Panguni Uthiram is one of Tamil culture's most sacred and widely celebrated festivals, in Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states. This auspicious occasion falls in the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April) on the day of the Uthiram Nakshatra (star). It is a highly significant festival, marking various divine events and celestial unions. This day holds special reverence for Lord Murugan, as several important occurrences in his life are believed to have taken place on this day.
Panguni Uthiram 2025 Date and Time:
Panguni Uthiram will be observed on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Uthiram Nakshathram begins at 2:07 PM on April 10, 2025, and ends at 4:11 PM on April 11, 2025.
Significance of Panguni Uthiram
Panguni Uthiram is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Tamil calendar. While the Uthiram Nakshatra appears every month, its occurrence in the month of Panguni holds immense spiritual significance. Panguni, the twelfth month of the Tamil calendar, aligns with Uthiram, the twelfth star in the Nakshatra cycle. This festival is particularly special due to a rare celestial alignment—when the Uthiram Nakshatra coincides with the full moon (Pournami), the moon is believed to shine with flawless radiance. This blemish-free moonlight is said to bring peace and tranquillity to both body and mind, making Panguni Uthiram a sacred and revered day.
Panguni Uthiram marks the celestial wedding of Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai. According to legend, on this sacred day, Lord Murugan vanquished the demon Tarakasuran and was united in marriage with Goddess Deivanai, with celestial beings showering their blessings. Devotees observe fasting, visit Murugan temples, and participate in special rituals, seeking divine grace for a blissful and prosperous married life.
The Kalyanasundara Vratham is a sacred fast observed in devotion to Lord Shiva on this day. On the full moon day of the Panguni month, Goddess Parvati was united in marriage with Lord Shiva. Hence, this fast is also referred to as the Kalyana Vratham or Kalyanasundaram Vratham. Observing this fast is believed to bless devotees with a suitable life partner and a peaceful, harmonious life.
Panguni Uthiram is also associated with other divine unions. It is believed that on this day Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, were united in marriage. Panguni Uthiram is also the day when Sage Agastya married Lopamudra. Observing a fast, visiting temples, and witnessing the Thirukalyanam (divine wedding ceremony) on this day are said to bring marital happiness and prosperity.
Mythological Story
According to Scriptures, the demon Tarakasura terrorized the three worlds after receiving a boon from Lord Brahma that only Lord Shiva’s son could defeat him. To fulfill this prophecy, Lord Murugan was born to Shiva and Parvati. Armed with the Vel (spear) gifted by Goddess Parvati, Murugan took command of the celestial army. Before personally engaging in battle, He sent Veerabhagu, the commander of His army, to attack Tarakasura. A fierce battle ensued, with heavy losses on both sides.
As the war intensified, Tarakasura used trickery, transforming into a rat and hiding inside Krauncha Giri Hill, which was itself a demon. When Veerabhagu and his troops pursued him, they faced destruction from the combined forces of Tarakasura and Krauncha. Learning of this, Murugan intervened, wielding His Vel. The divine spear shattered Krauncha Giri Hill, striking down Tarakasura and restoring peace. The gods rejoiced at Murugan’s divine victory.
In gratitude, Lord Indra offered his daughter Deivanai in marriage to Murugan. Their grand wedding took place at Tirupparamkundram, one of Murugan’s sacred abodes. Witnessed by gods and sages, their union symbolized divine love and victory. This event is celebrated as Panguni Uthiram, an auspicious festival marking divine marriages.
Another Special event occurred on Panguni Uthiram
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The grand celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated with immense devotion and splendour. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this sacred event in Madurai, believing that even celestial beings come to bless the divine union.
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Another significant celebration of Panguni Uthiram is the spiritual wedding of Goddess Andal and Lord Ranganatha (Rangamannar). This event symbolizes Andal’s deep love and unwavering devotion, culminating in her ultimate union with the divine.
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The tradition of carrying the Kavadi, an offering to Lord Murugan, has its roots in the story of Idumban, a devoted disciple of Sage Agastya. As a test of his dedication, Idumban carried two hills on his shoulders, marking the beginning of this sacred practice.
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In the holy town of Kanchipuram, Goddess Kamakshi once crafted a Shiva Lingam from the sands of the river and worshipped it with great devotion. Through her prayers and unwavering faith, she sought Lord Shiva’s blessings and divine grace.
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Karaikal Ammaiyar, the only human woman to have witnessed Lord Shiva’s divine dance (Tandava) in person, attained moksha (liberation).
Rituals on Panguni Uthiram
1. Temple Visits and Worship
On Panguni Uthiram, it is highly auspicious to visit temples and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati or Lord Murugan and Goddess Deivanai. Devotees participate in the Thirukalyana Utsavam (divine wedding festival) held in temples, seeking prosperity, a blissful married life, and divine blessings.
2. Abhishekam and Offerings
Performing Abhishekam on Panguni Uthiram is a key ritual. Devotees offer milk, honey, curd, sandalwood paste, and holy water, believing it pleases deities, removes sins, and grants divine grace. Witnessing or performing Abhishekam is said to cleanse karma and lead to moksha.
3. Carrying Kavadi for Lord Murugan
One of the most significant rituals on Panguni Uthiram is carrying the Kavadi as an offering to Lord Murugan. Devotees undertake this act with deep devotion, singing bhajans and hymns in praise of the Lord.
4. Observing Fasting and Meditation
Devotees express their surrender and devotion by offering flowers, fruits, coconuts, and lamps at temples. These sacred offerings symbolize faith, gratitude, and the desire for spiritual upliftment.
5. Offering Rituals at Temples
Devotees offer flowers, fruits, coconuts, and lamps as a sign of faith and gratitude.
6. Acts of Charity and Service
Engage in feeding the poor, donating clothes, and offering financial help. Reduces bad karma and brings divine blessings.
7. Reciting Sacred Scriptures
Chant Thiruppavai, Thiruvempavai, and Kandha Puranam for spiritual upliftment. Reciting mantras enhances inner peace and divine grace.