Sree Thalathotta Mahadeva Temple Festival & Maha Shivaratri 2026
Vettuveni, Haripad | Alappuzha District, Kerala
Temple Contact:
Phone: 0479 2409246
Website: www.thalathotta.org
Email: thalathottatemple@gmail.com
An Ancient and Rare Shaiva Tradition
The Sree Thalathotta Mahadeva Temple is one of the rarest and most ancient temples in Kerala, where Lord Parameshwara, the universal force behind creation, preservation, and dissolution, is worshipped in two sanctums—as Dakshinamurthy and Vadakkumnathan. Uniquely, the annual festival is conducted with equal importance to two flagstaffs (Kodimaram), making this temple’s rituals exceptional in Kerala’s temple tradition.
The Thiruvutsavam 2026 begins with Thrikodiyettu (flag hoisting) on 2 February 2026 (Makaram 19) and concludes with the sacred Thiruarattu on 9 February 2026 (Makaram 26). The celebrations culminate with the spiritually intense Maha Shivaratri on 15 February 2026 (Kumbham 03).
Festival Highlights (2–9 February 2026)
The temple festival emphasizes classical temple arts and devotional practices, reflecting the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
Daily Morning Rituals
Major Cultural & Ritual Events
-
Thrikodiyettu with traditional temple orchestra, nadaswaram, melam, and fireworks
-
Kottippattu, Chakyar Koothu, Ottanthullal
-
Sopana Sangeetham by renowned artists
-
Classical Dance Performances and Thiruvathira
-
Velakali (traditional martial dance-drama)
-
Mayura Nritham, symbolizing Subrahmanya’s victorious return to Kailasa after Tarakasura Vadham
-
Panchavadyam and Nadaswaram ensembles by eminent maestros
Special Rituals
-
Chuttuvilakku
-
Deeparadhana & Deepa Kazhcha
-
Pallivetta (royal ceremonial hunt)
-
Valiya Kanikka
-
Arattu Ezunnallathu to Iratta Kulangara Devi Temple, followed by Arattu and Kodiyirakkam
Maha Shivaratri Mahotsavam
15 February 2026 (Sunday)
Maha Shivaratri is observed with profound devotion and grandeur.
Key Observances
-
Early morning Enna Kavadi Abhishekam
-
Shiva Purana Parayanam
-
Kavadi Abhishekam
-
Arrival and dedication of Kettukazhcha
-
Deeparadhana and Deepa Kazhcha
Major Kathakali Performance
An all-night Major Set Kathakali featuring classical stories such as:
Performed by eminent Kathakali artists, vocalists, and percussionists, this presentation is a spiritual and artistic highlight of the festival.
A Call for Collective Devotion
The Thiruvutsavam and Maha Shivaratri celebrations of Sree Thalathotta Mahadeva Temple are conducted with the collective prayers of the community, seeking prosperity for the land and divine grace of the Gramadevata. Devotees and well-wishers are warmly invited to participate and support the successful conduct of this sacred festival.
In the name and blessings of Lord Mahadeva.
