In Malaysia Thaipusam is a three-day celebration which is annually falls in January or February, Thaipusam often coincides with Chinese New Year celebration.The Thaipusam tradition was brought to east asian countries through the tamil diaspora during the late 18th century. Thaipusam celebration in Malaysia is not only celebrated by the tamils but also participated by other races, notably the Chinese. Ethnic Chinese kavadi bearers often turn heads at penang and battu caves Thaipusam celebration.
Penang Thaipusam is truly a little more unique than the rest. Penang nattukottai chettair temple holds the first silver in Malaysia. And he is the first thandayuthapani in southeast asian countries this temple was built during 1850's . Penang thandayuthapani temples old wooden chariot has been still in use at #Indonesia medan thandayuthapani temple we could see this chariot during thaipusam .This silver chariot starts its first journey on January 1894 in Penang.
This silver chariot was made by tamil craftsman's from chettinad region at late 19 th century in karaikudi. The entire silver chariot was shipped to penang in "#SSRona". The chariot is still in good condition without any manjor repairs till date. The chariot came with some additional spare parts , four wheels , and nozzles. During 1994 the chariot had replaced with the new wheels . It is also worth noting that the old wheels have been in use for 99 years.
The height of the entire silver chariot is 25 feet and its diameter is 10 feet. Except the wheels and the gear region ( base ) whole chariot was made of heavy gauge pure silver sheets. At the base of the silver chariot they had shown a well detailed miniature panels of shiva forms,murugan, yali and astagajas . In the first deck they shown eight colorful gantharvas with garlands which represent the eight directions. In the base of the silver chariot we could see four colourful wooden guardians maids with chowri.Till date no more major repairs have been happened for over a century. This shows the stability and the workmanship excellence of the Tamil artisans.
On the eve of Thaipusam ( Punar Pusam ) devotees from the Penang Chettiar community take the kavadis and chariot procession begins from the Lebuh Penang Kovil Veedu temple where the procession Deity hails and it ends at NattukottaI Chettiar temple, at Jalan Air Terjun which is locally Known as the Chetti Pusam, this procession is unusual as the Chettiar Indians carry peacock kavadis and they avoid body piercing and other pain-defying rituals. During this chariot procession we could see Chinese devotees approaching the chariots with offerings and smashing The same rituals as the first day (eve of Thaipusam) happen along the route of the procession.from the Chinese community has a belief behind coconut breaking ceremony. They think that the more coconuts they break the more lucks are showered onto them. They break thousands of coconuts every year which ultimately streets were covered with coconuts. As per Hindu devotees smash coconuts on the roads to symbolise
the breaking of one's ego to reveal purity inside.
The silver chariot adorned with colored lights is a spectacular sight that travels through the city of Penang all night long which gives more attraction towrds the people and this chariot procession comes to an end at the late night. The next day morning Thaipusam will be celebrated in a grand manner at pnnt temple with MILK ABISHEGAM, MAHA ABHISHEGAM, MAHESWARA POOJAI and followed by annathanam. On the third day evening the return journey of the chariot towards Kovil veetu starts comes to an end at the early morning. Every year silver chariot procession covers 14 kms up and down this silverchariot is consider as pride of penang.
-- Ramu.Rm.N
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