Devotees of Murugan carry a
kavadi for the fulfillment of vows, marked in Murugan temples. The
Brahmanda Purana indicates that on Panguni Uthiram, millions of
devas bathe in the Tumburu Tirtha, one of seven sacred tanks in the
Venkateshvara Temple of
Tirupati. Bathing in the temple tank during this occasion is said to release one from the
cycle of rebirth. The day is of special significance to the worship of the prithvi lingam, the
lingam the earth element, of the
Ekambareswarar Temple at Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, where festivities last for 13 days. According to
regional tradition,
Parvati in the form of Gauri married
Shiva in
Kanchipuram. Hence, this day is also celebrated as Gauri Kalyanam. == References ==