Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple in 2026 : Entry Pass, Aarti

Nestled on the northern bank of the Periyar River in Vellarappilly village, Ernakulam district, Kerala, the Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of South India’s most spiritually significant Shiva-Parvati shrines . What makes this ancient temple truly unique is that the sanctum of Goddess Parvati is open to devotees for only 12 days each year, a tradition that draws thousands of pilgrims from across the country .

The temple features two main sanctums facing opposite directions—a rare architectural and spiritual arrangement. Lord Shiva faces east, while Goddess Parvati faces west . Another notable feature is that the idol of the Goddess is made of wood; therefore, instead of water abhishekam, she is adorned with turmeric powder .

The temple’s fame rests on the belief that couples who pray here are blessed with marital harmony, and the shrine is particularly revered by those seeking the blessing of a child . The annual Nadathurappu Mahotsavam (opening of the Goddess shrine) is the most important festival, held on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (December–January) .


Thiruvairanikulam Temple 2026: Overview Table

AspectDetails
Temple NameThiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple
LocationVellarappilly South P.O, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala – 683580
Primary DeitiesLord Shiva (Mahadeva) & Goddess Parvati
Unique FeatureGoddess shrine open only 12 days annually
Architectural FeatureDeities face opposite directions (Shiva east, Parvati west)
Entry FeeFree for all devotees
Darshan Time RequiredApproximately 3–4 hours
Official Websitewww.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org
Temple Trust Phone+91 484 2600182, 2601182
Vazhipad Counter+91 93834 80182
Emailthiruvairanikkulamtemple@gmail.com

Daily Darshan Timings 2026

The temple follows a consistent daily schedule throughout the year, except during the Nadathurappu festival when extended timings are observed .

SessionTimings
Temple Opens4:30 AM
Morning Darshan4:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening Darshan5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Temple Closes8:00 PM

Important Note: On Pradosham days and Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is worshipped five times a day, and additional rituals may affect the schedule .


Aarti and Pooja Timings 2026

Ritual/PoojaTimings
Ushapooja (Morning Ritual)4:30 AM
Abhishekam7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Noon Worship5:00 PM
Athazhapooja (Night Ritual)7:30 PM

Naivedyam (Divine Food) Schedule:

  • Naivedyam is offered to Lord Shiva four times daily
  • Goddess Parvati receives a single Naivedyam offering per day, along with special offerings during the 12-day festival

Thiruvairanikulam Temple Nadathurappu Festival 2026

The Nadathurappu Mahotsavam is the most significant event at this temple, marking the annual opening of the Goddess Parvati shrine .

2026 Festival Dates

EventDateDayDetails
Festival BeginsJanuary 2, 2026FridayOpens at 8:00 PM
Festival EndsJanuary 13, 2026TuesdayCloses at 8:00 PM
Festival Duration12 Days—Goddess shrine open throughout

Special Timings During Nadathurappu

SessionTimings
Morning Darshan4:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Evening Darshan4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Extended Hours on SundaysOpens at 3:00 AM

The Nadathurappu festival is listed in the Kerala Tourism official festival calendar for 2026, confirming the dates from January 2 to 13, 2026 .


Thiruvairanikulam Temple Offerings & Seva Price List 2026

The temple offers a wide range of offerings (Vazhipadu) at nominal charges. Below is the curated list from official sources :

Pushpanjali & Mantrarchana Offerings

OfferingPrice (INR)
Pushpanjali₹15
Mruthunjaya Pushpanjali₹30
Swayamvara Pushpanjali₹30
Bhagyasooktham₹30
Shreesooktham₹30
Samvaadasooktham₹30
Dhurithahara₹30
Ashwaaroodam₹30

Abhishekam & Special Homam

OfferingPrice (INR)
Dhaara₹25
Shreerudram Dhaara₹50
101 Kudam Dhaara₹250
1000 Kudam Dhaara₹2,000
Kalabhaabhishekam₹20,000
Ashtaabhishekam₹3,000
Karuka Homam₹75
Mruthunjaya Homam₹900
Maha Mruthunjaya Homam₹6,500

Other Offerings

OfferingPrice (INR)
Neyyabhishekam (1 Kg Ghee)₹750
Enna Abhishekam (1 Kg Oil)₹350
Udayasthamaya Pooja₹16,000
Janma Nakshathra Pooja₹500
Sampoorna Neyy Vilakku₹500
Pradosha Pooja₹100
Koovala Maala₹20
Neyyu (Ghee)₹20
Pinvilakku₹20

Important Note: Rituals such as Udayasthamaya Pooja, Homams, and special Abhishekams must be pre-booked at the temple’s counter or through direct communication with the trust .


Entry Pass & Virtual Queue Booking Process

Virtual Queue Booking System

The temple has implemented a highly successful Virtual Queue system to manage the large crowds, especially during the Nadathurappu festival. During the 2026 festival, over 1 lakh devotees used this system within the first few days .

