Hindu group organises Skanda Shasti Kavasam

A Hindu volunteer movement has organised the singing of Skanda Shasti Kavasam scheduled to take place on June 1 at 9am at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves.

“This is done following certain foreigners being in the dark about Batu Caves complex being a Hindu temple and a tourism spot,” said Swashna Subramaniam who is part of the volunteer movement who organised this event.

“It is also supported by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Global Human Rights Federation, temple committee and devotees,” she told Harapan Daily.

The temple which stands out due to its golden Lord Muruga has been in the news because a Moroccan tourist Abdellatif Ouisa recited Quranic verses that called for the demolition of idols there.

Skanda Shasti Kavasam is a 19th century Hindu devotional song on Lord Muruga.

She also revealed that certain groups are attempting to hijack the event.

“The are certain groups asking cash on behalf of us, organisers. We are not accepting cash but open to accepting food, drinks and materials that facilitate the event.

“Certain quarters are claiming to organise a separate event using urumi melam at the same time on the same day which is not part of the organisers plan.”

Urumi is a double-headed hourglass drum and it is played in groups. One can see it used during Thaipusam.

Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple temple management member Datuk N Sivakumar welcomed the move by the volunteer group.

“It is a good initiative. We welcome this initiative. We would be happy if they can perform every week,” he said.

When asked regarding the urumi melam group, he said that no such group wrote to the management to hold an event at the temple.