Ayyappa Janmotsav Grand Celebrations Begin on March 4 at Pandalam and Cheerappanchira - A Detailed Guide
Keralam: At Cheerappanchira, the Bhagwan Ayyappa Swamy Janmotsav(Birthday) 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 Temple will observe a one-day festival in honor of the birthday of Bhagwan Ayyappa. 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 at 11AM devotees can have darshan. In the evening, devotees can also witness the Thidambu procession.
Programs at Pandalam On 4th March
Morning Programs
The day begins early with devotional offerings and traditional rituals:
4:00 AM – Palliyunarthal (awakening ceremony)
5:00 AM – Nadathurakkal, Nirmalyadarshanam, Abhishekam and special poojas
5:30 AM – Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam
6:30 AM – Sacred Thiruvabharanam of Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan procession (Ezhunnallippu) towards the temple
7:00 AM – Navakam, Kalasham, and special offerings
8:00 AM – Bhakti Gana Sadas (Devotional Music Session)
9:00 AM – Vazhakkazhcha, Kuladhivesham, and Nadaswaram performance
At 11:00 AM, devotees can have the sacred darshan of Bhagwan Ayyappa Swami, magnificently adorned with the divine Thiruvabharanam.
A series of cultural performances and devotional presentations will enrich the spiritual atmosphere:
Bhajans by Sri Sabari Bhajans
Mini Kacheri & Nadaswaram performances
Thiruvathira – traditional Kerala women’s dance
Velakali – temple martial art performance
Sopanam Sangeetham – classical temple music
Ottanthullal & Dance Performances
Unniyootu (Special Offering)
Public Meeting & Felicitations
Participation of distinguished guests and spiritual leaders
Annadanam Food Distribution
Concluding rituals and blessings
Medical support (Greenmed Clinic), social service activities, and coordinated volunteer participation ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Devotees from various regions are expected to attend in large numbers.
Fireworks, sacred chants, and divine devotion celebrate the eternal glory of Bhagwan Swami Ayyappa, conducted under the Travancore Devaswom Board.