[SlowBoat407]

Indian Hindus, who make up about 7% of Malaysia's 26 million people, regard Lord Muruga as a manifestation of valour, beauty, youthfulness, vitality, masculinity and happiness.

And...

Devotees pierce the skin on their backs and chests with scores of hooks, or drive skewers through their cheeks and tongues before climbing to the temple.

Anyone else see a contradiction here?

[MineralMan]

"Devotees pierce the skin on their backs and chests with scores of hooks, or drive skewers through their cheeks and tongues before climbing to the temple.

Anyone else see a contradiction here?"

Not really. Christian monks and pilgrims used to whip themselves to "mortify the flesh." And that was just a few hundred years ago. No contradiction.

[CarrotAndStick]

Anyone else see a contradiction here?

You've obviously not heard of the 'Passion Play'. This is performed every year I guess.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/1901095.stm