Hindu mythology says that Muruga, being the son of Shiva and Parvathi, had a duel with his brother Ganesha about who was the greater between them. So who is this Murugan.the Shunmuga? Who is the one we call Soobramunian and chant Vel Vel Vetri Vel to? Who is the energy that we invoke when we shout Haro Hara at? I had all these questions and here is my humble attempt to explain. It was only my third consecutive year and the second time at Buccluech Temple and the most powerful in my experience of kavady. I attended each day where offerings, meditations, and discourses were provided. It is a strong spiritual space one where I am allowing myself to be transformed by the tangible energy of this Tamil God.Īs with all Hindu prayers, a flag raising is done at the temple to signify the start of kavady. I then got into an unhealthy relationship and stopped practicing Hinduism, creating years of spiritual distress only later on to find my way to the now.
I just remember the manja (turmeric) water doused over my new white clothes, syringaberry leaves thrashed over my head and the smells of marigolds, incense, and sambrani all around. I remember my mother taking me to the temples when I was younger, and because I used to always get sick or injured, she told me to carry the kavady, but I was so young and immature that I never understood anything. I can only estimate the global numbers in awe and wonder why this grand event goes so unacknowledged.Įven Hindus ourselves have minimal understanding of what kavady is. 400,000 devotees carry kavady here on the southern tip of the great Dark Continent, paying homage to this Tamil God and allowing the vibrational energies to transform our consciousness.
Known as the Tamil God, worship to Lord Muruga is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus in South Africa.