Monday 29 March 2010

Pangguni Uthiram in Bukit Mertajam

I was caught in a little traffic congestion while getting out from my neighbourhood this morning. Seemed that there is a Tamil religious festival today, the Pangguni Uthiram.


A search on the Internet revealed that Tamils observe the important Pangguni Uthiram festival in the Tamil month of Pangguni (March/April). Panggguni Uttaram celebrates the wedding of important deities in the Hindu religion. In 2010, Pangguni Uthiram falls today, on 29 March. The importance of this day is that the Uthiram Nakshatra (star) coincides with the full moon day of Poornima.

It is widely believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvathi on this day. Another legend indicates that Lord Muruga married Devasena on Pangguni Uthiram day. It is also believed that Lord Rama married Sita on this day, and another important wedding that took place is the one between Andal and Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu). So you see, these are some of the weddings of these important Hindu deities.

Intrigued, I wandered around Kulim Road and came across this small Hindu temple beside the BM Recreation Club. Some ceremonies were in session, including devotees paying penance by having their bodies pierced by various religious objects.








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