Celebrating Thaipoosam at Malai Mandir, Delhi

A beautiful start to the month of February with Thaipoosam celebrations at Malai Mandir in New Delhi! My teenager and I started our day early morning. When we reached Sree Swaminathan Temple, or Malai Mandir, as it is known, it was a feeling of excitement and anticipation. I had written about my first experience at Malai Mandir earlier in this blog post - do read it if you missed this earlier.

We reached right on time as Lord Subramanya's beautiful image was being offered 'Panchamrutham'. This is believed to be the deity's most favourite temple offering. Watching this is an electrifying experience and more so when devotees start chanting 'Hara hara o hara!' with fervour and Bhakti.

[READ: A Dad's Advice to the Daughter He loves]

Every time I offer prayers at Malai Mandir in Delhi, the feeling of peace and joy fills my heart. There is truly a divine atmosphere at Malai Mandir and that's why I wanted to share it here on my blog.

Wondering what is Thaipoosam? We will talk about it in more detail below as it is a joyous festival and many Hindus are not aware of it.

Is Pongal a Thaipoosam?

No, it is not. Just as Diwali and Holi are separate festivals, Pongal and Thaipoosam are different festivals. [READ: What is Dark Night of the Soul?]

What is the meaning of Thaipoosam?

Most Hindus are not aware of this joyous festival of Thaipoosam, which is believed to be the day of Lord Subramanya's birth and his victory over Tarakasura. Thaipoosam is a joyous and sacred celebration to offer prayers to Lord Subramanya. He is also revered as 'Deva Senapati' and 'Skanda' and 'Velayudha'. This festival is celebrated in the month of 'Makaram' (February as per Gregorian calendar) on the day of Pooyam nakshatram.

Is Thaipoosam a Hindu festival?

Yes, Thaipoosam is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and the brother of Lord Ganesha. Most Hindu parents offer prayers and Shashti Vrat for the well-being of their children and for their success in studies and career. For knowledge, prosperity and triumph in studies, at work and in overcoming life's challenges, Lord Murugan is the most important deity that most Hindus worship as a part of their sadhana. That he is the beloved son of Lord Mahadeva and Goddess Parvati is another important aspect.

Who will celebrate Thaipoosam?

Devotees of Lord Subramanya, or Lord Muruga, as he is often referred to, celebrate the festival of Thaipoosam. Often the festival is observed and celebrated by Hindus, who are from the southern part of the country, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is also celebrated grandly in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, where the Tamil and Malayali communities are active.

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