Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is one of the major festivals celebrated in Sanatan Dharma, primarily in Tamil Nadu. It is a highly auspicious occasion where deities like Lord Murugan, along with Lord Ayyappa (Ganesha), Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu, are worshipped with great joy and enthusiasm. However, this festival especially focuses on the worship of Lord Murugan. It is observed during the Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra or Uttiram Nakshatra in the Panguni month of the Tamil calendar, which corresponds to the full moon of the Phalguna month or falls between mid-March and mid-April in the Indian calendar.

The Uttiram Nakshatra is considered highly auspicious for marriage relationships. Besides Tamil Nadu, this festival is also beautifully celebrated in Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. According to traditional South Indian customs, the people of Tamil Nadu observe this day as a festival commemorating the marriage of Deity Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to religious beliefs, it is believed that on this day, Deity Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. Therefore, getting married on this day is considered very auspicious.

The tradition of celebration

This festival is also celebrated in regions like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. On this day, devotees carry a kavad to the temple of Deity Murugan and offer it with devotion. The festival includes the celebration of the wedding of Deity Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the temple of Deity Murugan, along with the performance of various rituals and ceremonies. A special sweet dish called payasam (kheer) is prepared as an offering to the Deity with great devotion. To please Deity Murugan, people also read and listen to various religious texts.

Worship Method

On the day of Panguni Uthiram, wake up early in the morning, complete your daily routines, and take a bath, then wear clean clothes. Decorate the temple beautifully with flowers and various decorative items. Adorn Deity Murugan, Deity Shiva, and Goddess Parvati with different types of clothes, jewelry, and flowers. Perform the worship of Deity Murugan, Deity Shiva, and Goddess Parvati with devotion according to traditional rituals. Since this festival involves a special ritual celebrating the marriage of Deity Shiva and Goddess Parvati, prepare for and conduct their ceremonial wedding. After completing all the wedding rituals, offer the prepared kheer as prasadam. If possible, spend the entire day singing hymns and participating in devotional activities dedicated to Deity Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Deity Murugan. In the evening, after completing the fast, accept the offered prasadam.

The significance of the Panguni Uthiram festival

Panguni Uthiram is a major festival in Tamil Nadu, symbolizing the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On this day, devotees who perform the divine wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with devotion receive their blessings, ensuring happiness and prosperity in their married life, along with the blessing of having good offspring. Unmarried devotees are blessed with a suitable partner. The festival also features special worship of Lord Murugan, who removes all obstacles in his devotees' lives and provides them with mental and spiritual strength, leading to continuous progress and advancement in their lives.