My Hindu friends mentioned that Sri Maha Siva Muniswarar Temple was one of the oldest temple in Johor Bahru. This temple just completed the renovation in the early of 2015. I decided to pay my respect to this temple on Thaipusam day.
To readers, I am practicing Buddhism. Buddhists are free to explore and respect other religions. I tried to get consultation from the temple communities. However, I came on the wrong date. They were very busy with the prayers. Thus, this article is written based on my observation.
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| Hindu Gods |
The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a Vel "spear" so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman. 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.
This festival was created during one of the battles between the Asuras (or to be more specific Soorapadman) and the Devas. At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to recognize that day the people created the festival, Thaipusam.
Extracted from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaipusam
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| There was a row of stalls outside of the temple. |
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| No photos inside the temple. Most of the devotes took photos of the prayers from the temple gate. As respect to other religion and culture, I took this photos from the temple gate too. |
Sri Maha Siva Muniswarar Temple
1, Jalan Mempelam,
81200 Tampoi,
Johor
Website: http://goo.gl/e2dz9k
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/5kPga
GPS: 1.5007907,103.6998692
Post by Ler Travel Diary.
PS: If by word, I wrote wrongly. Please forgive me and correct me. Thank you
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