How to Book Virtual Queue:

  1. Visit the Official Website: www.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org
  2. Select Virtual Queue Booking: Navigate to the booking section
  3. Choose Date and Time: Select your preferred darshan date and time slot
  4. Provide Devotee Details: Fill in names, ID proof details, and contact information
  5. Get Confirmation: Receive booking confirmation with QR code

Verification Points:
After booking, devotees can verify and obtain their darshan pass at:

  • Souparnika Parking Ground
  • Kailasam Parking Ground
  • Temple Gopuram Entrance

Offline Booking (Vazhipad Counter)

For offerings and those without virtual queue booking:

  • Location: Vazhipad Counter at the temple
  • Timings: During temple opening hours
  • Process: Select offerings → Make payment → Receive token/slip
  • Phone: +91 93834 80182

Important Booking Rules

  • No Cancellations: Donations/offerings once made are non-refundable
  • No Refunds: The temple does not give refunds on any payments
  • Virtual Queue Only During Festival: The system is primarily operational during the Nadathurappu period

How to Reach Thiruvairanikulam Temple

Transport ModeDetails
By AirCochin International Airport (COK) – approximately 20-25 km
By TrainAluva Railway Station – 10 km ; Perumbavoor Railway Station – 10 km
By RoadDaily bus services available on Aluva–Perumbavoor KSRTC route

Travel Tips:

  • The temple can be accessed from Aluva by traveling 11 km on the Aluva–Perumbavoor route
  • Local auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from Aluva and Perumbavoor

Nearby Attractions

AttractionDistanceSignificance
KaladyApprox. 8 kmBirthplace of Adi Shankaracharya; Sri Krishna Temple and Adi Shankara Janmabhoomi Kshetram
Aluva10 kmAluva Siva Temple on the banks of Periyar River; famous for Aluva Sivarathri
Perumbavoor10 kmMajor town with shopping and dining options
Kochi30 kmFort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue

Important Instructions for Visitors

AspectGuidelines
Dress CodeTraditional modest attire recommended; saree/salwar for women, dhoti/shirt for men
FootwearRemove before entering temple premises
Mobile PhonesKeep on silent mode; avoid use inside sanctum
PhotographyNot permitted inside the main sanctum areas
Goddess ShrineOpen only 12 days annually (January 2–13, 2026)
Special DaysPradosham and Maha Shivaratri have extended pooja schedules
ParkingDesignated parking grounds available at Souparnika and Kailasam

Dos and Don’ts at Thiruvairanikulam Temple

DosDon’ts
Do book Virtual Queue in advance during NadathurappuDon’t expect the Goddess shrine to be open except during the 12-day festival
Do dress in modest traditional attireDon’t wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing
Do remove footwear before enteringDon’t carry mobile phones or cameras into sanctum
Do pre-book special rituals (Udayasthamaya, Homams)Don’t assume refunds or cancellations are possible
Do carry ID proof for virtual queue verificationDon’t rush or push in queues; maintain patience
Do respect the unique tradition of the wooden idolDon’t litter; help preserve the sacred environment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the Thiruvairanikulam Temple darshan timings for 2026?

A: Morning darshan: 4:30 AM – 11:00 AM; Evening darshan: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM .

Q2: When is the Goddess Parvati shrine open in 2026?

A: The shrine is open only for 12 days annually, from January 2 to January 13, 2026 .

Q3: Is there an entry fee for the temple?

A: No, entry for darshan is completely free for all devotees .

Q4: How can I book Virtual Queue for darshan?

A: Visit the official website www.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org and follow the Virtual Queue booking section .

Q5: What is the cost of special offerings?

A: Pushpanjali: ₹15; Maha Mruthunjaya Homam: ₹6,500; Udayasthamaya Pooja: ₹16,000; Neyyabhishekam (1kg): ₹750 .

Q6: Can I cancel my offering or get a refund?

A: No, the temple has a strict no cancellation and no refund policy .

Q7: What is special about the Nadathurappu festival?

A: It is the 12-day period when the Goddess Parvati shrine opens for devotees. For 2026, it runs from January 2 to 13 .

Q8: What is unique about the temple architecture?

A: Lord Shiva faces east while Goddess Parvati faces west—a rare opposite-facing arrangement . The Goddess idol is made of wood and is adorned with turmeric powder rather than water abhishekam .

Q9: What are the contact numbers for the temple?

A: Temple Trust: +91 484 2600182, 2601182; Vazhipad Counter: +91 93834 80182 .

Q10: Are there parking facilities available?

A: Yes, designated parking grounds at Souparnika and Kailasam .

Q11: What is the significance of this temple for couples?

A: The temple is revered for marital harmony, and couples pray here for blessings of children .

Q12: How far is the temple from Aluva Railway Station?

A: Approximately 10 km .


Temple Contact Information

PurposeDetails
Official Websitewww.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org
Temple Trust Office+91 484 2600182, 2601182
Vazhipad Counter+91 93834 80182
Emailthiruvairanikkulamtemple@gmail.com
AddressThiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Kshethra Trust, Vellarappilly South P.O, Thiruvairanikkulam, Sreemoolanagaram – 683580
DistrictErnakulam, Kerala

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