A devotee/pilgrim walks in a procession through the streets of Palani in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the annual Hindu Thaipusam festival. The spears through the cheeks of the devotee is a form of kavadi which is an act of devotion represented by mortification of the flesh. The spear reminds the pilgrim constantly of Lord Murugan the youngest son of Shiva. The spear also prevents him from speaking and gives him great power and endurance. The Thaipusam festival commemorates Lord Murugan's birthday.
A devotee/pilgrim walks in a procession through the streets of Palani in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the annual Hindu Thaipusam festival. The spears through the cheeks of the devotee is a form of kavadi which is an act of devotion represented by mortification of the flesh. The spear reminds the pilgrim constantly of Lord Murugan the youngest son of Shiva. The spear also prevents him from speaking and gives him great power and endurance. The Thaipusam festival commemorates Lord Murugan's birthday.
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Photo credit: © Paul Liebhardt / Alamy / Afripics
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