Panguni Uthiram, or Paiguni Uttaram, is an important Tamil festival observed in the Tamil month of Panguni (March – April). Paiguni Uttaram celebrates the wedding of important deities in the Hindu religion. In 2010, the date of Panguni Uthiram is March 29. The importance of Panguni Uttiram day is that the Uthiram Nakshatra (star) coincides with the full moon day (Poornima, or Purnima).
Hindu Scriptures like the Puranas and the two epics – Mahabharat and Ramayan – indicate that the auspicious day of Poornima and Uttiram star coinciding in the month of Panguni (March – April) is the day when most divine weddings had taken place.
It is widely believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvathi on this day in this region. Another legend indicates that Lord Muruga married Devasena on Panguni Uthiram day. It is also believed that Lord Rama married Sita on this day.
Another important wedding that took place on Panguni Uthiram is the one between Andal and Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). This is known as Panguni Uthira Thirukkalyanam and is an important event in Srivilliputtur and neighboring areas.
Panguni Uthiram is the only one day in the year when we see the Goddess Ranganayaki with Srirangam Lord Ranganatha on the same stage. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Ranganayaki meet in the Panguni Uttara mandapam and this is known as the Panguni Uttaram Serththi (togetherness).
Panguni Uttiram is also of great importance in several temples in Tamil Nadu including the
Devotees visiting the various Muruga Temples on the Panguni Uthiram day carry the famous Kavadis and several thousand devotees shave their head during the ten-day festival.
Numerous temples in Tamil Nadu observe festivals during this period. The day is also of great importance at the
