Johor bahru: What began as a small gesture to gift vels to customers has grown into a community service effort after Theertana Mahligai received some 700 requests from across the state ahead of Thaipusam.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Theertana Mahligai co-owner R. Rughanesan, 42, initiated this effort out of concern for devotees who might struggle to afford the vels, which are crucial for prayers during the festival. "When I found out how expensive vels were, I thought it would be better to look for a cheaper way to get them so I could give them away free to the less fortunate," Rughanesan shared during an interview at his shop located at Old Broadway Theater, Jalan Segget.
The vel, a sacred spear of the god Murugan, symbolizes courage and spiritual power and is integral to prayers and ceremonies throughout Thaipusam. Rughanesan explained that the distributed vels were crafted from high-quality gold brass and specially ordered from India, with the total cost, including import charges, reaching approximately RM34,000.
Initially, 300 vels were ordered for local customers in Johor, but due to high demand, Rughanesan had to order an additional 400 to cater to requests from other states. The price of a vel in the market varies, with a 5-inch vel costing RM30 to RM40, a 7-inch vel RM50 to RM60, and a 10-inch vel under RM100.
The response to Rughanesan's initiative exceeded expectations, with requests coming from Penang, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Kelantan, Perak, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. Nearly 700 vels have been distributed nationwide, with Theertana Mahligai covering all shipping costs. Any donations from recipients are voluntary and directed entirely to charity.
Rughanesan mentioned that the donations will be used to prepare Mor, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, to be distributed free to about 1,500 devotees at the Arulmigu Thandayuthapani Temple, Wadi Hana, at the festival's culmination. He expects to prepare around 250 to 300 liters of the drink, and if donations fall short, he plans to contribute from his own funds.
Hailing from Ipoh, Perak, Rughanesan noted that this free vel distribution is among the first in the country, and the requests from the elderly and less fortunate have deeply impacted him. Although this is his first time organizing such an initiative, he hopes to continue it in the future.
Recipient V. Shanti, 39, expressed gratitude for Rughanesan's initiative, describing it as meaningful ahead of Thaipusam. Her mother was thrilled to receive the free vel. Another recipient, S. Anand, 45, from Kuala Lumpur, remarked on the thoughtfulness of the gesture, noting its significance for devotees preparing for Thaipusam.