IPOH, Jan 24 ― The Hindu Devasthana Paripalana Sabah association reminded devotees to complete their Thaipusam pooja (honourings) and vows by 6.30pm on January 31.
“The Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh will observe the lunar eclipse, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm,” its president RV Suppiah said.
“We will not close the temple, but there won't be any priests during that time to conduct prayers and accept the offerings from devotees during those hours.
“The altar will remain open and devotees can perform their own prayers if they wish. We won't stop them,” he told Malay Mail.
This phenomenon is described to be a rare phenomenon as skygazers would be able to view a super blue blood moon total lunar eclipse.
It has been reported to be the first blue moon total lunar eclipse in the United States since March 1886.
Some faith believers and religious scholars believe the lunar eclipse releases a negative energy that could affect the devotees. The practice of avoiding prayers or vows during this period has traditionally been followed closely for years.
Suppiah said they have also met 300 kavadi bearers and told them to bring the kavadi by 6.30pm to avoid any misunderstanding.
He added there could be traffic congestion in view of the time restrictions and the temple committee has deployed enough personnel to guide traffic.
Suppiah further said they were working together with the Ipoh City Council health enforcement officers to bar traders from selling non-vegetarian food along road leading to the temple.
“It is a religious occasion and only vegetarian food is allowed to be sold.”
Suppiah said about 150,000 visitors are expected to throng the temple on Thaipusam day.
“The temple committee together with the well-wishers will be providing lunch for 10,000 visitors in the Kallumalai temple while in Sri Maha Mariamman temple in Buntong we will be providing lunch for 5,000 visitors,” he said.
He also said they were expecting around 20,000 milk pot bearers to throng the Kallumalai temple for Thaipusam.
The grand chariot will move from Mariamman temple at 6.30am on January 30 and will reach the Kallumalai temple at noon. The chariot’s return journey on February 1 will begin around 4pm.
