'Thai Poosam,' celebrated in TN, devotees throng temples

'Thai Poosam,' a key event in the Tamil Shaivite calendar signifying triumph of good over evil was today celebrated in temples across Tamil Nadu.
Devotees lined up in huge numbers at the temples of Lord Muruga across the state, including the Vadapalani Sri Murugan temple here, since early morning and offered prayers.
Special arrangements were made by authorities to facilitate hassle free darshan for devotees at the six 'Padai veedu' (sacred six abodes of Muruga) temples.
The temples include the hill shrines of Palani, Tiruttani and the seashore temple of Tiruchendur, all of which attracted a large number of devotees.

Thai Poosam is celebrated in the Tamil month of 'Thai,' and on the day of star 'Poosam,' which also happens to be a full moon day.
According to spiritual texts, the festival is held to celebrate the victory of Lord Muruga, also known as Karthikeya and Subramanya, over demon Tharakasura.

The day has other spiritual significance as well.
As per Tamil spiritual literature, Lord Muruga hailed as the Tamil war god was given "Vel" (spear) to conquer the demon by his mother Goddess Parvathi on Thai Poosam day.
Devotees fulfilled their spiritual vows by carrying milk pots and piercing their cheeks with spears.

They also carried 'kavadi' (a semi-cicular wooden frame supported by wooden poles and held on the shoulders by devotees) and went on a procession making their offernings at the temples.
Followers of 19th century Hindu spiritual reformist and saint Vallalar too celebrated Thai Poosam in a grand manner.
A 'jyothi' darshan was held at the Vadalur Sathiya Gnana Sabai temple in Cuddalore District which was set up by the revered spiritual leader.