Kailasapuram Sree Mahadevar Temple in Chekkakonam, Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, will celebrate the Dhanumasam Thiruvathira Mahotsavam 2026 from December 20 to December 24, 2026. The five-day festival will feature special poojas, traditional rituals, devotional offerings, cultural performances and the observance of Thiruvathira, a sacred occasion associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The festival will be conducted under the chief priestly guidance of the temple Thantri, Brahmasree Purushothaman Potti of Thiruchittoor Shankaramangalam Madam. Devotees are invited to participate in the religious ceremonies and seek the blessings of Lord Mahadeva.
Ekadasha Sree Rudra Homam on December 20
A major highlight of the festival is the Ekadasha Sree Rudra Homam, which will be conducted for the first time at Kailasapuram Sree Mahadevar Temple on December 20, 2026, beginning at approximately 5:15 AM.
Ekadasha Rudra Homam is an important Vedic ritual dedicated to the eleven forms of Lord Rudra, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Eleven acharyas will participate in the ritual, chanting the sacred Sree Rudram from the Yajurveda. The ceremony will include the preparation and worship of eleven sacred kalashams containing traditional offerings.
Following the homam and kalasha pooja, the sacred vessels will be ceremonially taken to the Sreekovil, accompanied by Vedic chanting and traditional temple music. The rituals will culminate in the abhishekam of the deity during the noon pooja.
The first day's other important ceremonies include Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam, Mahamrityunjaya Homam and Sree Rudra Kalasha Abhishekam. Devotees can participate in these rituals and offer prayers for peace, prosperity and spiritual well-being.
Kailasapuram Temple Thiruvathira Mahotsavam 2026 Schedule
Day 1 – Sunday, December 20, 2026
The first day will begin early in the morning with Palliyunarthal, Nirmalyam and Abhishekam. The Ekadasha Sree Rudra Homam will be the principal religious event of the day.
The morning programme will also include Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam, Sree Rudra Kalasha Pooja, Sree Rudra Japam, Mahamrityunjaya Homam and Kalasha Abhishekam. The noon pooja and festival feast will follow.
In the evening, devotees can attend Deeparadhana and the Athazha Pooja. Cultural programmes will include a dance presentation by Natyaarpana School of Dance, Vidyadhiraja L.P.S., Ettaamkallu, under the choreography of Kalamandalam Shyama S. Nair. A Panchavadyam performance by the temple's traditional percussion ensemble will also be featured.
Day 2 – Monday, December 21, 2026
The second day will begin with morning worship, followed by Ganapathi Homam and the 108 tender coconut and milk dharas. The noon pooja and Prasada Oottu will be held as part of the day's religious programme.
The evening celebrations will include Aishwarya Pooja, Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja. Aishwarya Pooja is a special ritual performed by women devotees seeking prosperity, abundance and well-being for their families.
Devotees participating in Aishwarya Pooja are requested to arrive before 5 PM with the required pooja items, including a traditional nilavilakku, pooja plate, flowers and kindi.
The day's cultural programme will feature a karaoke musical performance by Naadalayam Music Vibe, Thiruvananthapuram.
Day 3 – Tuesday, December 22, 2026
The third day will feature morning worship, Ganapathi Homam and Panchamrita Abhishekam. The noon pooja and Deeparadhana will follow.
In the evening, devotees can participate in Bhagavathi Seva, followed by the Athazha Pooja and Deeparadhana. Traditional Thiruvathira performances will be presented by Shivadam, Aruvikkara, and Omkaaram, Ettaamkallu.
These performances will add to the devotional atmosphere of the festival and celebrate Kerala's traditional dance heritage.
Day 4 – Wednesday, December 23, 2026
The fourth day will feature Ganapathi Homam, Sukrita Homam and the special Umamaheshwara Pooja. The morning rituals will be followed by the noon pooja, Deeparadhana and Prasada Oottu.
Umamaheshwara Pooja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together. According to Hindu belief, the ritual is performed to pray for harmony in married life, family happiness, marital well-being and the removal of marriage-related obstacles.
In the evening, devotees can attend Bhasmabhishekam and the regular temple poojas. The cultural programme will feature a fusion music performance by Team Trend Kerala.
Day 5 – Thursday, December 24, 2026: Thiruvathira
The concluding day coincides with the sacred Dhanumasam Thiruvathira observance and will begin early with Palliyunarthal, Nirmalyam and special abhishekams.
Ardra Darshanam at 4:45 AM will be one of the most significant events of the festival. Devotees are invited to attend this auspicious early-morning darshan of Lord Mahadeva.
The day's ceremonies will include 108 Kalasha Pooja, Kalashabhishekam, Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam and the commencement and conclusion of Akhanda Nama Japam. The festival will also feature Pushpabhishekam, Deeparadhana and the traditional festival feast, including Ettangadi Puzhukku.
The evening programme will include Thiruvathira by Umamaheshwara Thiruvathira Sangham, Mullassery, followed by a traditional Poothiri Melam.
Significance of Dhanumasam Thiruvathira
Thiruvathira is an important Hindu festival associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Kerala, women observe Thiruvathira Vratham and participate in special prayers, traditional Thiruvathira dance and temple rituals.
According to traditional belief, the Nirmalya Darshanam on Thiruvathira morning is especially auspicious. Devotees observe the occasion with prayers and fasting, seeking divine blessings, peace and harmony in family life.
The temple has announced arrangements for devotees observing the Thiruvathira Vratham. They may receive the traditional white offering and Ettangadi Puzhukku served at the temple and follow the customary observances.
Other Special Poojas at Kailasapuram Sree Mahadevar Temple
Apart from the annual Thiruvathira Mahotsavam, the temple conducts special rituals throughout the year. These include Ganapathi Homam on the first day of every Malayalam month, Ayilya Pooja with Noorum Paalum, Pournami Pooja and Pongala, Vishukkani Pooja, Shivaratri Yama Pooja, Thrikkarthika celebrations, Prathishta Varshikam, Laksharchana, Navaratri Pooja, Vidyarambham and Mandala Chirappu.
The temple will also provide facilities for devotees to offer Attukal Pongala on February 22, 2027, in connection with the Attukal Pongala festival.
Venue and Festival Details
Temple: Kailasapuram Sree Mahadevar Temple
Location: Pazhaya Rajapatha Road, Chekkakonam P.O., Karakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695564
Festival dates: December 20–24, 2026
Major highlight: Ekadasha Sree Rudra Homam on December 20
Thiruvathira Ardra Darshanam: December 24 at 4:45 AM
Contact number: 7907350816
Kailasapuram Sree Mahadevar Temple invites all devotees and local residents to participate in the Dhanumasam Thiruvathira Mahotsavam 2026. Devotees are encouraged to join the special poojas, homams and cultural programmes and contribute to the successful conduct of this five-day spiritual celebration.
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