Panguni Uthiram festival

Panguni Uthiram, the wedding day of Lord Skanda & Sri Devasena is celebrated with great pomp and splendour in Murugan temples

Following are the rituals involved -

i) Tapas Mandapa:

Please refer to my blog 'Significance of Tapas Mandapa in Panguni Uthiram celebration'

ii) Main ceremony:

Here, the Bride's father, Lord Indra pours holy water over the conjoined hands of Sri Skanda-Devasena

Sometimes, betel leaves and gold coin are also placed

This ritual marks their status as a married couple

iii) Mangalsutra:

Here, Lord Skanda ties the Thirumangalyam around Sri Devasena's neck

Vedic mantras and special prayers are chanted along with auspicious music (Getti Melam)

iv) Oonjal ceremony:

Here Sri Skanda-Devasena are seated on a swing (oonjal)

Devotees sing songs and special pooja, aarati is performed

Oonjal songs -

Sapthapathi (Special mention):


Though not performed during Panguni Uthiram, this is an important part of Skanda-Devasena wedding

Lord Skanda puts toe ring around Devasena's toes, later they worship the Arundhati star together

(Ammi Midhithal, Arundhati Paarthal)

v) Veedhi Ula:

The newly married Skanda-Devasena Urchava idols are taken on a procession

Devotees seek blessings of the Divine couple for a happy and prosperous life

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Image source: Google search, PhotoGrid (Meshra Rao), Aarupadai Veedu FB page

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