Thaipusam: Murugan Statue, Karungali Vel Malas and Jewellery

Thaipusam and its significance

Thaipusam is a festival of Lord Murugan, also known as Karthikeya or Subramanya. It is observed in the Tamil month of Thai, on the day of the Pusam nakshatra, usually around the full moon.

Tradition recalls that Goddess Parvati gave Murugan the Vel, a divine spear, to defeat the asura Soorapadman. For devotees, the Vel is the symbol of his victory over evil.

Common Thaipusam rituals

Practices vary by family, community and temple. Common ones include the following.

• A period of fasting and simple living before the festival.
• Visiting a Murugan temple for prayer.
• Carrying a pot of milk (paal kudam) as an offering.
• Carrying a kavadi, a decorated frame, as a vow.

Follow your own family and temple custom. If you are unsure how your family observes the day, ask an elder or your temple priest.

Thaipusam mantra and chants

Many devotees chant the Murugan mantra Om Saravana Bhava during the festival. Others sing and call out to the Vel in prayer. The chant varies by family and temple.

A mala can help you keep count of a mantra. Use the mantra you have been taught, and follow your own tradition.

Some families also sing devotional songs in praise of Murugan during the festival. Others simply light a lamp and pray at the home altar.

What is in this Thaipusam edit

• Karungali Vel with Base, in Karungali (ebony) wood.
• Lord Murugan Statue, for home decor and the pooja altar.
• Lord Murugan Vel Pendant with Silver Cap Karungali Mala.
• Karungali Malai with Vel Pendant.
• Premium Murugan Vel Kada, a wrist band with the Vel.

The statue is listed for home decor and the pooja altar, while the malas, pendants and kada are worn. Each product page states its size, material and care. Check them before you order.

Related festivals and collections

Murugan is also honoured at Kanda Sashti and Karthigai Deepam. See the Kanda Sashti and Karthigai Deepam edits. Pongal is also kept in the month of Thai, and you can see the Pongal and Makar Sankranti edit.

For more Karungali, explore Karungali and Karungali Malai.

For a gift, a Vel pendant or a Karungali mala suits a devotee who prays to Murugan. Check the length on the product page.