Sarkara Devi Temple Meena Bharani Mahotsavam 2026
Sarkara Devi Temple, located at Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram district, under Travancore Devaswom Board, has announced the Meena Bharani Mahotsavam 2026. This ancient and famous temple in South Kerala is well known for its traditional festivals including Pongala, Kaliyoottu, and Meena Bharani celebrations, which attract thousands of devotees every year.
The annual festival will begin with the ceremonial flag hoisting (Kodiyettu) on March 13, 2026 (Kumbham 29, Malayalam Era 1201) in the auspicious muhurtham between 9:15 AM and 10:00 AM. The rituals will be performed under the guidance of temple priests and Thantri according to temple traditions. The festival will conclude with the holy Aarattu on March 22, 2026 (Meenam 08, Sunday).
Sarkara Devi Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Devi temples in southern Kerala, where the divine presence of Goddess Bhagavathy is believed to bless the entire region. Devotees consider the Meena Bharani festival very sacred, and large numbers of people visit the temple to offer prayers, perform vows, and participate in the rituals.
During the festival days, special poojas, Bhagavatha parayanam, annadanam, cultural programs, Panchavadyam, Ottanthullal, devotional music, and traditional temple arts will be conducted every day. The festival also includes Kaliyoottu, a rare ritual performance that continues for several days with strict traditional observances.
One of the major attractions of Sarkara festival is the Pongala offering, where thousands of women devotees prepare sacred offering to the Goddess seeking blessings for prosperity and protection. The temple authorities and advisory committee have arranged facilities for devotees to participate in the rituals peacefully.
The grand Aarattu procession on the final day will pass through the traditional temple route with decorated elephants, temple percussion, lamps, and devotees accompanying the deity to the Aarattu pond. After the ritual bath, the procession returns to the temple marking the conclusion of the Meena Bharani Mahotsavam.
Travancore Devaswom Board and Sarkara Temple Advisory Committee have requested the cooperation of devotees for the successful conduct of the festival. Devotees are invited to participate in the celebrations with devotion and follow temple customs and instructions during the festival days.