Velkavadi

Velkavadi offered as part of the temple festival of
Panathur Subramanian Temple, Trivandrum

Kavadi is the main offering given to Lord Subramania. there are different types of kavadi. Vel kavadi, Parava kavadi, Agni kavadi, Poo kavadi etc. depending upon how the kavadi is performed. In Vel kavadi small vels (tiny pointed spears) were pierced into the flesh of the person who is performing the kavadi.

Paravakavadi

Scenes from Paravakavadi offered as part of the temple festival
of Panathur Subramanian Temple, Trivandrum

Paravakavadi is an offering made to Lord Subramania, the younger son of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati. Kavadi is the main offering given to Lord Subramania. In Paravakavadi, the devotee hangs from wodden pole or a bamboo with iron hooks pierced into the flesh on his back, so that he looks like a bird.