The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.

Error Occurred While Processing Request

The fault returned when invoking the web service operation is:

AxisFault
 faultCode: {http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/}Server.userException
 faultSubcode:
 faultString: coldfusion.xml.rpc.CFCInvocationException:
	[coldfusion.tagext.InvalidTagAttributeException : Attribute validation error for tag cfloop.]
 faultActor:
 faultNode:
 faultDetail:
	{http://xml.apache.org/axis/}hostname:sota2_svr
 ''

Resources:

• Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging Logging Debug Output Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
• Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
• Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.

Error Occurred While Processing Request

The fault returned when invoking the web service operation is:

AxisFault
 faultCode: {http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/}Server.userException
 faultSubcode:
 faultString: coldfusion.xml.rpc.CFCInvocationException:
	[coldfusion.tagext.InvalidTagAttributeException : Attribute validation error for tag cfloop.]
 faultActor:
 faultNode:
 faultDetail:
	{http://xml.apache.org/axis/}hostname:sota2_svr
 ''

Resources:

• Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging Logging Debug Output Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
• Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
• Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

Article source: %URL%

The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.

Error Occurred While Processing Request

The fault returned when invoking the web service operation is:

AxisFault
 faultCode: {http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/}Server.userException
 faultSubcode:
 faultString: coldfusion.xml.rpc.CFCInvocationException:
	[coldfusion.tagext.InvalidTagAttributeException : Attribute validation error for tag cfloop.]
 faultActor:
 faultNode:
 faultDetail:
	{http://xml.apache.org/axis/}hostname:sota2_svr
 ''

Resources:

• Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging Logging Debug Output Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
• Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
• Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

Article source: %URL%

The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.

Error Occurred While Processing Request

The fault returned when invoking the web service operation is:

AxisFault
 faultCode: {http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/}Server.userException
 faultSubcode:
 faultString: coldfusion.xml.rpc.CFCInvocationException:
	[coldfusion.tagext.InvalidTagAttributeException : Attribute validation error for tag cfloop.]
 faultActor:
 faultNode:
 faultDetail:
	{http://xml.apache.org/axis/}hostname:sota2_svr
 ''

Resources:

• Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging Logging Debug Output Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
• Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
• Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

Article source: %URL%

The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.

Error Occurred While Processing Request

The fault returned when invoking the web service operation is:

AxisFault
 faultCode: {http://schemas.xmlsoap.org/soap/envelope/}Server.userException
 faultSubcode:
 faultString: coldfusion.xml.rpc.CFCInvocationException:
	[coldfusion.tagext.InvalidTagAttributeException : Attribute validation error for tag cfloop.]
 faultActor:
 faultNode:
 faultDetail:
	{http://xml.apache.org/axis/}hostname:sota2_svr
 ''

Resources:

• Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging Logging Debug Output Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
• Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
• Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

Article source: %URL%

There are certain rituals that are `religiously’ observed by the Hindus during Thaipusam in Malaysia and here are some of them:

The Chariot Procession
On the eve of the day before Thaipusam, a chariot bearing the image of Lord Murugan will be pulled, in most instances, by the devotees as a sign of their devotion and gratitude.

The Lord’s image will be adorned with diamonds and rubies and jewellery, along with his two consorts, Valli (representing the spiritual side) and Deivayani (symbolising the worldly energy). They are placed on a spread of flowers, with burning incense on their sides.  

The silver chariot leaves for Batu Caves around midnight on Thaipusam Eve

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the silver chariot procession starts at the heart of the city – from Sri Mahamariaman Temple at Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, adjacent Chinatown, to Sri Subramaniar Temple in Batu Caves 15km away. The five-tonne chariot used to be pulled by bulls. Nowadays, the task is taken over by a motorised vehicle, usually a large truck.

It is believed that the Hindus regard participation in the procession as part of their `offerings’ to the Lord. It isn’t an easy journey to make – one really needs to put in physical effort and sacrifice comfort. Patience is of paramount importance.

Upon reaching the designated temple, a prayer ceremony will be held at the foot of the hill (if the temple is situated on top of a hill) and the flag of Lord Murugan is hoisted to announce the commencement of the Thaipusam celebrations.

Coconut Breaking
Often used as part of prayer offerings, coconuts are smashed on the ground and end up shattered to pieces ahead of the chariot procession.

Generally, coconut breaking symbolises the breaking of one’s ego, revealing the purity, and for banishing obstacles in life to begin a clearer and brighter future.

Coconuts broken before the chariot  as an offering to Lord Murugan

It is also done in front of the chariot procession as to seek for the divine blessings in ensuring the safety of the pilgrimage.

Heaps of coconuts are lined up along the route of the chariot procession as offerings to Lord Murugan. A sight to behold, first-time visitors would usually be in awe of the `carpet’ of shattered coconuts on the road, especially in Penang, where the Chinese actively participate in this ritual.

Kavadi
Depending on the type, Kavadis are made using different materials, from plywood to aluminium, and they could be as simple as a decorated canopy supported by a wooden rod, or those with long chains hanging down with hooks at the end, and then fitted into the torso of the bearer.

A devotee bears a kavadi to lessen the burden of bad karma, and to lessen the effect of wrongdoings that he or she may have done – a rather personal practice of ‘cleansing’ one’s soul. 

It has to be taken with absolute devotion and humility though, as it is not a show of strength or rivalry against one another.

Apart from carrying the kavadi, some would pierce and insert small lances or skewers through their tongues and cheeks – preventing them from speaking ill and to be constantly reminded of the Lord.

