Konchiravila Sree Bhagavathi Temple Pongala Mahotsavam 2026 Trivandrum

Konchiravila Sree Bhagavathi Temple Pongala Mahotsavam 2026

The annual Pongala Mahotsavam at Konchiravila Sree Bhagavathi Temple Trust, located in Manacaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, stands as a deeply revered spiritual observance dedicated to the Divine Mother. This temple is distinguished by the rare and sacred presence of Sree Bhadra and Sree Durga, enshrined facing north  an orientation considered highly auspicious in Devi worship traditions. Every year, devotees gather in large numbers to participate in rituals invoking protection, prosperity, and divine grace.  

             
  
     
The Pongala Mahotsavam 2026 was conducted from February 13 to February 22, 2026, aligning with the Malayalam calendar dates of Kumbham 1 to Kumbham 10 (ME 1201). The festival commenced on February 13 (Friday) during an auspicious muhurtham between 4:12 PM and 4:19 PM. The ceremonial beginning involved Thottam Pattu, followed by Kappukettu  and Kudiyiruthal, symbolizing the formal invocation and consecration of the Goddess for the festival period.

Preparatory purification rituals began on February 12 (Thursday evening). These included Sudhikriya, Prasada Sudhi for Devi and Ganapathi, Vastu Bali, and Athazha Pooja. Such rites are essential in Tantric temple traditions to sanctify the premises, energize the deity, and ensure ritualistic correctness before major festival proceedings.

Each day of the Mahotsavam followed a disciplined schedule of temple rituals starting from early dawn. The day typically began with Palliyunarthal (awakening the deity), followed by Nada Thurakkal (opening of sanctum), Deeparadhana, Ganapathi Homam, Usha Pooja, Ashtadravya Kalabhabhishekam, and Annadanam. Midday rituals included Uchcha Pooja and Nada Adakkal. Evening ceremonies resumed with Nada Thurakkal, Deeparadhana, Pushpabhishekam, and Athazha Pooja, concluding with Palliyurakkam (resting of the deity).

Cultural and devotional programs formed a vibrant component of the celebrations. Devotional recitations such as Lalitha Sahasranama Parayanam, Devi Mahatmyam, Soundarya Lahari, Narayaneeyam, and Bhagavad Gita Parayanam were performed by bhajan groups, spiritual associations, and devotees offering Nercha. Traditional art forms including Thiruvathira, classical dance performances, bhakti sangeetham, drama presentations, and musical concerts enriched the spiritual atmosphere.

A unique observance took place on February 19, reflecting temple mythology linked with Thottam Pattu traditions. As per the ritual narrative recalling Kovalan’s death and divine revival, the temple sanctum was opened later than usual as a symbolic gesture of mourning. This highlights the temple’s adherence to heritage-based ritual symbolism rarely preserved with such precision.

   

The most significant ritual, Pongala, was observed on February 21, 2026 (Saturday). The Adduppuvettu ceremony marked the lighting of sacred hearths by thousands of women devotees who prepared the Pongala offering — a ritualistic cooking of sweet rice symbolizing surrender and gratitude to the Goddess. Subsequent ceremonies included Urul Nercha, Thalappoli, Pongala Nivedyam, Kuthiyottam, Chooral Kuthu, and the grand Purathezhunallippu (procession of the Goddess).

The divine procession featured the resplendent golden Thidambu carried ceremonially, accompanied by traditional percussion, lamps, and devotional chants. Ritualistic closure followed with Kappazhippu and Kuruthi Tharpanam, marking the completion of the Mahotsavam. The festival formally concluded on February 22, after which Nithya Poojas resumed from February 23 onward.
                                                          

The temple authorities expressed gratitude to devotees, local residents, organizations, and volunteers whose contributions ensured the successful conduct of the festival. Annadanam sponsorships, pooja offerings, and cultural program dedications reflected collective devotion and community participation.

Konchiravila Sree Bhagavathi Temple continues to serve as a center of Shakti worship, preserving ritual purity, temple arts, and devotional heritage. The Pongala Mahotsavam remains not merely a festival but a profound spiritual convergence celebrating feminine divinity, faith, and tradition.