Panguni Uthiram is an important festival in Tamil culture, celebrating the divine marriages of Lord Shiva and Parvati, Lord Rama and Sita, and Lord Murugan and Deivanai.
This grand festival is celebrated with devotion at the Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai. It takes place in the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April) on the full moon day (Pournami). Thousands of devotees gather to take part in the rituals and colorful processions. The festival lasts for ten days, ending with the sacred Thirukalyanam (divine wedding) ceremony.
Sri Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a highly revered Shiva temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a magnificent example of South Indian Dravidian architecture. Believed to have been built around the 7th century CE, the temple holds great historical and spiritual significance. According to scriptures, Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock (Mayil in Tamil), which gave the area its name, Mylai (Mayilāi).
At this sacred site, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeshwarar, represented by a lingam, while Goddess Parvati is venerated as Karpagambal. The temple is also one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, as mentioned in Thevaram, the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva devotional hymns composed by the Nayanars.
The grand Panguni Brahmotsavam is the temple’s most significant festival, celebrated over nine days. In 2025, the festival will take place from April 3 to April 12. The festivities commence with the Kodiyetram (flag hoisting) on April 3 at 6:00 AM, marking the beginning of the Brahmotsavam. Each day features unique events and processions, with deities paraded on various vahanams (mounts) around the temple's four Mada Streets.
Key Events and Processions
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Adhikara Nandi (April 5): This morning procession features Lord Shiva on the sacred bull, Nandi, symbolizing righteousness and justice.
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Rishaba Vahanam (April 7): A midnight procession where the deity is mounted on the silver Rishaba (bull), attracting numerous devotees.
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Therottam (Chariot Festival) (April 9): The grand chariot procession begins around 7:00 AM, with the main deities, Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal, taken around the temple streets on a towering, elaborately decorated wooden chariot. This event draws thousands of devotees who pull the chariot, seeking blessings.
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Arubathimoovar Festival (April 10): This procession honors the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints) with their bronze idols carried through the streets, celebrating their devotion and contributions to Shaivism. This event is renowned for its vibrant participation and spiritual fervor.
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Thirukalyanam (April 12): The festival culminates with the celestial wedding ceremony of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal, symbolizing divine union and cosmic harmony. Rituals commence around 6:30 PM, drawing devotees to witness and partake in the auspicious event.
Cultural Impact
The Panguni Uthiram festival is not just a spiritual observance but a grand cultural spectacle that brings together traditional music, dance, and art forms. Devotees are blessed with the divine sight of Lord Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal, beautifully adorned for their celestial wedding. Leading up to this sacred union, the festival spans eight days, featuring vibrant processions and rituals. The highlight of the Brahmotsavam is the mesmerizing dance of Lord Kapaleeshwarar, radiating divine grace. The streets of Mylapore come alive with intricate kolams (rangoli), soul-stirring devotional songs, and the inviting aroma of prasadam (sacred offerings), fostering a sense of communal harmony and spiritual elevation.
Visitors Information
Devotees attending the festival should expect large crowds, especially during the Therottam (chariot procession) and Arubathimoovar (procession of 63 Nayanmars). It’s best to arrive early to get a good viewing spot and fully enjoy the celebrations.
Temple volunteers, local authorities, and security teams work hard to keep the event safe and organized. However, visitors, especially those with children or elderly family members, should stay alert and take the necessary precautions.
Photography is generally allowed, offering a chance to capture the festival’s vibrancy and divine ambiance. However, devotees should always respect religious rituals, avoid obstructing processions.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple Panguni festival Dates
April 3, 2025 – Thursday – Flag Hoisting
- Morning (6:00 AM): Kodiyetra Mandapam Ezhuntharulal
- Night (10:00 PM): Ambal Mayil Vadivil Siva Pujai Kaatchi
April 4, 2025 – Friday
- Morning (8:30 AM): Surya Vattam
- Night (9:00 PM): Chandra Vattam
April 5, 2025 – Saturday – Adhikara Nandi
- Morning (6:00 AM): Adhikara Nandi Procession
- Night (9:00 PM): Bhootan and Bhutanki Vahanam
April 6, 2025 – Sunday
- Morning (8:30 AM): Purushamirugam and Singam Vahanam
- Night (9:00 PM): Nagam and Kamadhenu Vahanam
April 7, 2025 – Monday – Rishaba Vahanam
- Morning (8:30 AM): Sowdal Vimanam Procession
- Night (10:30 PM): Vellividai Vahanam (Silver Rishaba Vahanam)
April 8, 2025 – Tuesday – Yaanai Vahanam
- Morning: Grand Pallakku Vizha
- Night (9:00 PM): Majestic Yaanai Vahanam Procession
April 9, 2025 – Wednesday – Therottam
- Morning: Therottam (Temple Car Festival)
- Evening: Therilirinthu Thirukovil Ezhuntharulal
April 10, 2025 – Thursday – Arupathu Moovar Thiruvizha
- Afternoon (2:35 PM): Arupathu Moovar Thiruvizha
- Night: Sri Chandrasekarar Paar Vettai Vizha
April 11, 2025 – Friday
- Morning: Pancha Moorthi Vizha
- Evening (6:00 PM): Pikshadanar (Iraivan Iravalar Kolam)
April 12, 2025 – Saturday – Thirukalyanam
- Morning: Thirukootha Peruman (Shri Natarajar) Thirukatchi
- Night (6:00 PM): Punnai Marathadiyil Mayil Uruvil Siva Poojai
- Night (7:30 PM): Thirukalyanam (Divine Wedding Ceremony)
- Kodiyirakkam and Chandikeshvarar Thiruvizha
Temple Location - 234, Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004