Friday, February 09, 2007

Thaipusam 2007 : In Trance



Don't panic. That's not blood. Forgive my ignorance for I do not know what the red stuff is actually made of, but I do know that it's called "kungumam" and is usually used to dot the forehead. Once mixed with water or sweat, however, it starts to look like blood.

In their trance-like states, devotees may grab the red powder and smear it over their tongues, making them look like they are bleeding to impersonify Goddess Kali.

While these practices are a fascination to watch and experience, many Hindu scholars abhor such acts as they are in fact going against the true Hindu religion. It is apparently written in the Thirumanthiram (a Hindu scripture) that a person must not hurt or torture his body which is akin to a temple as it houses the soul.

Reference: "The Real Meaning of Thaipusam" by Wani Muthiah

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