Thai Poosam

Thai Poosam is celebrated on the Pournami day of the Tamil month of "Thai", falling on the Poosam Nakshatra. The Poosam (Pushya) star is very auspicious for the inner growth of an individual.
Thai Poosam is the day Taarakaasura, the demon who troubled a lot of people, was destroyed by Lord Murugan. For the difficult task of annihilating the ferocious demon, Murugan was given 12 weapons! 11 of these were given by His father Shiva, and one was given by His mother Paarvathi. The one given by the mother is the "Vel" (spear).

Significance of the Vel:
Murugan is known as Velaayudha or Dhandapaani, the one with the "Vel/Dhanda" weapon in His hand. There is probably no depiction of Him without this powerful symbol. The Vel is the supreme wisdom that destroys negative tendencies and helps the devotee in ascension to higher
stages of spiritual growth, ultimately liberating the soul from rebirth. In Tamilnadu, you will find that many Hindus who don't have enough space on their vehicles for a full picture of Murugan, have just the Vel alone. It is interesting to note that the famous cave temple in Batu, Malaysia was built by a Tamil businessman who was inspired by the "Vel" like shape of the entrance of the cave!

Thai Poosam is celebrated in all Murugan temples, and very specially in Pazhani. Devotees go to Pazhani on a Paadayaatra (Journey by foot) and pray to Lord Subrahmanya along with offerings (Kaavadi) which they carry on their shoulders. The Kaavadi symbolises submitting one's deeds to the Lord as an offering.That is, Murugan helps us to free ourselves from the bondage of Karma.
So, let's visit a Murugan temple on Thai Poosam day (tomorrow) and get infinite blessings from the Lord Subrahmanya (Meaning: The one who has realised the Brahman).

Haro Hara! Haro Hara! Haro Hara!