No doubt India is a land of countless festivals related to gods Vishnu, Shiva, Muruga (Karthikeya) and Sakthi temples scattered across this countries. In Tamil Nadu and in the neighboring states several festivals take place in each month highlighting India's deep-rooted culture intertwined with religion. These festivals have been around for more than 1500 years. This Panguni Uthiram day highlights of the importance of harmonious relationship between couple and of love and togetherness in human existence and survival
.jfif) |
| Palani temple, TN gold plated vimana, image.Thiagugpillai.upload. wikipedia.org |
 |
| Palani hill, TN image.Thiagugpillai . upload.wikipedia |
There are many Hindu festivals dedicated to God Murugan and each one is celebrated with bhakti and devotion following certain religious restrictions and norms. These festivals include Thaipusam, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Visakam and Sura Samhaaram. Panguni Uthiram festival is dedicated to god Shiva, consort Parvati and their son Muruga.
Thaipusam, the most important festival at Palani temple atop the hill (part of Palani hills) is celebrated on the full moon day of the Tamil Month of Thai followed by Panguni Uthiram. The Thiruchendur Murugan temple on the east shore of the Bay of Bengal is equally popular with Sura Samhaaram festival. The event takes place on the wide beach venue attended by tens of thousands of devotees.
.jpg) |
| Panguni therottam, Palani,TN blogger.com/b |
 |
| Palani, Uthiram festival Ratha,thehindu.com |
At Palani god Muruga is in an ascetic form with Thandam (wooden pole) and Kowpeenam (Komanam in Tamil), hence he is called Dhandayuthapani Swamy. Here the Panguni Uthiram festival is a 10 day grand festival that commences with Kodi Yettram (temple flag-hoisting) on the flag-post (Dwajasthambam) with puja and culminates on the final day with Kodi Yerakuthal (Lowering of the flag). Normally it would take place at Thiruavinankudi Temple near Malai Adivaram. ''Dwajasthambam (flag post) normally, showcases relationship among design and spirituality in temple construction, culture and aesthetics.
 |
| old image..Panguni festival flag-hoisting, Palani.thehindu.com |
This year Panguni Uthiram falls on Friday, April 11th in Tamil month Panguni (March-April) during the full Moon day of Poornima On the day the moon transits the nakshatram (asterism) of Uthiram in the twelfth month Panguni of the Tamil calendar. This coincides with the Hindu calendar month of Phalguna/Chaitra.
It is a significant festival in Hinduism, especially for Tamil Hindus. During this month important religious events take place such as the reenactment of the celestial weddings of deities Lord Muthu Kumaraswamy (god Murugan or Kartikeya) and Devasena and Valli (a tribal girl).
Common practices may vary As a wish devotees carry a kavadi (consisting of semi circular pieces of wood with a rounded wooden across bar. Kavadi, carefully decorated with flowers, etc carrying a pot of milk or sanctified water, etc to be presented to temple atop the hill is balanced on the devotees' shoulder. It is (It is similar to the mythological event of Idumban, a giant demon who is said to have brought part of the Mt. Kailash to this site).
Devotees walk barefoot and avoid alcoholic drinks, NV food, etc for 48 days.. Yet another major event in Tamil Nadu is the celestial wedding of Parvati and god Shiva. Ayyappa jayanthi is celebrated in Ayyappan temples of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
In all Murugan temple in India and abroad special pujas are done. Among the rituals, the float festival is of interest and is held during Panguni Uthiram
The Uthiram festival at Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani draws a large number of devotees from far and near on Friday. The hillock temple, will be illuminated with colorful lights, and one of the highlights will be ‘theertha kavadi’ by devotees.
 |
| Palani Uthiram Kavadi, holidify.com |
The district administration special facilities for the devotees and deploys a large contingent of police more than 2000 to maintain law and order and to check on terrorists moves. Apart, in many places including Girivala streets the municipal officials removed the illegal encroachments, hindering the movement of devotees.
During the intermittent days after koi yetram each day the idols of Muruga will be taken out on different Vahanas such as Velli (silver) Kamadhenu Vahana. Velli Attukeda (goat) Vahanam, Thanga (gold) Mayil Peacock) vahanam. followed by Yaanai (elephant) Vahana and the Kalyana Velli Ratham Therootam and the Thanga Kuthirai (horse) Vahanam. These colorful events are attract thousands of people each day far and wide. During the festivities devotees shouted Arohara in many places ranting the hill temple.
https://hindupad.com/panguni-uthiram-2012-panguni-uthiram-in-tamil-nadu
https://palani.org/panguni-uthiram
.jfif)
.jfif)
.jfif)
