From a young age, Ian was always a wanderer. He’s since travelled to all 7 continents, and has spent the majority of his life pursuing this passion. Follow him in his off-the-beaten-path adventures and discoveries!
Thaipusam Rituals, Hooks & Self Mortifications
(the stuff you’ve not-so-secretly been waiting for)
If you’ve been following the series of Thaipusam articles, you’ve probably seen the build up from the details surrounding the Hindu Festival, photos from the opening ceremonies in Kuala Lumpur, and photos from the 15 kilometer pilgrimage to Batu Caves. This photo essay covers the climax of the ceremonies! It starts at 4am on the night of the full moon upon our arrival back to Batu Caves from our guesthouse in KL. It goes on through rituals, climbs of hundreds of steps into the holy caves, people falling into trances and losing themselves completely (in order to be found?). There are also lots of photos of self mortification. Hooks, skewers, rods, spikes – all of which have been pushed through the flesh of the devotees, and even the ritual of their removal at the end of this post. It’s not for the squeamish, but it’s certainly a fascinating look into another world, and another way of living. Enjoy!
Upon arriving back to Batu Caves around 4am, not everyone was coping with the early (or late) hours of the festival.
This was a shot around 4am, and the crowds had been building throughout the night.
The moon was full for the Hindu Festival that night.
Millions making pilgrimage for Thaipusam every year
This was the first man (of many) that we saw with hooks in his back.
He was pulling several heavy ropes which were being guided by a colleague close behind him.
This was the first man in a trance we saw that evening. He was staring almost blankly at the entrance to Batu Caves, while his tongue waved around rapidly inside his mouth.
This man was deep in a trance, and kept stopping to have fire put in his mouth by nearby devotees
This young devotee learns of the crazy things that happen when you stay up way past your bedtime!
I am still not sure of the significance, but there were several devotees who seemed to be spiritual leaders, which had big followings. They were often found smoking big cigars.
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Oh my gosh! That’s insane! They do this at 4am? What an ungodly hour!
Turtle recently posted..Finding the Burmese Days of old
It’s crazy to think some people are starting their day when yours is just ending, eh mr Turtle?
Ian Ord – Where Sidewalks End recently posted..The Best Pizza in Bangkok is made under a bridge
Thanks for posting these Ian. It’s always great to see other cultures even if most people think they are crazy.
GiselleandCody recently posted..Traveling the World for 12 Months
I thought it was pretty amazing, really
No craziness – just pure passion, devotion, sights, sounds and smells! It was beautiful!
Ian Ord – Where Sidewalks End recently posted..Photo Essay: Day 2 of Thaipusam – The Batu Caves Pilgrimage
I certainly live a sheltered life. Difficult to understand self-mutilation and public humiliation like this. One question: are these old piercings…why no blood? Not that I want to see more gore, mind you.
Thanks again WSE for enlightening me and piercing that bubble I seem to be trapped in!
Our pleasure, Glas9Designs (cool name!) – from what we saw, all piercings were new, and often they didn’t bleed until the piercings were removed, though in some cases, they didn’t even bleed then! I’ve heard of the mind over matter theory, that they’re able to prevent themselves from bleeding out of desire and faith… but I’ll leave that one up to you to decide on.
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Hooks, skewers, rods, spikes , oh my! Very interesting tradition, I have never heard of this before. Are the people that are getting pierced more significant in the culture/ceremony?
I believe it just depends on your level of devotion (or perhaps how much sin your are essentially repenting for over the past year). It did appear that some were regarded more highly however, and would perform rituals to others, such as removing the hooks and blessing them. Truly fascinating!
Ian Ord – Where Sidewalks End recently posted..Photo Essay: Sak Yant Bamboo Tattoos in Thailand