PanguniUthiram (Uttarashada day between Dec. 16 and Jan 15) is the well-known day of marriage for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Mugura and their consorts. Another important marriage occurred on an Uttarashadha day. Sri Meenaskshi Ambhigai was married on Chittirai Uthiram (Jan 16 to Feb 15). Meenaskshi Devi took a human form as Meenakshi when she married Maheswaran.
She prayed to Lord Shiva for a name blessed with the energy of Ardhanareeswarar (the unity of Shiva and Parvati). Lord Shiva presented her with the sacred name Sri Meenaskhi Sundareswarar.
At this temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi grant divine grace by manifesting as Sri Meenakshi Samedha Sri Sundareswarar. This sacred shrine of Lord Shiva at Keezhap poongudi provides auspicious energy for marriage. Uttarashada star is the most favorable day for a wedding ceremony at this sacred site. Women visit the temple to tie new marriage badges. This protects their marriage and grants longevity. Couples also visit this temple on their wedding day and wear flower garlands.
Those born in Uttarashada nakshatra should worship frequently at this temple. It is especially beneficial to visit during the month of Chittirai. Those born under a different star should also worship at this temple during the auspicious time of Uttarashada day for divine blessings of a long and happy married life.
The people who are born on Uthiradam Nakshathira tend to be more beautiful and handsome in looks.
They would be physically strong and courageous. Moreover, they would be sweet in talk and have the capability of convincing others of their views.
Aadam means First. So Uthiradam is considered as the senior most Nakshathira of all the 27 Nakshatras. The Goddess Poongudiyaal is considered as the deity (Naksthathira Nayaki) for the Uthiradam Nakshathira.
So it is believed that all the deities corresponding to the 26 stars perform Padapooja (worshipping the feet) to the Goddess Poongudiyaal. Also, Lord Ganesha is considered as the Athi Devatha of this Nakshathira.
So, it is advised that people who are born on Uthiradam Nakshathira should visit this temple on their star days to get rid of all the Doshas and the difficulties in their life.
As per Hindu Mythology, it is believed that Lord Shiva has 5 heads. Similarly, it is believed that Lord Brahmma also had 5 heads as equal to Lord Shiva. Since Brahmma was also handling the Work of Creation, He thought that He was superior to Lord Shiva. To teach Him a lesson, Lord Shiva took off one of Brahmma’s head.
Having realized His mistake, Lord Brahmma went to all Shiva temples to seek Vimochana. As Lord Brahmma worshiped Lord Shiva here, the Lord is praised as Brahmmapureeswarar. The Goddess is known as Brahmmavidyambikai or as Poongudiyal.
Over the course of time, the original temple was destroyed and it got reduced to ruins. So the temple was built again completely. Then the Lord and the Goddess were named Sundareswarar and Meenakshi respectively.
One of the special features of this temple is the shrine of Lord Nataraja. Here the Lord Nataraja graced His devotees from a separate shrine and He is seen with His Jadamudi as if He is getting ready for a Dance Performance.
Special poojas are performed to Lord Shiva on Full Moon days. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukanlayanam (Holy Marriage) will be performed in this temple on the same day as that of in the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.
Uthiradam starers seeking child Boon and unity in their family pray here to the Goddess Poongudiyal.
They also perform special Abishekam, Sandana Kappu (Applying Sandal Paste) .and also offer Vastras to the Lord and the Goddess.