- Panguni month (Mar-Apr)
- Uthiram (Uttara Phalguni) star
- Day of divine weddings
- Murugan temples
Where it began
Panguni is the last month of the Tamil year and Uthiram is the twelfth star, so the day brings the year to a holy close.
Legend says many divine weddings took place on this day: Shiva married Parvati, Murugan married Deivanai, and Andal married Ranganatha at Srirangam.
One story tells that the god Ayyappa was also born on this day, which is why it is honoured at Sabarimala.
How it grew over time
Ancient times
Old Tamil works speak of the Panguni Uthiram festival held with joy.
Temple tradition
Temples held wedding rites for their deities on this day, with car festivals.
Murugan temples
The six abodes of Murugan, including Palani, became centres of the festival with kavadi offerings.
Today
Devotees walk to Murugan temples and attend the divine weddings across the state.
How it is celebrated in different places
Palani
Pilgrims walk with kavadi to the hill temple of Murugan.
Srirangam
The wedding of Ranganatha and Ranganayaki is celebrated.
Kerala
Sabarimala marks the birth of Ayyappa, and temples hold Painkuni festivals.
Malaysia and Singapore
Tamil temples hold processions and wedding rites.
Panguni Uthiram moments
Panguni Uthiram today
Families visit temples, watch the divine weddings and pray for good marriages and happy homes. Many couples choose this day to marry, and families also pray to their family deity.
