Nearly fortnight long annual festival at Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram attracts thousands of devotees. The Kanchipuram Ekambaranathar Temple, located in the ancient city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India, holds profound spiritual significance for devotees and visitors. Ekambareswarar Temple festival 2025 dates are from April 1 to April 13, 2025: Thirukalyanam will held on the early morning hours of April 11, 2025.
The annual festival begins with kodiyettam or flag hoisting
The flag hoisting is on April 1, 2025
Velli Adhikara Nandi Vahanam is held on the morning of the
fifth day.
In 2025, Velli Adhikara Nandi Vahanam is on April 5, 2025.
On the sixth day there is the famous 63 Nayanmargal Urchavam
in the morning and on the same day at night there is the Velli Ther or Silver
Chariot.
Nayanar Urchavam 2025 date is April 6, 2025
Therottam or Car Festival is on the seventh day morning
Car Festival 2025 date is April 7, 2025
The famous Thirukalyanam is held on the Panguni Uthiram day.
Thirukalyanam 2025 date is April 10, 2025. The wedding festivities
will be held on the early hours of April 11, 2025.
Each day during the festival Shiva and Goddess Parvati is
taken around in separate vahanam.
Panguni Brahmotsavam: The Grand Festival of Ekambareswarar Temple
The Panguni Brahmotsavam, celebrated annually in the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April), is one of the most vibrant and sacred temple festivals in Tamil Nadu. Held at the historic Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram, this festival lasts for thirteen days and culminates in the joyous celebration of Kalyanotsavam—the divine marriage of Lord Shiva (Ekambareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Elavarkuzhali). Known as the most popular of all the temple festivals in Kanchipuram, it attracts thousands of devotees and pilgrims from across the state and beyond, eager to witness the elaborate processions, rituals, and cultural vibrance that characterize this sacred event.
The Historical and Cultural Significance of Panguni Brahmotsavam
The Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams representing the five elements of nature. Specifically, it represents the element earth (Prithvi), symbolizing the deep connection between human beings and nature. The Panguni Brahmotsavam, being the most important festival here, is not merely a celebration of faith but also an embodiment of Tamil culture, heritage, and spirituality. Each aspect of the festival, from the procession of the deities to the special rituals, carries profound symbolic meaning, linking devotees to centuries-old traditions.
Thirteen Days of Festivities
The festival spans thirteen days, each marked by grand events and processions. The presiding deities of the temple—Lord Ekambareswarar and Goddess Parvati—are taken on processions through the temple streets, mounted on various vahanas (chariots or mounts) that are rich in symbolism and artistry. These processions are accompanied by the chanting of hymns, music from traditional instruments, and the participation of thousands of devotees.
Highlights of the Festival
Daily Vahanam Processions:
Every day during the festival, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are carried around the streets in separate vahanas, symbolizing their journey to bless devotees and offer darshan (sacred sight). These vahanas include divine creatures, animals, and celestial beings, each representing different aspects of divinity and cosmic principles.Fifth Day Processions:
The fifth day of the festival is particularly significant. In the morning, Lord Ekambareswarar is carried on the Silver Nandi Vahanam (a silver mount representing Nandi, the bull who is Shiva’s faithful vehicle). Nandi signifies devotion, strength, and the role of a guardian who ushers devotees into Shiva’s divine presence.
