Today the sounds of bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) echo in all temples dedicated to Lord Muruga as thousands of His devotees gather to offer worship and carry kavady in honour and devotion to the Lord.

Origins of Kavady

It is said that in ancient times there had been a war between the Asuras (demon race) and the Devas (Gods). During battle, the Devas offered worship to Lord Shiva and in return the gracious Lord created the mighty divine warrior Lord Muruga (also known as Lord Skanda).

Lord Muruga, being the warrior that Shiva created him to be, led the Devas to triumph over the Asuras, thus bringing peace to the heavens. Muruga is known as the second son of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. On the day of Kavady it is said that Parvati (also known in her other forms of Durga, Ambe and Uma) granted Muruga the Vel, which is His weapon of protection and destroys all that is not righteous. Hence in this time of Kali Yuga (the dark ages), devotees offer prayer to Muruga to attain divine light and righteousness.

Muruga devotees carry kavady, which is a wooden structure across the shoulder adorned with flowers and peacock feathers (the peacock or Mayil is Lord Muruga’s vehicle).  The procession journeys from the temple and back. This is a symbol of devotion as throughout the journey, the kavady carriers do not wear shoes and are in constant meditation of the Lord.

Devotees who carry kavady undergo great penance as they fast for a period of ten days before the actual day; they abstain from meat products and some devotees even take their fast so far as to not consume any food throughout. During these ten days songs and dances are performed at all temples dedicated to Lord Muruga and devotees attend daily to offer worship and havan (divine sacrificial fire ritual).

• Salona Surjoo holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Drama, Performance and Media Communications from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). She is also the director of Just Magazine - an innovative, fresh and inspiring online publication available at www.justmagazine.biz.