Tukkiampalayam Murugan Temple, Salem

Address

Thukkiampalayam,

Salem District,

Tamilnadu – 636115.

Moolavar

Murugan

Amman

Valli, Deivanai

Introduction

The Tukkiampalayam Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan located in Tukkiampalayam village, in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. This temple has a history of over 1,000 years and holds great significance for the local community. One of the unique and cherished traditions in this temple is the celebration of Thirukalyana Vaibhokam during the Panguni Uthiram festival.

Puranic Significance

Temple Overview:

The Tukkiampalayam Temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Karthikeya or Subramanya, who is considered the God of War and Victory in Hindu mythology.
The temple’s age and cultural heritage make it a significant place of worship for the local community.

Panguni Uthiram Festival:

The Panguni Uthiram festival is a major celebration in the Tamil Hindu calendar, usually falling in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) during the full moon.
The festival is known for its grand celebrations, processions, and special rituals dedicated to Lord Murugan.
One of the highlights of the Panguni Uthiram festival in the Tukkiampalayam Temple is the Thirukalyana Vaibhokam, a special wedding celebration.

Thirukalyana Vaibhokam:

Thirukalyana Vaibhokam is a wedding celebration dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is believed to be getting married to his divine consorts, Valli and Deivanai.
The unique and cherished tradition in this temple is the way the villagers participate in this wedding event.

Villager’s Participation:

On the day of the Thirukalyana Vaibhokam, villagers who believe that a wedding is taking place in their own house prepare for the event with great devotion.
They get up early, take a ritual bath, wear new clothes, and gather with their families.
Each family prepares a tambourine plate containing offerings such as rice, lentils, jaggery, fruits, snacks, flowers, coconut, bananas, and betel leaves.

Procession to the Wedding:

The villagers then congregate at the entrance gate of the village, carrying these tambourine plates with their offerings.
A procession is formed, and the participants play traditional drums and music instruments while proceeding to the temple.
It’s a joyous and festive occasion, as if they were going to a real wedding at the house of a close relative.

Wedding Rituals:

Inside the temple, the procession arrives, and the symbolic wedding ceremony of Lord Murugan to Valli and Deivanai is conducted with much devotion and respect.
The deities of Lord Murugan, Valli, and Deivanai are placed in the temple hall as if they are witnessing their own wedding ceremony.
Thirumangalyam, a sacred thread or pendant symbolizing marriage, is ritually tied to the deity, and offerings of flowers are made.

Return Home:

After the wedding ceremony, the villagers return to their homes, and they often conclude the celebration with a festive feast.

This tradition of celebrating Lord Murugan’s wedding during the Panguni Uthiram festival is a unique and cherished event that brings the community together in devotion and joy. It reflects the close relationship between the deity and the villagers, who participate in the celebration with great enthusiasm, as if it were their own family wedding.