As per my previous post on Thaipusam, I finally went over and fullfilled my vow on Friday, 3rd of February.
We went there around 9.00 am in the morning, after having our daily prayers and homemaking stuff settled.
I am the only one taking palkudam, nevertheless, mum wore her yellow-orange saree too, accompanying me who have been already dressed in my yellow-orange punjabi suit. #likemumlikedaughter
I insisted on bringing along my mobile..hehe..and my mum wasn’t too happy with that.
Upon reaching there, we were able to see some buses and some Indian citizens from India all around the place.
There were some renovation work in progress on the ‘pintu gerbang’ or archway? Sorry, I didn’t know what it’s called, but it is at the entrance by the way. From far, I can see people carrying palkudam and kavadi.
We, my parents and I headed straight to the Pillayar Temple and offered or prayers there. Then, under the Arasamaram (sacred Fig tree for Lord Ganesha), I prepared my palkudam. 2 1/2 liters altogether went into my kudam. This year, I did not walk from athangarai (river side). Instead, I made a vow to climb the 272 steps without halt.
Poured milk in the kudam. Check.
Covered the brim with plastic. Check.
Tied yellow cloth around and over the brim. Check.
Tie a jasmine flower around the neck of the kudam. Check.
Apply santhanam and kungumam. Check.
My Dad then carried and placed the kudam on my head. Imagine, a silver kudam full with 2 1/2 litres of milk.
I went around the Pillayar Temple, before heading towards the steps. I wouldn’t deny the kudam was heavy.
But I didn’t mind. After all, its my oath and it’s my duty to fullfill it.
The moment the kudam was on my head, I was full of emotions, but I retained myself. I just don’t know why am I feeling as such, but it just happened.
Nevertheless, I went all the way up the stairs non-stop. It was tiring, as I did not work out for many many months. Upon reaching there, my Dad and I went straight to the Murugan altar to get my milk poured for Paal abishegam. I was thinking God non-stop that I managed to fullfill my oath and that things went smoothly for me. ☺
Upon doing archanai, we went up to Valli Deivanai Murugan Temple further up to worship. After a few minutes up there, we went down. I felt happy, contended and satisfied that I have completed my oath.
The stairs to Valli Deivanai Murugan Temple
Going down the stairs was pretty scary and funny. Scary as the I am standing high up from the ground and funny as many of the monkeys there were attacking the jasmine flower on ladies hair.
The famous Lord Shiva family statue
Scenic view
Entrance from the inside
The huge stone boulder reminds me of something, but just can’t figure it out. Any guesses?
The proud Murugan
The staircase
From the entrance of the Dark Cave
Halfway down, we save the entrance to the Dark Cave. It is open for people to explore, under the guidance of travel guide of course. The charges for foreigners for educational tour is RM35/head, for 45minutes. For myKad holders, it will be RM25/head. They have another package, the adventure tour, for a duration of 3 hours. Pricing at RM80/head, it however needs a minimum of 8pax for the tour to be operated. Reasonable, I would say as we can’t really find a nature infused beauty to be explored in a city, especially caves.
For more information, click here : Dark Cave Malaysia , by Cave Management Group
They can be contacted at C-11-6 Menara Menjalara, Jalan 1/62B Bandar Menjalara, Kepong 52200 Kuala Lumpur. E: unfo@cave-management.com
Impressed with my phone’s camera. It was pitch black with naked eyes, but its visible in my phone ☺
Outside the cave
Monkey Family
My Mum and Dad
My mum and I made a mental note to come over for the educational trip one day.
Then, we walked all the way down before I was stopped by two foreign English ladies.
“ Excuse me, do you speak English?'’
'’ Yes, I do.'’ ☺
'’ Could you explain to us the significant of this place and what is going on here…'’
I was then happily explaining to them and they were happy too. I’m glad I helped.
The Vel
From the entrance.
My parents and I then browsed through the stalls ( they are just being erected, so noting much to be seen).
About 12.30pm, we made our way back home.
Happy and satisfied.
Happy Thaipusam again~
Till then~
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