When the moon is full in the Hindu month of Thai and the
constellation Pusam is at its apex, a surreal drama takes place at the limestone Batu Caves outside Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia. Human beings offer thanks to a higher power-Subramaniam. god of war. prayer fulfiller and youngest son of Shiva the destroyer and Parvati the supreme shakti.
The Thaipusam Festival begins at the height of the full moon and continues
through to the next afternoon. Ceremonies begin in the city's center at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, a temple of Parvati, the cosmic mama. The ornate silver chariot of Subramunium is walked several hours to the cave. Most families do a puja (prayer) at the nearby river, then take a copper urn full of
amrita (divine milky nectar) to the temple in the cave. Grateful parents hoist their young ones into mustard-colored slings supported by odd-numbered sugarcane poles. The
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