Thaipusam and Murugan - Its Cultural Continuum in Malaysia

Abstract

This paper offers a comprehensive examination of the Thaipusam festival and the worship of Murugan in Malaysia. It delves into the cultural continuity of this festival in two dimensions: firstly, tracing its origins from India to Malaysia, and secondly, exploring its evolution from the past to the present. Before delving into the main study, the paper begins by investigating the significance of temples within the Malaysian Hindu community. This foundational exploration provides essential context for understanding the societal backdrop against which Thaipusam is observed. Furthermore, the paper meticulously analyzes the Kavadi culture associated with Thaipusam, the mythology surrounding Murugan, and the process of Sanskritization in Murugan worship. The study employs concepts of subculture and religious discourse to address its objectives. It underscores the pivotal role of Thaipusam in the broader ethnic synthesis that characterizes Murugan worship in Malaysia. Notably, it acknowledges the elusive historical certainty surrounding Lord Murugan as a "conflate personage of legend." In sum, this research enhances our comprehension of Thaipusam by situating it within the rich tapestry of Tamil history, philosophies, and belief systems, particularly those intertwined with the worship of Lord Murugan.