Tamil Nadu: Thousands throng for Panguni Car Festival at Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple

ANI April 12, 2025 148 views

The historic Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam hosted its annual Panguni Car Festival, attracting thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu. Participants pulled the decorated chariot of Namperumal through the temple streets, chanting traditional prayers and celebrating the celestial wedding of Lord Murugan. The festival marks the conclusion of the Tamil solar calendar year and holds deep mythological significance. Temple authorities managed the event with tight security, ensuring a smooth and devotional celebration.

"Ranga Ranga" - Devotees' Chant During Panguni Therottam
Trichy, April 12: The Panguni Car Festival was celebrated with grandeur at the historic Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple in Srirangam, Trichy, drawing thousands of devotees from across Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

1

Thousands celebrate annual Panguni Uthiram festival in Srirangam

2

Decorated chariot procession marks celestial wedding of deities

3

Marks conclusion of Tamil solar calendar year

4

Significant Hindu religious event with mythological importance

The festival, also known as Panguni Uthiram, marks the auspicious celestial wedding of Lord Murugan and Goddess Valli, a significant event in the Tamil Hindu calendar. The grand Panguni Therottam (car festival) was held with great devotion at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.

Thousands of devotees chanted "Ranga Ranga" as they pulled the decorated chariot of Namperumal through the four Chithirai streets.

The deity, adorned with traditional ornaments like the Rathina Abhaya Hastham and Muthu Pandiyan Kondai, was brought in procession from the sanctum through the Thayar shrine before ascending the car.

Temple authorities ensured smooth arrangements, with adequate security and facilities for the large gathering. The event marked the 10th day of the annual Adhi Brahmotsavam, which was organized by the temple administration with tight police security.

The festival is observed in the Tamil month of Panguni and is celebrated in honour of the Hindu god Muruga. Devotees make offerings to Lord Muruga with sacrificial feats they believe will keep them away from evil spirits.

Panguni Uthiram is a significant Tamil Hindu festival observed during the full moon of the Panguni month, which falls between March 14 and April 13. This festival aligns with the moon's transit through the Uttiram nakshatra (asterism) in the twelfth month of the Tamil calendar, Panguni.

It coincides with the Hindu month of Phalguna/Chaitra. Panguni marks the conclusion of the solar Tamil calendar year, ushering in the beginning of the next new Tamil year.

Panguni Uthiram is considered auspicious for Tamil Hindus worldwide. The festival is also associated with various mythological events, like the weddings of lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, lord Ram and goddess Sita and lord Murugan (Kartikeya) and Devasena.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What a beautiful celebration! The photos of the decorated chariot are stunning. Wish I could have been there in person to witness this divine event 🙏 The devotion of the people pulling the chariot is truly inspiring.
A
Arjun S.
My family has been attending this festival for generations. It's heartwarming to see how well organized it was this year despite the huge crowds. The temple authorities did a great job with arrangements.
R
Ramesh V.
While the festival was beautiful, I wish there was more information available about parking and crowd management beforehand. We had to walk nearly 2km to reach the temple. Otherwise, a spiritually uplifting experience!
M
Meena R.
The description of Namperumal's ornaments gave me goosebumps! The Rathina Abhaya Hastham must have looked magnificent. Our Tamil traditions are so rich and vibrant. Feeling proud of our heritage today ❤️
K
Karthik P.
Attended with my 80-year-old grandmother who remembers coming here as a child. The continuity of these traditions across generations is what makes our culture so special. The chanting of "Ranga Ranga" still gives me chills!
S
Saranya M.
The article beautifully explains the astrological significance too! Many don't realize how precisely our festivals are timed with celestial events. Panguni Uthiram is truly magical ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Panguni Car Festival Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple Tamil Hindu Festival Lord Murugan Srirangam Trichy Temple Festival
You May Like!