Panguni Uthiram 

 Rituals and Legends at Kapaleeshwarar temple Mylapore.

The Panguni Uthiram festival starts with the worship of Sri Kolavizhi Amman, the grama devathai and Nardana Ganesha. It is believed that before going for Soorasamharam, Sri Singaravelar took the blessings of his parents who advised him to take blessing from Sri Vinayakar too. Vinayakar was so happy that his brother had come to him that he start dancing. Hence the name Nardana Ganesha.

Before the valli mooshika vahanam festival ( to be held on April 1 this year) Sri Chandikeswarar will be taken to P. S. High School campus at R. K Mutt Road, Mylapore and mud will be brought from there to be used in the yagasalai for palligai pooja. This known as Mritsangrahanam, Mrit meaning sand and Sangrahanam meaning Collecting it.

When Goddess Parvati was praying under the punnai tree, Suryan and Chandran came to fan her to give her respite from that heat. The Surya Vattam and Chandra Vattam signify that event.

Before the Adikara Nandi procession, the’ Ganapal incident in Gnanasambandar’s life is enacted. This is the precursor to the Angampoopavai incident’ Usually, the act is on South Mada, Mylapore.

After Adikara Nandi Procession, a Kalasam poojas will be performed in the afternoon and the Kalasam will be placed on the top of the ‘Ther’, this is known as Ratha Kalasa Prathishta.

The purusha mirugam vahanam symbolises the Shaivaite and Vaishnavite unity. All the animals associated with Lord Shiva are grouped into a procession on the fifth day. The Adu (goat) vahanam represents Lord Shiva’s father -in -law Daksha.

Rishaba Vahanam, Pallaku and Yaanai Vahanam, all denote the arrival of Lord Shiva for the marriage.

After Angampoompavai was revived by Sri Thiruganansambandar, her father Sivanesa Chettiar, built Sri Virupaksheeswarar Temple so that she could worship Lord Shiva. The Temple was originally called Poompavai Nayanar Temple but was later changed to its present name by the rulers of the Vijayanagar Kingdom. The reason why her image faces Lord Shiva at Sri Kapali Temple is because she was a direct recipient of the Lord’s grace. Gnanasambandar was the conduit, and so his idol has been placed at the side.

Just before the Arubathumoovar procession, poojas and rituals are held to enact the story of Angampoompavai. Those who are sick distribute sugar from mud pots during this time as it is believed that doing so will cure them of their ailments.

Goddess Kolavizhi Amman, the grama devathai, who comes straight from the temple is the first deity to lead the Arubathumoovar precession. She will be followed by Sri Vinayakar and the Thevaram Moovar Thirugnana Sambandar, Thirunvukkarasar and Sundarar who will be taken a big pallaku. Angampoompavai and Sivanesa Chettinar will follow Thirugnana Sambandar.

Deities Mundagakanni Amman, Angalaparameswari, Draupadi Amman and Thiruvalluvar will join the procession from Mathala Narayanan Street side (for Arubathumoovar) but will not enter sannidhi Street or the temple. They will go back to their temples after the procession.

Vaira Swami From Chindatripet will join the procession from Luz towards the end. He will be decked with diamond by police and security personal.

Before the Thirukalyanam, a Ceremony – Bhikshadanar – is performed. This ritual signifies Lord Shiva’s attempt to collect donation before the marriage. After the thirukalyanam, the deities are placed on Ravana. He escorts them back to Mount Kailash after the celestial wedding.

After the celestial wedding, Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati will go around the Mada Street. This is to enable those who couldn’t come to the marriage ( sick and disabled) to have a darshan of the deities.

On April 12 this year, during Pandam Parivizha, a Thiruvudal, ceremony will be held. After the Thirukalyanam, it is believed that a celestial argument takes place between Swami and Ambal. Sundaramurthy Swamigal interferes to solve the problem. The Thiruvudal ceremony signifies these events.

Source: Mylapore Times.