871st Sree Ayyappa Janmotsavam Celebrations – March 4
The Janmotsavam (Birthday Celebrations) of Bhagawan Ayyappa will be observed on March 4, 2026, at Cheerappanchira and Pandalam, marking this auspicious occasion with traditional rituals and devotional ceremonies.
Bhagawan Ayyappa is traditionally regarded as having been born in the Vellalar(Velir) clan, whose lineage traces back to the Yadu Vamsha.
On Bhagawan Ayyappa Janmotsavam, reciting the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana and chanting “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” Nama Japa are considered highly auspicious.
At Cheerappanchira, the Ayyappa Janmotsavam celebrations will commence on March 4 and continue until March 13, 2026. Devotees will have the rare opportunity to witness the sacred belongings used by Bhagawan Ayyappa, including His holy clothes and sword, preserved with great reverence.
At Pandalam, the Valiyakoickal (Landlord) Family will observe a one-day ceremonial festival in honor of the birth anniversary. In the early morning hours, the sacred Thiruvabharanam boxes will be ceremoniously taken from the Srampickal Palace and carried in procession to The Valiyakoikkal Temple, is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Devotees traditionally witness the appearance of the Garuda at sunrise during this sacred procession.
The sacred ornaments will be adorned at the Valiyakoikkal Temple with the Sankalpam of Bhagwan Ayyappa, and devotees can have darshan. In the evening, devotees can also witness the Thidambu procession.
Every year, ritualistic pujas and grand festival celebrations are conducted on the Uthram star day of the Malayalam month of Kumbham, commemorating the holy Janmotsavam of Ayyappa Swamy with deep devotion.
Sabarimala Sannidhanam will remain closed on the occasion of Bhagawan Ayyappa’s Birthday.