As thousands of devotees converged into Melrose Temple for the final day of Thaipusam Kavady in tribute to the reigning deity, Lord Muruga, devotees all across the world reverberated with ‘Arogaraa’. The name “Muruga” is translated in “The Beautiful One”. Muruga being beautiful in thought, word and deed. He carries the Vel signifying knowledge and wisdom.
Heroine of the SA liberation struggle. Barely 15, she was martyred. This is the story of Valliamma Munuswami Mudliar. The book, The Agony of Valliamma by Aziz Hassim.
Carrying of a Kavady represents the carrying of the 2 hills of Shiva Giri and Sakthi Giri by Idumban, the first devotee of Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga, at Palani proclaimed to Idumban that any devotee who carries the Kavady and offers it at Lord Murugas feet with devotion and Faith in HIM will receive what he or she desires.
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This was an honor for me to partake in the ritual where other Mauritian devotees and tourists watched as a South African proceeded to invoke ancient recitations and consecrate the Lingam. I felt at peace and at home with the people of the Shiva Temple.
