Panguni Uthiram is an important Tamil festival observed in the Tamil month of Panguni [March – April]. Panguni Uthiram is not only sacred to Lord Muruga but also auspicious to Lord Maha Vishnu as well as to Lord Shiva. Therefore the day is sacred to both Saivites and Vaishnavites.
Panguni Uthiram nakshatram falls on full moon day[Purnima or Pournami] and it is believed that celestial weddings took place on this day.
In 2011, Panguni Uthiram falls on March 19, Saturday. Panguni Uthiram celebrates the wedding of important deities in the Hindu religion and is an important
festival in all parts of Tamil Nadu, India.
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| Pangun Uthiram Festival |
It falls on the day,when the moon transits in the nakshatra [constellation] of Uttara-phalguni[Uthiram], in the month,Panguni [March-April],which is the full moon of the month of Pangun.
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| Lord Muruga in Kalyana Kolam-Thirutani |
This full moon day is significant of the marriage of Shiva-Parvathi, Lord Murugan-Devasena and Andal- Rangamannar On this day, Murugan gives his Kalyana Kola Seva to his disciples. As per the Valmiki Ramayana, this is the auspiceous day when Sri Rama and Sita got married. Panguni month [March – April] is similar to that of Phalgun month in other calendars.
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| Panguni Uthiram-Srivlliputhur |
According to legend, one of the 12 Azhwars and Goddess Andal, also known as Kothai, married Lord Rangamannar [incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu] on this day.
The celestial marriage of Goddess Andal is a famous event at Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar
district. Above all, Goddess Ranganayaki meets Lord Ranganathar at Sri Rangam on ths day.
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| Punguni Uthiram Festival- SriRangam |
As per the Brahmanda Puranam, on Panguni Uthiram, every holy water joins Thumburu teertha, one of the seven sacred tanks in Tirupati Tirumala. The day is the symbol of grahasta dharma i.e. the married life of a person. The Almighty manifests in the marital state as Sita-Rama, Radha- Krishna and Uma- Maheswara. On this day the Lord in Shiva and Vishnu temples appear to devotees in their married state. This important festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvathi, and Lord Murugan.
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| Pilgrims proceeding to Palani for Panguni Uthiram fesitval |
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| Panguni Uthiram-Kavadi |
On Panguni Uthiram, in all the temples of Lord Subrahmanya, the devotees, in the fulfilment of their vows, carry the pooja material in a 'Kavadi'. This is a very special feature and also special poojas are performed in all of such Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu. In most of the temples in Tamil Nadu, Float festivals are also common rituals observed during Panguni Uthiram.
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| Lord Ayyappan |
The Lord Ayyappan Jayanthi, is observed on Panguni Uthiram day which falls on Pournami or Full Moon day in Meena masam of Malayali calendar. Ayyappa is also known as Manikandan or Manikanta. It is believed that Lord Ayyappan is born out of the union between Mohini avataram of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Hence he is called as Hariharasuta or Hariharasudan.
As per the legend,the lord Ayyappa was born to vanquish the demoness Mahishi. After vanqushing her, the Lord gave her a boon that she will be worshipped as Maalikapurathamma. In Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Ayyappa Jayanti is celebrated on this day,with much fevour and is attended by thousands of devotees from world over.
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| Panguni Uthiram Thiru Kalyana festival in Arunachaleswarar Temple |
Panguni Uthiram is considered to be a big and important festival in Tamil Nadu. Several Temple rituals like divine marriages, Brahmotsavams, Aradhanotsavams and other festivities are celebrated on Panguni Uthiram. Thousands of devotees attend the Srirangam Sri Ranganatha swamy temple, Madurai Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Palani Murugan temple, and some other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan.
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| Sri Kapaleeshwarar with Karpagambal -Panguni Uthiram,Mylai |
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar temple in Chennai, is one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu. Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple Brahmotsavam is a ten-day festival celebrated during Panguni Uthiram.
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| Panguni Uthiram -AthikaraNandhi-Kapaleeshwarar Koil,Mylai |
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| Kapaleeshwarar Koil-AruvathiMoovar-Panguni Uthiram |
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| Thiruth Ther-Mylai |
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| Brahmotsavam-Punguni Uthiram |
During the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival, Rathotsavam is the major event which attracts lakhs of devotees from all around the country. Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated with utmost pomp and gaiety which marks the conclusion of Brahmotsavam festival.
Falgun Purnima is also celebrated as Holi in all parts of India. Panguni masam or Pankuni month is the last and final month in Tamil calendar or Tamil Panchangam.
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