THAIPUSAM 2009.....FIRST HAND

February 6th & 7th 2009 not only was marked in the calendars but in my life as well. It was the most holy and spiritual moment in my life. Never have i felt the greatness and closeness of God like these 2days. It made a turning point in my life and i made the biggest decision ever.

This was a first time experience in my life. I've never really celebrated Thaipusam reasons being it was never an importance in my family and i'm afraid of all the bad incidents that happened in Batu Caves. However, due to fulfill my promise 2 Mummy, I had to find the way to Batu Caves so that i could bring her not necessarily on that particular festive day but when it's convenient for me. I turned to my best gf and was a little enlightened that i could go along with her n family on that day.

After much thought though, i was feelin kinda uncomfortable in burdening them that i decided to find out the routes myself, just in case. As you can see, i was still havin the fear or phobia of gettin lost in the crowds. I suffer from claustrophobia, just FYI. Anyhows, I prayed alot to Lord Muruga, the main deity of this festival as well as in Batu Caves to give me some guidance for my mother's sake. And out of nowhere, a newfound friend had to fall from the sky and help me. This particular friend happens to stay nearby Batu Caves itself! Talk about coincidence!! In a way, a good friendship blossomed between us as well.

Just a week before the festival, i had the opportunity to know the way to Batu Caves and was awed by the miracle of seeing the tall golden statue of Lord Muruga. Tears flowed down my cheeks. My feelings were so touched. And to make me more amazed n blessed that nite, this friend of mine brought me pass quite a few temples in KL town after that. Not only i got to learn the routes but also to catch the glimpse of various deities that depict so much of importance in Hinduism, a religion i grew up in and know nothing about. I'm not supersticious but that was the very day i forced mom to get my car tyres changed after havin goin through 3x of mishaps during driving. According to her, in a way I was being blessed for a safer journey in my car now onwards. I just can't thank my friend enough for this experience.

On Feb 6th, was the nite the chariot carrying the deity Lord Muruga would leave from KL Mariamman temple to Batu Caves. Hindu devotees from all corners of Malaysia and even other continents of the world took this divine opportunity to fulfill whatever vows they took, some were to just have a chance to take part in this pilgrimage and others for their own personal reasons. I had the opportunity to supposedly just follow my gf n her bro to view this and then leave back to home so that early next mornin i could bring Mom over to Batu Caves. I was getting very excited and spreadin the word around to my friends on my plans. The feedback I got was shocking cos all advised n and forced me to walk with the chariot. I'm a person whom doesn't dare with God. I just kept quiet and gave excuses. I got dressed and was waiting for my gf when she called to tell me to walk with her!! My jaws were widely opened!! I tried my luck in asking mom and to make almost faint, Mummy agreed!! After getting back to my senses, I felt this was God's will. So, in the 28years of my life, I was finally given the chance to walk for Thaipusam from KL to Batu Caves.

When i reached the KL temple i was nervous like hell!! Never have I seen that much of crowd and to top it off, Indians!! But i cast my fears away and made my mind clear on the purpose of me walking for this festival. My gf came along with her aunt and they both were carrying milk-pots (paal kudam). Ironically, I was carrying a bottle of milk in my bag!!

The thing one has to understand about Hindu devotees is that certain actions that is done during such festivities or even during any ordinary day prayers, symbolizes a way of fulfiling personal vows promised to the Gods. Thus, mankind believes, through this offerings to God, prayers will be answered or, and gratitute towards God for answered prayers.

All the way during our journey by feet, I had nothing in my mind but prayers to Lord Muruga that I make it through and reach safely at his feet. I never felt the distance neither did the pain and strain in my legs bothered me. My mouth kept on chanting prayers. I never had the interest to look at anyone but my gf to make sure she's ok and also her aunt. As time passed little did we realise we were already nearing Batu Caves. We left KL at 11.40pm and reached here at 4.45am. Again, the view of the golden statue amazed me n brought tears to my eyes. About 15minutes before reachin the temple gates, i decided to take off my slippers and walk barefoot. We finally reached, did prayers in the temple at the foot of the hill, which is a must. Then we were to start the journey throughout the 242steps to the hill temple. I totally forgot that my gf had vowed to go up the stairs on her knees!! I prayed really hard n stood by her through every single step, shouting and chanting prayers to encourage her. My heart cried out in pain for her determination and pain to reach God. We reached the hill, did our prayers, offered the milk that we were carrying and gave out a sigh of relief.

Believe me or not, going up the steps was way much easier than coming down. I wont say that i've got fear of heights but descending has always been a fear. This because u realised how steep it is. Surprisingly, God really tested me cos when we were goin down, nobody was with me!! I grabbed the side of the staircase, looked at my feet and took each step down with fear chanting God's name. My body was shivering, my head spinning, my clothes soaked in my sweat. My final step felt like I was reborn on the grounds of earth. It was then I saw my gf and shouted at her for abadoning me. But then my head spun n I was about to faint when she and her aunt carried me to the ground temple and calmed me down. We rested a while and when it was gettin brighter we decided to leave for home.

Mom was waiting eagerly for me. It was then my legs ached. I took a light breakfast and hit the sack. When I woke up later in the afternoon, my whole body ached. I felt paralysed but since it was God's will so I hardly said anything. I forced myself up and got dressed again to bring Mummy to Batu Caves. Again I prayed hard to be able to reach the temple without getting lost and I was blessed. Within minutes we reached and managed to get parking despite the heavy crowd. I decided not to follow Mom up again but then the moment I finished praying at the ground temple I changed my mind. So, I went up again! And to the shock of mom and myself, I went up on my knees for the last 20steps!! Till now, I dunno what made me do such!! Coming down was still scary for me but having Mummy holding my hands so tightly, I had it easy. We both then took a stroll around the whole temple complex not only praying but also sightseeing the variety of shops. As usual, I had to put my skills in action by recording all these events in my camera right from the nite I walked till the time Mom was with me.

After all this, I evaluated all this happenings and realised a few things. So, it was then I made a decision for the sake of my happiness in life later on. This was not only a first time experience but also and enlightenment and a awakening in my life, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. I can only thank God and Mummy for making this happen for me.

Enjoy the clips!!