People piercing their body with hooks, skewers and (vel) small lances during Hindu festivals Thaipusam at Murugan Temples is a common sight. In the beginning people only used to pierce their tongue with a small vel - this was a means to meditate by keeping silent. The vel was used to create a forceful means for Mouna Vratham - remaining silent. In the beginning it was a simple innocent offering done by Muruga Devotees.
But today in some instances, Lord Muruga devotees pull heavy chariots with hooks attached to their bodies - this is a very recent trend. This is sort of a thanksgiving for favors received and for fulfillment of desires.
Many devotees take vow that they will do such and such act as offering if their wishes are fulfilled. When wishes are fulfilled devotees perform the ritual to please the God.
Murugan is believed widely as a wish fulfilling deity and most devotees get their wishes fulfilled sooner or later.
Such practices are not mentioned in Hindu Holy Scriptures. In Holy books, body is quite often mentioned as the temple in which Brahman resides. ‘Vel’ was presented to Lord Muruga by Mother Parvati to vanquish the demons and not to pierce his body. Even the stories associated with taking Kavadi has nothing to with body piercing.
But piercing cheeks and tongue with ‘vel’ is a common practice by devotees of Lord Muruga. In Malaysia Batu Caves
Most people perform such piercing to fulfill their wishes. They believe that Muruga will be easily pleased, if the degree of such rituals are increased.
But these practices have been taking place for thousands of years and several symbolisms have been attached to these practices.
Symbolism of Body Piercing In Thaipusam
Discipling body and mind - a way for both internal and external purification.
Piercing of the tongue is done to stop the speech and thereby to concentrate fully on the Lord.
Another symbolism states that it is to show that the physical body is a ‘maya’ and ultimate aim is to merge with the Brahman.
It also symbolically suggests that we are beyond the body.
Most devotees enter into a trance during the piercing mainly due to the excessive drumming and chanting. They claim that they experience no pain during piercing and even after the ritual.
Muruga is also a war god. He was the commander of the army of the Devas. Muruga in popular Hindu culture is associated with bravery, boldness, courage, virility, daredevilry, risk-taking and adventure. His temples are on mountain tops. The piercing is a continuation of this daredevilry. It is sort of boldness that Hindus have attached to Muruga.
Muruga is also a war god. He was the commander of the army of the Devas. Muruga in popular Hindu culture is associated with bravery, boldness, courage, virility, daredevilry, risk-taking and adventure. His temples are on mountain tops. The piercing is a continuation of this daredevilry. It is sort of boldness that Hindus have attached to Muruga.