Vel Murugaa!
We recently celebrated Thai Pusam at the Aadheenam, honoring our beloved Lord Muruga with a powerful and piercing abhishekam in Kadavul Temple. With the mathavasi and all sincere, mindful devotees present, it made for a special event shared by all. As stated in Dancing With Siva "Thai Pusam occurs on Pushya nakshatra in January-February. During this festival we fast and perform public penance, called kavadi, seeking Karttikeya's blessings to dispel our selfishness, pride and vanity."

After the offering of fresh milk from our aadheenam cows, Muruga is offered Yogurt, fresh citrus juice, panchaamritham, Vibhuti, a select and sacred blend of herbs, rose water and more. At the Aadheenam, we typically use the panchaamritham recipe of Chidambaram Kovil--fresh bananas, ghee, milk, honey and jaggery.

After a beautiful Alankaram, the final arati is offered. It is at this point where all temple bells are rung, mantrams chanted their loudest and the focused intensity of the pujaris are at their greatest. It is here when the darshanam of the Deity pours forth, where the Lord Murugan decongests muddled karmas of the devotee, removing unmindfulness and fear and replacing them with wisdom and courage. Veils are lifted, limitations released, and minds cleared at that exact point. Om Saravanabava Om.