பந்தக்கால் or முகூர்த்த பில்லர் நடுதல்
பந்தக்கால் or முகூர்த்த பில்லர் நடுதல்
Bandhakkal or Muhurtha Pillar Planting
What is Bandhakkal (Muhurtha Pillar Planting)?
Bandhakkal refers to the ceremonial bamboo pole planted before auspicious events such as weddings. It is considered the first ritual of the wedding ceremonies. Another name for Bandhakkal is Muhurtha Kaḷ.
Typically, a bamboo pole or a branch from a tree that exudes sap or milk (such as Kalyāna Murungai or jackfruit tree) is used for this ritual. The belief is that, just as bamboo and milky trees grow vigorously, the married couple’s life will also flourish.
This ritual is performed one to five days before the wedding, on an auspicious day.
Bandhakkal is planted separately in both the bride’s and groom’s houses.
Once the Bandhakkal is planted, a customary restriction applies: nobody from that house should attend any funeral or mourning events until the wedding is completed.
Procedure for Planting Bandhakkal
- The bamboo pole is cleaned with pure water.
- It is then smeared completely with turmeric, and kumkum is applied.
- Mango leaves, flowers, and a small turmeric-wrapped coin are tied to the top.
- The Bandhakkal must be planted in the northeast corner (Eesanya direction) of the house, which is considered auspicious and associated with Lord Shiva.
- A small pit is dug in the northeast direction, into which navadhanyas (nine grains), coins, and a little milk are placed.
- The decorated bamboo pole is inserted and positioned firmly in the pit.
- Close family members, especially sumangali women, gather to perform the puja.
- Prayers are offered to the Kuladeivam (family deity) and Lord Ganesha.
- The ritual concludes with lighting camphor and breaking a coconut.
Auspicious Stars (Nakshatras)
- Ashwini
- Moolam
- Uthiram, Uthiradam
- Rohini, Ashtam, Thiruvonam
- Mrigaseerisham, Chithirai, Avittam
- Swathi, Sathayam
- Punarpoosam
- Poosam, Anusham, Uthiratadhi
- Revathi
Auspicious Tithis
Dwithiya , Thrithiya , Panchami , Sapthami , Dasami , Thrayodasi
Tithis to Avoid:
Amavasya , Prathamai , Chathurthasi
Auspicious Lagnas (Ascendants)
Taurus , Gemini , Virgo , Cancer , Libra , Sagittarius , Pisces
Better to Avoid Fire Signs:
Aries , Leo
Auspicious Weekdays
Monday , Wednesday , Thursday , Friday
Days to Avoid:
Tuesday , Saturday , Sunday