In the evening, the procession continues with the Ravaneswara Vahanam, a unique chariot that depicts the mythical demon-king Ravana lifting Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva. This symbolizes Ravana’s extraordinary devotion and strength, as well as the eventual surrender of his ego at Shiva’s feet.Sixth Day Celebrations:
On the sixth day morning, the 63 Nayanmars, the revered Tamil Shaivite saints, are taken in procession. These saints, known for their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva, remind devotees of the path of surrender, love, and faith. In the evening, Lord Ekambareswarar is carried on the Silver Car Festival, a procession marked by grandeur and devotion.Ninth Day: Silver Mavadi Seva:
On the ninth day of the festival, the Silver Mavadi Seva is performed. This event is an artistic and spiritual spectacle, with devotees offering their prayers in the presence of the beautifully adorned deity.Concluding Day: Kalyanotsavam (Marriage Festival):
The most anticipated event of the festival is the Kalyanotsavam, celebrated on Panguni Uthiram, an auspicious day in the Tamil calendar. The celestial wedding of Lord Ekambareswarar and Goddess Parvati is reenacted with great pomp and devotion. This divine union is believed to symbolize the merging of cosmic energies—Shiva as Purusha (consciousness) and Parvati as Prakriti (nature). On this day, many unmarried individuals from all castes and backgrounds perform their own wedding ceremonies in the presence of the divine couple, seeking their blessings for a harmonious marital life.
Symbolism of the Vahanams
The vahanams (chariots or mounts) used during the processions are central to the festival. Each vahanam carries symbolic meaning and reflects different attributes of the divine:
- Simha Vahanam (Lion Mount): The lion represents courage, strength, and protection, emphasizing the divine power of Lord Shiva.
- Surya Prabhai (Sun Chariot): Symbolizing illumination and energy, the sun chariot reflects Shiva’s role as the cosmic source of life.
- Chandra Prabhai (Moon Chariot): Representing calmness and tranquility, the moon chariot complements Shiva’s meditative nature.
- Naga Vahanam (Serpent Mount): The serpent is a potent symbol of eternity, regeneration, and the Kundalini energy that resides within all beings.
- Velli Adhikara Nandi (Silver Nandi): As mentioned earlier, Nandi symbolizes devotion, patience, and unwavering focus on divinity.
- Kailasa Peeta Ravana Vahanam: This chariot, featuring Ravana lifting Mount Kailasa, reminds devotees of the power of devotion and humility.
- Golden Rishabha Vahanam: The golden bull mount, representing prosperity and divinity, showcases the richness of Tamil temple traditions.
- Silver Chariot and Elephant Chariot: These represent grandeur, abundance, and the auspicious nature of the divine processions.
For the Goddess Parvati (Ambal), vahanams such as the Killi Vahanam (Parrot Mount), Anna Vahanam (Swan Mount), and Kamadhenu Vahanam (Wish-fulfilling Cow) emphasize her nurturing and benevolent aspects.
Unique Rituals and Community Involvement
The Panguni Brahmotsavam is not just a temple event but a community celebration. Thousands of people, including priests, artisans, and volunteers, come together to ensure the smooth execution of the festival. The chariots are meticulously cleaned and decorated, and the streets of Kanchipuram are adorned with colorful lights and rangoli (traditional art made with powdered colors).
Devotees participate in the processions with fervor, singing hymns from the Thevaram and other Shaivite texts. The sound of nadaswaram (a traditional wind instrument) and drums fills the air, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Environmental Awareness: The festival incorporates sustainable practices such as using eco-friendly materials for decorations and offerings, reflecting the temple’s reverence for nature.
- Unbroken Tradition: The festival has been celebrated for centuries, with historical records suggesting its existence during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, who were great patrons of art and architecture.
- Weddings During Kalyanotsavam: The practice of holding community weddings during Kalyanotsavam is unique to this festival and fosters a sense of equality and unity among devotees.
- Astronomical Alignment: The date of Panguni Uthiram often coincides with significant celestial alignments, adding a cosmic dimension to the festival.
Conclusion
The Panguni Brahmotsavam of Ekambareswarar Temple is not just a religious festival but a profound spiritual journey for devotees. Its intricate rituals, majestic processions, and deep symbolism connect the past with the present, offering a glimpse into the timeless devotion and cultural richness of Tamil Nadu.
By celebrating the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the festival reminds us of the cosmic principles of harmony and balance, inspiring devotees to seek inner peace and divine blessings in their own lives.