Thaipusam 2024: Where & When To Follow The Silver Chariot

By Lara Lindemann  •  in News
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Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

We know that one of the key rituals during Thaipusam involves devotees carrying various types of burdens, or kavadi, as a form of penance and devotion to Lord Murugan.

While the chariot, or ratham, is not directly associated with the act of carrying kavadi, it plays a crucial role in the Thaipusam festivities. The chariot procession is a symbolic representation of the deity’s journey and is an integral part of Hindu religious traditions.

Devotees follow the chariot to express their devotion, seek blessings, and participate in the religious and cultural celebrations associated with Thaipusam.

The chariot usually carries the deity Lord Murugan, and followers believe that by being in close proximity to the divine procession, they can receive blessings, protection, and divine grace. It is a way for devotees to express their love and dedication to God while also participating in the communal aspect of the festival.

Here’s the official schedule for this year’s processions:

Thaipusam
A chariot procession in Penang. (Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash)

Tuesday, 23 January 2024

The festivities kick off at Sri Maha Mariamman Temple on Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in the heart of Klang Valley. Here’s a schedule of events:

  • 7.00 p.m. – Abhishegam: A ritual in Hinduism where a deity’s idol or sacred object is bathed or anointed with various substances such as milk, water, honey, yogurt, ghee, and sandalwood paste. This ceremonial bathing is considered an act of purification and devotion.
  • 8.00 p.m. – Special Prayers and Silver Chariot Preparation: Engage in special pooja (prayers) and participate in the preparation for the Silver Chanot, a beautifully adorned chariot that will carry the deities en route to Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple.
  • 9.00 p.m. – Chariot Procession Begins: Join the throngs of devotees on a 15-kilometre walk as Arulmigu Sri Valli, together with Sri Dhevasena and Sri Subramaniar, are positioned on the adorned Silver Chariot. The decorated ratham will be the focal point, surrounded by devotees carrying palkodam (milk pots), or walking barefoot on the ground as a symbol of their devotion.

The sequence of routes followed by the chariot will include:

1. Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Temple
2. Jalan Sultan
3. Jalan Pudu (Bulatan)
4. Jalan Tun Perak
5. Lebuh Ampang
6. Jalan Ampang
7. Jalan Munshi Abdullah
8. Jalan Dang Wangi
9. Jalan Raja Laut
10. Jalan Belia
11. Jalan Sri Amar
12. Jalan Raja Laut
13. Jalan Ipoh
14. Jalan Tun Razak (U-turn)
15. Jalan Ipoh
16. Jalan Ipoh Lama
17. Jalan Kuching
18. Jalan MRR2
19. Batu Caves Temple

Given the extensive number of followers and multiple stops along the route, the chariot might require up to 16 hours or more to reach its destination.

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

Wednesday, 24 January 2024

  • 3.00 p.m. – The Silver Chariot will reach Batu Caves: Arulmigu Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar will take residence at Swamy Mandapam (a sacred platform or pavilion dedicated to a deity) to bless devotees.
  •  5.30 p.m. – Tan Sri Datuk Dr. R. Nadarajah, Chairman of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, will raise the Seval Flag: The flag refers to the sacred trident or Vel flag, symbolising Lord Murugan, and its raising marks the beginning of the Thaipusam celebration at Batu Caves.
  • This will be followed by Dhevasthanam, the consecration or enshrining of deities in a temple. It involves invoking the divine presence into the idols or images of the Gods and Goddesses, making the temple a sacred place of worship. The Chairman will then officially declare the commencement of the 2024 Thaipusam Celebration at Batu Caves Temple.
Photo by Lloyd Alozie on Unsplash

Thursday, 25 January 2024 – Thaipusam Day

  • 7.00 a.m. – A Thirthochava Ceremony will take place at Batu Caves River Bank. This is to bless devotees as an integral part of the ongoing Thaipusam Celebration.
  • The Silver Chariot will remain here for the day, as devotees continue carrying kavadi/palkodam, and making their way up the temple’s 272 steps.
Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

Friday, 26 January 2024

  •  3:30 p.m. – After special prayers, Sri Valli, Sri Dhevasena, and Sri Subramaniar Swamy will be positioned on the decorated Silver Chariot once again. It will then make its return journey to Maha Mariamman Temple, accompanied by devotees.
    11:59 p.m. – The Silver Chariot is expected to reach Maha Mariamman Temple at this time. Typically, after the return journey, there might be concluding ceremonies, prayers, or special rituals at the temple to mark the completion of the Thaipusam celebration.

Here is the sequence of routes the chariot will follow:

19. Batu Caves Temple
18. Jalan MRR2
17. Jalan Kuching
16. Jalan Ipoh Lama
15. Jalan Ipoh
14. Jalan Tun Razak (U-turn)
13. Jalan Ipoh
12. Jalan Raja Laut
11. Jalan Sri Amar
10. Jalan Belia
9. Jalan Raja Laut
8. Jalan Dang Wangi
7. Jalan Munshi Abdullah
6. Jalan Ampang
5. Lebuh Ampang
4. Jalan Tun Perak
3. Jalan Pudu (Bulatan)
2. Jalan Sultan
1. Jalan Tun H.S. Lee Temple

Yup – it’s the same route, reversed.

Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash

For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at 03-2078 3467. Yes, you’re allowed to bring your own food and drink, or you can buy them from sellers along the route.

There is no specific dress code, and it is recommended but not mandatory to follow the chariot from the very beginning, or to its final destination. Non-devotees, including photographers, tourists and curious locals are also welcome to join. In fact, we strongly suggest witnessing this unique cultural display at least once.

Safe travels on your spiritual path! 🙏

Address: 167, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Temple Hours:

– Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Thursday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
– Saturday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
– Sunday: 6 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
– Monday: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Established in 1873, Sri Mahamariamman Temple stands as the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its rich history and ornate ‘Raja Gopuram’ tower, constructed in 1968, reflect South Indian temple architecture.

Feature image via New Straits Times

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