Thiru Utsavam 2026 – Pathirickal Sree Dharmasastha Temple
With the sacred invocation “Swami Saranam Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”, devotees are warmly invited to the Thiru Utsavam 2026 of Pathirickal Sree Dharmasastha Temple, celebrated from February 27 to March 4, 2026 (Malayalam Era 1201 – Kumbham 15 to 20).
Location: Pathirickal, Pathanapuram
Temple Registration: KLM/TC/91/2025
This multi-day festival is a spiritually uplifting period dedicated to Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappa), marked by traditional Tantric rituals, sacred recitations, temple arts, processions, and the grand Aarattu ceremony.
Festival Overview
Thiru Utsavam is not merely a temple celebration but a sacred cycle of devotion designed to enhance temple chaitanyam (divine presence), invoke blessings, and strengthen community harmony. Each day features meticulously scheduled poojas, homams, kalashams, cultural offerings, and ceremonial observances.
Devotees are encouraged to participate through:
Day 1 – February 27, 2026 (Friday)
Thrikodiyettu (Flag Hoisting)
Morning (from 4:30 AM):
-
Prabhatha Bheri
-
Palliyunarthal
-
Harinama Keerthanam
-
Abhishekam
-
Ganapathi Homam
From 8:00 AM: Bhagavatha Parayanam
By Smt. Mini, Karimoolaykkal
12:30 PM onwards: Kodiyettu Sadya
Evening:
After Deeparadhana:
Thrikodiyettu under the chief priesthood of
Temple Thantri Brahmasree Jithesh Ramapuram Potti
The ceremonial hoisting of the temple flag marks the formal commencement of the utsavam.
Day 2 – February 28, 2026 (Saturday)
Morning Rituals:
-
Palliyunarthal
-
Abhishekam
-
Ganapathi Homam
From 8:00 AM: Bhagavatha Parayanam
By Sri Anuraj Kareepr & Praviraj Navayikulam
Evening:
Night Programs:
Day 3 – March 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Morning:
-
Ganapathi Homam
-
Bhagavatha Parayanam
10:30 AM onwards:
Evening:
-
Deeparadhana
-
Athazha Pooja
-
Sree Bhoothabali
Night Highlights:
Late Night Cultural Performance
Day 4 – March 2, 2026 (Monday)
Utsavabali (Darshana Pradhanam)
Morning Rituals: Standard poojas & homams
From 8:00 AM:
Utsavabali – the principal ritual of the festival.
Spiritual Importance of Utsavabali
Utsavabali represents the expanded and ceremonial form of Sree Bhoothabali, offering symbolic nourishment and satisfaction to the attendant deities and divine energies associated with the temple. Rooted in Vedic–Tantric synthesis, the ritual is performed with:
Witnessing Utsavabali is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.
Evening & Night:
Day 5 – March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
Pallivetta Mahotsavam
Morning:
-
Ganapathi Homam
-
Usha Pooja
-
Sree Bhoothabali
Major Rituals:
Night Highlights:
Accompanied by:
-
Nadaswaram
-
Panchari Melam
-
Thalappoli
A sacred symbolic royal hunt ritual representing divine protection.
Day 6 – March 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
Aarattu Mahotsavam
Morning:
-
Palliyunarthal
-
Abhishekam
-
Ganapathi Homam
-
Bhagavathanjali
Evening:
-
Desapanthirunazhi
-
Aarattubali
-
Kodiyirakkam
Grand Finale – Thiru Aarattu
From 9:00 PM:
Aarattu Procession Features:
-
Panchavadyam
-
Nadaswaram
-
Muthukuda
-
Theevetti
Aarattu Varavu:
Ceremonial return of the deity followed by temple reception rituals.
Cultural Closing Program:
Ganamela by Cochin Kairali Communications
Devotional Participation
Numerous devotees and families have sponsored:
-
Kalashams
-
Utsavabali
-
Pallivetta Elephant Seva
-
Aarattu Elephant Seva
-
Deeparadhana
Such offerings reflect deep-rooted faith and collective devotion.
Spiritual Essence of Thiru Utsavam
The festival symbolizes:
-
Renewal of divine energy
-
Ritual purification
-
Community unity
-
Devotional discipline
Participation is believed to grant protection, prosperity, and spiritual merit.
Devotee Guidelines
Visitors are requested to: