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
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple |
| Location | Vellarappilly South P.O, Aluva, Ernakulam, Kerala – 683580 |
| Primary Deities | Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) & Goddess Parvati |
| Unique Feature | Goddess shrine open only 12 days annually |
| Architectural Feature | Deities face opposite directions (Shiva east, Parvati west) |
| Entry Fee | Free for all devotees |
| Darshan Time Required | Approximately 3–4 hours |
| Official Website | www.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org |
| Temple Trust Phone | +91 484 2600182, 2601182 |
| Vazhipad Counter | +91 93834 80182 |
| thiruvairanikkulamtemple@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 .
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 4:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Temple Closes | 8:00 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/Pooja | Timings |
|---|---|
| Ushapooja (Morning Ritual) | 4:30 AM |
| Abhishekam | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM |
| Noon Worship | 5:00 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
| Event | Date | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Festival Begins | January 2, 2026 | Friday | Opens at 8:00 PM |
| Festival Ends | January 13, 2026 | Tuesday | Closes at 8:00 PM |
| Festival Duration | 12 Days | — | Goddess shrine open throughout |
Special Timings During Nadathurappu
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Extended Hours on Sundays | Opens 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
| Offering | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Pushpanjali | ₹15 |
| Mruthunjaya Pushpanjali | ₹30 |
| Swayamvara Pushpanjali | ₹30 |
| Bhagyasooktham | ₹30 |
| Shreesooktham | ₹30 |
| Samvaadasooktham | ₹30 |
| Dhurithahara | ₹30 |
| Ashwaaroodam | ₹30 |
Abhishekam & Special Homam
| Offering | Price (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
| Offering | Price (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:
- Visit the Official Website: www.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org
- Select Virtual Queue Booking: Navigate to the booking section
- Choose Date and Time: Select your preferred darshan date and time slot
- Provide Devotee Details: Fill in names, ID proof details, and contact information
- 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 Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Cochin International Airport (COK) – approximately 20-25 km |
| By Train | Aluva Railway Station – 10 km ; Perumbavoor Railway Station – 10 km |
| By Road | Daily 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
| Attraction | Distance | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Kalady | Approx. 8 km | Birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya; Sri Krishna Temple and Adi Shankara Janmabhoomi Kshetram |
| Aluva | 10 km | Aluva Siva Temple on the banks of Periyar River; famous for Aluva Sivarathri |
| Perumbavoor | 10 km | Major town with shopping and dining options |
| Kochi | 30 km | Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue |
Important Instructions for Visitors
| Aspect | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Dress Code | Traditional modest attire recommended; saree/salwar for women, dhoti/shirt for men |
| Footwear | Remove before entering temple premises |
| Mobile Phones | Keep on silent mode; avoid use inside sanctum |
| Photography | Not permitted inside the main sanctum areas |
| Goddess Shrine | Open only 12 days annually (January 2–13, 2026) |
| Special Days | Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri have extended pooja schedules |
| Parking | Designated parking grounds available at Souparnika and Kailasam |
Dos and Don’ts at Thiruvairanikulam Temple
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do book Virtual Queue in advance during Nadathurappu | Don’t expect the Goddess shrine to be open except during the 12-day festival |
| Do dress in modest traditional attire | Don’t wear shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing |
| Do remove footwear before entering | Don’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 verification | Don’t rush or push in queues; maintain patience |
| Do respect the unique tradition of the wooden idol | Don’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
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.thiruvairanikkulamtemple.org |
| Temple Trust Office | +91 484 2600182, 2601182 |
| Vazhipad Counter | +91 93834 80182 |
| thiruvairanikkulamtemple@gmail.com | |
| Address | Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Kshethra Trust, Vellarappilly South P.O, Thiruvairanikkulam, Sreemoolanagaram – 683580 |
| District | Ernakulam, Kerala |