In a bizarre ritual, devotees in Chennai pierce bodies

Chennai, Apr 10 (ANI): In a bizarre ritual, devotees in Chennai pierced bodies during celebrations of 'Panguni Uthiram' festival.

The celebrations took place in the city's Vadapalani Murgan Temple.

According to belief, on 'Panguni Uthiram' day, marriage of Hindu gods and goddesses, Parvati and Parameshwara and Muruga and Deivanai takes place. Devotees pierce their bodies as a mark of respect for Lord Murgan.

Many devotees walked around the temple with trident like spear pierced in their bodies as mark of reverence to Lord Murgan. Even 12 feet long spears were used to pierce bodies.

"I pierced my body with 80 iron rods as my elder son who went missing 16 years back has reunited with me. He is now 23 years old," said Chiranjeev Raja, a devotee.n this day, Lord Murgan is decorated with different kind of flowers and devotees carry milk pots as offering to god, while some pierce their bodies with iron rods, at times weighing even more than 10 kg, to mark their respect.

A lot of devotees carry bow shaped 'Kavadi' as an offering to Lord Murgun.

"This is third year when I am carrying milk pot for Lord Murgun who fulfilled my prayer. Every year, I have been following this ritual like thousand others," said Raja, another devotee.

The 'Panguni Uthiram' festival falls in the month 'Panguni' (March-April). The festival is also celebrated in other parts of Tamil Nadu. (ANI)