Why do Tamils of Hindu faith pierce their skin in Thaipusam? Do these inhuman acts give pleasure to their gods? How can their god be happy by seeing their child in pain?

 

Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

How come you are so confident that it’s for god this is done and how can you conclude these are inhuman and blasting gods for that? Religiously we also have poo midippu ( walking on fire ) during Amman pandigai in AADI month. Not all beliefs are for god but these are some prayers which we promise that’s been there for ages.

Again, coming to the question the very concept of ALAGU KUTHUDAL (piercing spear in body or tongue) was a reknown exercise that was also done as a part of erasing people’s fear in a fight. In olden says where war was fought on spears, our ancestors used this ritual as a way to bear the pain of a spear hits you. In this way the young soldiers know what is the pain caused by an arrow or spear and they become MENTALLY confident in a war. This is the age old practice. Lord Murugan who was here in the hills of Palani had a VEL or spear as his weapon. People always worship him and take pride in this piercing just as a part of thanks giving. Not expecting something and then doing this ritual.