Cancer Survivor Fulfils Thaipusam Vow after Miraculous Recovery
For M Vijaya, 57, this year’s Thaipusam was not just a festival – it was a deeply personal celebration after spending much of the past year battling Stage 2 breast cancer.
M Vijaya was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in August last year and prayed to Lord Murugan for healing. Her prayers, she believes, were answered, as she was declared cancer-free within five months. "I remember saying that if I got better, I would bring him a pot of milk as an offering," she said.
A Journey of Devotion
For 45-year-old R Selvandran, a sense of fulfilment washed over him after carrying his 30kg kavadi to the temple having climbed up the 272 steps packed with pilgrims. 
His six-hour spiritual journey, which began in nearby Sungai Batu at dawn, was gruelling, but he embraced every moment of it.
Fulfilling a Vow
Selvandran, who has been carrying a kavadi for over 12 years, vowed to continue the tradition for as long as his body allows. "I couldn’t rush to the top but when I finally made it to the temple and saw the face of Lord Murugan, I felt relieved to have again fulfilled my vow this year," he said.
International Visitors Impressed
The vibrant celebration of Thaipusam also left a lasting impression on international visitors, including Zoey Carter, 53, from the UK, who was captivated by the devotees today. "I was curious to explore the temple at the top of the limestone hill, but I couldn’t due to the congestion on the steps," she said. "It was packed, but I’m coming back to climb the colourful stairs once the crowd eases."
Lochlan Monroe, 25, from Canada, said witnessing the celebration in person was far more impressive than what he had read online. "My friend from Egypt told me about Thaipusam, so I read up on it before coming here. But experiencing it firsthand is incredible. You can feel the energy, there’s a lot of passion here," he said.
Conclusion
Thaipusam is a celebration that brings together devotees from all walks of life, and for those like M Vijaya and R Selvandran, it is a chance to fulfill their vows and express their gratitude to the divine.
FAQs
- What is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually to mark the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman. - What is a kavadi?
A kavadi is a decorative structure carried by devotees as an offering to Lord Murugan. - What is the significance of Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is a celebration of devotion, faith, and spiritual renewal, and is an important part of Hindu culture in Malaysia.