A carried burden
Tamil kavadi, from a word for a pole carried across the shoulders.
A frame or burden carried to a Murugan temple in fulfilment of a vow. It is a devotee's own vow and not a requirement of the festival.
Thaipusam is Murugan's festival on the Pusam star near the full moon of Thai. This article sets out the day, what tradition and the early Tamil texts say, and what is custom.
How Shiva's six-faced son Murugan (Kartikeya) was born to lead the gods against the invincible demon Tarakasura, and became the Vel-wielding commander worshipped across Tamil Nadu's six sacred abodes.
The six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan across Tamil Nadu, celebrated in Sangam literature and Thiruppugazh hymns as sites of cosmic victory and grace.