Temple. Special pujas are held at Melmaruvathur Adi Parasakti Temple during Thai Pusam.

Nomenclature:

  • 'Thai' is the name of Tamil month (Jan-Feb)
  • 'Pusam' is the name of Nakshatra.

Time: Poosam Nakshatiram is from 1.15 pm IST (Jan 16th) to 3.55 pm (Jan 17th).

Next Year Thaipusam: In 2015, Thaipusam is on February 3, 2015 (Tuesday).

Courtesy: Vaartaahaa blogspot

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