Origin & Significance of Kavady
The Kavady prayer and penance is observed over 10 days by
devotees. The devotee has to abstain from various things like
alcohol, drugs etc. They have to observe celibacy and maintain a
vegetarian diet for this entire period. The Kavady procession is
seen as an outward demonstration of mass devotion to God as Lord
Muruga.
There are various reasons for carrying the Kavady but the
two main categories are firstly to express thanks to Lord Muruga or
to ask Muruga for help in overcoming a particular problem.
According to mythology, Iduman, one of the disciples of Agasthiyai,
was asked to bring to hills - representing the two forces inherent
in all living beings (Siva and Shakti). Iduman, carried these two
hills with a - Kavady a beam across his shoulder with one hill
suspended on each end. Mid way through the journey he sat his burden
down in order to rest.
When he was ready to resume, he found that the hills were too heavy
to pick up. As he prepared to forcibly pick them up he saw Lord
Muruga in the way and he angrily asked him to move out of the way,
Muruga refused.
Iduman was annoyed a battle broke out between Lord Muruga and Iduman
whereby Iduman was destroyed. Muruga through his eternal mercy
revived and pardoned him, a change came over Iduman and he became
Lord Muruga’s greatest devotee. He carried the first Kavady out of
absolute devotion to the Lord. Lord Muruga also made Iduman his gate
keeper. That is why when a devotee goes to the famous Pazhanimalai
temple one must first pray to Iduman and then proceed to the main
temple.
What is a Kavady?
It is a Tamil word meaning flattened pole with loads at the ends.
The Kavady carried in a religious procession also has a pole with a
semi circular arch. The arch is decorated with flowers and palm
leaves. The loads attached to the ends of the pole are brass vessels
filled with milk or other offerings. Peacock feathers and a vel are
also attached.
A brass pot filled with milk can also be carried for Lord Muruga as
an offering and it is called “Paal Kodum”.
One question which is often asked by devotees is can I fast for
Kavady without carrying a Kavady.
The answer to this question is definitely “YES”. One does not have
to only carry a Kavady to show devotion to Lord Muruga. By observing
the 10 day fast and attending the 10 day prayer at the temple is
also seen as devotion towards Lord Muruga. Devotees please remember
it is your love and devotion towards the Lord that is important.
Why is a flag raised and a 10 day fast observed?
The flag which is raised on the first day. Firstly marks the
beginning of the 10 day fast and the observance of the Kavady
festival.
The flag also serves as a reminder that one should start fasting and
go to the temple.
The meaning of the banner or flag
The Sevel (Rooster) symbolises the approach or the dawn of
knowledge. It is the Sevel that proclaims the coming of the sun in
the east. The sun is the heavenly body that dispels darkness. The
Sevel on the banner announces the approach of knowledge which will
destroy all ignorance. The 10 day fast or sadhana is the clearance
of ones mind, body and soul. By fasting and going to temple and
praying for 10 days devotees become spiritually charged and uplifted
to carry their Kavady.
The Vel
Lord Muruga’s Vel is strong, straight and pointed, representing our
spinal cord running through the spinal column, to the top most part
of our brain, which is the highest point of knowledge. The Vel is
the spear of wisdom, penetrating the intellect, seeking ultimate
reality. A deadly foe to the arrogant, to the lower natured it
affords strength and protection to the awaken soul.
The Mayil (Peacock)
The Peacock represents his Vahana (vehicle) symbolising his conquest
over ego, vanity and pride. By Lord Muruga sitting on the Peacock it
symbolises the control he has over our pride and ego.
Valli and Dheivany consorts of Lord Muruga
Valli is Icchashakti the power of will and Dheivany Kryashakti power
of action.
Why yellow?
The ancient tribes in India started the Kavady festival by
worshipping the rising sun. They believed that the sun could provide
heat and light but symbolically it could also burn up sins and
redeem devotees.
They recognized the sun as Lord Muruga.
The sun was seen as a yellow colour which is associated with Kavady.
That is why devotees wear yellow for Kavady.
Types of Kavadies
Various Kavadies one can carry
Manjal (turmeric powder)/worries and debts
Pushpa (Flowers)/ progress and success
Paal (Milk)/ Good life and prosperity
Thayier (Sour milk)/sickness
Illanier (tender coconut)/conceiving
Then (Honey)/truthfulness and honesty
Ellemichaai (Lime)/enemies
Vibhoothi (Holy ash)/blessings
Panier (Rose water)/ wealth and progress
Ney (Ghee) liberation
Meaning of the following?
Vetri-vel – The Vel of victory
Haragarogara – Hail, Hail, Hail Oh Lord
The six-syllabled mantra chanted for Lord Muruga
OM SARAVANABAVA NAMAHA/POTRI
SA – CONFERS THE PROSPERITY OF SHAKTI
RA – GIVES THE WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE
VA – BESTOWS HAPPINESS OF ENJOYMENT
NA – PROTECT FROM ALL FORCES OF EVIL
BA – CONFERS MORALITY
VA – CONFERS THE LIFE OF BLESSEDNESS