It
has a long legend and the origin dates back to the subhasamaya
of Muruga's stepping foot on this holy Sivagiri. Puranas
are replete with elaborate accounts of its beginning. efficacy
and several types of it. According to them, the time of
Murugan's leaving Kailas strangely coincided with the completion
of Agasthya's penance in this place. Deciding to move further
down, he bade his as assistant Idumban to follow him carrying
both Sivagiri and Satyagiri hills. For that mighty giant
it was a child's play and did so at once. Tying them to
kavadi he started, but he found the Satyagiri hill floating
in the air, he placed big boulders over it to balance, but
could not on examination, he found a little urchin who no
other than Muruga setting on Sivagiri. He ordered him; to
go atonce, but the ademancy of Muruga and Idumban's perseverance
ended in the death of the latter. Advised by the Agasthya
Mahamuni, Murugan besides breathing life into him made him
his dwarpalaka with commendable compassion Carrying kavadi
began then thus, later it spreas to several temples.
There
are several type of kavadi, like rose water kavadi, milk
kavadi,etc. The kavadi bearers wear normally yellow dress
and walk hundreds of miles on foot. Practically they dance
to the tunes of instrumental music throughout and reach
the temple after days of journey.On reaching, they redeem
the vow in strictaccordance with agama in tennets. Realising
the multifarious benefits it showers, all classes of people
take vows to offer this ardeous prayer service. It is estimated
that during Taipoosam more than a lakh kavadis come from
different places. It is indeed a fascinating spectacle to
watch the kavadi bearers pass through the roads. Pious people
lining the entire route enthuse them by offering drinks,
in token of their appreciation and devotion. this colourful
procession does not confine to particular day, but on several
festival days, this tradition surfaces and delights both
the beholders and bearers. The sounds of 'Harohara' let
out bythe kavadi bearers certainly awaken the kailasa vasivs,
specially his loving parents who enjoy the sight of their
favourite's glory with eyes wide open and heats overflowing
with joy.
