Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple

Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple – Thiruvutsavam 2026

Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple is a highly revered Shaiva shrine under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board. The temple is managed by the Temple Advisory Committee under the leadership of the Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Seva Sangham, a devotees’ organization dedicated to preserving the temple’s spiritual and ritual traditions.

Lord Mahadeva is worshipped here as the Supreme Cosmic Lord (Prapanchanathan). Chirakkadavu holds exceptional spiritual importance in Hindu tradition, as it is sanctified by the divine presence of Lord Ayyappa. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa practiced martial arts at the Chirakkadavu Kalaripayattu Kalari, which is regarded as the precursor to the famous Velakali Kalaris. Chirakkadavu is also revered as the sacred land of Ayyappa Swami’s parental and guru lineage, which is why pilgrims proceeding to Sabarimala traditionally bypass the Pettathullal ritual at Erumely.

Thiruvutsavam 2026 – Festival Overview
The annual Thiruvutsavam will be celebrated from 31 January to 9 February 2026 (Makaram 17 to Makaram 26), commencing with Kodiyettam on 31 January and concluding with Arattu on 9 February 2026.

The festival rituals will be conducted under the chief priesthood of Brahmasree Thazhamon Madam Kandarar Mohanan (Thantri) and Brahmasree Manoj Namboothiri Perunnattillavu (Melshanthi).

Important Festival Days

31 January 2026 – Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting)
7 February 2026 – Pallivetta
8 February 2026 – Pallivetta (continued)
9 February 2026 – Arattu and Deepakazhcha

Festival Highlights

The Pallivetta day is especially magnificent, marked by the grand procession of majestic elephants including Chirakkal Kalidasan, Panayannarkavu Kalidasan, Vembanad Arjunan, Thottuchalil Bolonath, Mouttath Rajendran, Guruvayur Balu, and Thiruvalla Jayaraj. The participation of renowned elephants adds exceptional splendour and ritual grandeur to the celebrations.

The festival is further enriched by traditional temple arts, Velakali performances, and powerful percussion ensembles led by eminent maestros, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. The confluence of ritual discipline, musical excellence, and artistic devotion elevates the utsavam to a sublime cultural and devotional experience.

Invitation to Devotees
Devotees are cordially invited to participate in all festival rituals, extend their wholehearted support, and seek the divine blessings of Lord Mahadeva. By taking part in the sacred ceremonies, devotees are believed to attain spiritual merit and the grace of the Lord.

This year’s Thiruvutsavam offerings are humbly submitted with prayerful devotion at the holy feet of Lord Mahadeva.

Temple Administration
Travancore Devaswom Board

Temple
Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple
Chirakkadavu, Kerala, India