Sacrificing bodily comfort as an offering to the Lord

For the first-time witness, worry not, as amazingly, the devotees do not feel pain, scarred or bleed in their state of trance – having surrendered to be under the protection of Lord Murugan – who won’t let them shed any blood or suffer pain, provided they have complied with the necessary observances.

After all the hooks and piercings are removed, the bodies would be smeared with white ash, and milk or  the juice of yellow lime is poured over the pierced areas. This is said to be helpful in healing and soothing the skin.

“The white-ash is called ‘thiruneer’. It has a medicinal effect and is applied on the kavadi-pierced body to remove pain and any discomfort. It obviously has proven divine power to avoid bleeding and injuries,” says Mohan Shan, Malaysia Hindu Sangam President.

Carrying Milk Pots
The simplest act of offering and showing devotion is by carrying the Paal Kudam (milk pots) on the head or shoulder. As milk is a sign of purity and virtue, it is honoured as an offering to the Lord.

Devotees carrying milk pots during the chariot procession all the way to Batu Caves

In Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, devotees – some as young as 3 years old – would climb the 272 steps up to the temple, carrying these milk pots.

Head Shaving
Head shaving is one of the most popular rituals associated with Thaipusam. Devotees would shave their heads – to fulfil vows and as a symbol of humility and penance.

Shaving the head symbolises humility

Shaven heads are rubbed with sandalwood paste afterwards.

“Applying sandalwood paste on the shaved head helps to reduce the feeling of itchiness. It also helps keep the shaved head cool and act as an anti-bacterial treatment to avoid any infection to the exposed skin on the shaved head,” explains Mohan Shan. 

The shaven hair is not offered directly to the Lord though.

“Strict religious practice is to throw away the shaven hair, usually in running water on a river or stream. But this is not encouraged nowadays to help keep the rivers free of pollution as river water could be recycled for human consumption,” says Mohan.

Anyway, the practice is to release a portion of your hair into the river. What happens to the rest, then?

The Times of India (Jan 22, 2011) reported that the hair from the shaved heads of the devotees in Batu Caves were sold to wigmakers – so as not to let it go to waste.

Though some argue that the hair is actually a form of the devotee’s own sacrifice to the Lord and should not be sold for profit, others beg to differ by saying that it would be a waste to just throw everything into the river.

“Shaven hair can be sold to make wigs as it is the practice in a number of Hindu temples in India and around the world,” agrees Mohan.

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1. What is the significance of the devotees chanting ‘Vel Vel” during the procession?

It refers to the ultimate ‘vel’ or spear, given to Lord Murugan by his mother Parvati to fight off the demon Soorapadman also known as Tarakasuran.

2. When was Thaipusam first celebrated in Malaysia, and how did Batu Caves get to be the main venue for the celebration?

In Malaysia, Thaipusam was first celebrated in 1891 at Batu Caves. Though there have been orders from Kuala Lumpur’s then District Officer, instructing the prayer sessions and celebrations to be stopped, devotees  took the matter to court.

They were granted legal permission to continue celebrating the festival in Batu Caves. Since then, it has been the major venue in Malaysia for devotees celebrating Thaipusam.

So much so it even surpasses India, in terms of grandeur and scale, as more and more devotees, tourists and visitors from all over the world throng to Batu Caves to celebrate Thaipusam.

3. How many steps lead up to the Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple?

The famous Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple has 272 steps, in which devotees need to climb to fulfill their vows. Before climbing the steps to the main temple, they will shower and perform prayers at the nearby Batu River.

4. According to the myth surrounding Thaipusam, why did Goddess Parvati curse Lord Murugan?

It was believed that Lord Murgan had eavesdropped on Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s conversation. At the time, Lord Shiva was delivering an important mantra to the Goddess, Lord Murugan had listened secretly by hiding himself. Unfortunately, he was discovered by the Goddess, and angered by his actions, she had cursed him.

Ashamed by his act, Lord Murugan started a penance, much to Goddess Parvati’s delight. She was pleased and appeared before him with Lord Shiva. Thaipusam is believed to mark the day when Goddess Parvati appeared before Lord Murugan.

5. Up until 2000, the silver chariot to Batu Caves was pulled by bulls. The practice has  since been stopped.  What’s the reason behind this?

Animal rights activists had protested that bulls pulling a five-tonne chariot was a form of animal abuse. Today a motorised vehicle –usually a truck – pulls the chariot.  

On the other hand, the practice is still carried out in Penang.

6. Apart from carrying the Kavadi, shaving their heads, and carrying milk pots, what else would the devotees do as part of vow fulfilment?

During Thaipusam, devotees would also walk or run on fire, and in the Nallur Kandswami Temple in Sri Lanka for instance, the Anga Pradakshina or rolling around the temple grounds is done by devotees to show remorse over their wrongdoings.

Mohan Shan, Malaysia Hindu Sangam President  says, “Walking on fire, also a form of fulfillment of religious vow, is not carried out on Thaipusam day in Malaysia. It is usually done in conjunction with some other Hindu religious occasions or during  specific festivals at some temples.”

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Perched upon a hill-top, the mosque combines the neo-classical Western and Islamic architecture, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

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The Gulf Incentive, Business travel Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) is the leading event for the meetings, incentives, business travel and events industry in the Middle East, taking place from 26-28 March 2012 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi  GIBTM brings together a combination of regional and international industry buyers and suppliers, for three days of business opportunities, networking and professional education.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gibtm.com/

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See amazing orchids and garden landscape as soon as you step into the park’s specially design garden such as the Hoya Garden, Tenom Orchid Centre, Native Orchid Centre and Hybrid Orchid Centre.

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