Dancing
in a hypnotic trance to the rhythm of drums, devotees of Muruga carry the
'Kavadi' a flower decked decoration, all the way up the Palani Hills to
fulfil their vow. According to Hindu mythology, Idumban is said to have
carried two sacred hillocks on two ends of a pole laced on his shoulders.
The ancient Tamils when they went on pilgrimage, carried the offerings to
the gods tied on the either end of the long stick, which was balanced on the
shoulders. In order to lessen the boredom of the long travel they used to
sing and dance about the gods. Kavadi Aattam has its origin in this
practice. Special songs were created to be sung while carrying the Kavadi
Sindhu. This dance is performed only by men. It is done by balancing a pole
with pots fixed on either end, filled with milk or coconut water. The poles
are made from Purasai or Teak wood. On top, bamboo strips are bent like a
half-moon, covered with saffron cloth and further decorated on the sides
with peacock feathers. This is mainly a religious dance, performed in
worship of Lord Murugan, the second son of Siva. The dance is accompanied by
Pambai and Naiyandi Melam.
The Most Important Custom
The most potent propitiatory rite that a devotee of Lord Muruga undertakes
to perform is what is known as the "Kavadi". The benefits that the
devotee gains from offering a Kavadi to the Lord are a million fold greater
than the little pain that he inflicts upon himself.
Generally, people take a vow to offer the Lord a Kavadi for the sake of
tiding over a great calamity. Though this might on the face of it appear
mercenary, a moment's reflection will reveal that it contains in it the seed
for the supreme love for God. The worldly object is achieved, no doubt, and
the devotee takes the Kavadi; but after the ceremony he gets so
God-intoxicated that his inner spiritual chamber is opened. This is also a
method that ultimately leads to the supreme state of devotion.
Agni Kavadi
This is the most difficult Kavadi-offering. With the Kavadi hanging on his
shoulders, the devotee walks through a pit of burning coals. The devotees
all around the pit sing hymns in praise of the Lord. The beating of the
drums and the burning of the incense make the entire atmosphere
awe-inspiring. The real devotee gets into a state of ecstasy and easily
walks over the fire.
Celebrations
The Kavadi festival is celebrated at all shrines of Lord Muruga. Dancing in
a hypnotic trance to the rhythm of drums, devotees of Muruga carry the
Kavadi all the way up the Palani hills to fulfill their vow. Ettukudi Kavadi
Festival is a famous festival celebrated during the months of April-May.
Devotees from places and villages around this temple come here with Kavadis,
milk pots, coconuts, cocks and goats. This is a major crowd pulling festival
where one can see the true Tamil culture in its habitat.
Celebration At Palani
At
Palani Thaipusam is a ten-day festival held in the Periyanayaki temple.
Since the festival falls in January - the post harvest season, the
exuberance of the agriculturists and their lusty participation lends unique
splendour to the temple. The most remarkable feature of this festival is the
parading devout 'Bhaktas' (devotees) bearing Kavadis. The yellow robed
'Bhaktas' coming from several distant places dance their way through the
streets to reach the Muruga Sannidhi to the accompaniment of music, both
instrumental and vocal. Many strangely and ghastly traditions, like the lips
pierced with mini silver lance, and locking of the mouth with metal ring to
maintain perfect silence and drawing of small make shift chariot with its
chain hooked into the back of devotees strike the eye of spectator during
the festival.
Connectivity
Palani is well connected by road and there are frequent buses from Chennai,
Madurai, Coimbatore, Dindugal and Tiruchi.Nearest railway station is Palani
. The nearest airport is Coimbatore & Madurai. The Hill Station
KODAIKANAL (Princess of Hills) is 60 KM from palani.
