Vairamudi Brahmotsavam 2026 - Complete Festival Guide at Melukote Temple
The Vairamudi
Brahmotsavam is one of the most revered annual festivals celebrated at Sri
Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, located in Melukote, Pandavapura Taluk,
Mandya District, Karnataka. This grand event is famous for the ceremonial
adorning of the deity with the legendary Vairamudi crown, a
diamond-studded crown that is brought out only once a year under strict
security. The festival attracts lakhs of devotees from across Karnataka and
beyond, making Melukote a vibrant spiritual hub during this period.
Festival Schedule – 2026
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| March 23 | Ankurarpana |
| March 24 | Kalyanotsavam, Dharamahotsavam, Adhivasara, Rakshabandhanam, Dhwaja Pratisthe |
| March 25 | Dwajwrohana, Bheritadanam, Tirupparai, Hamsa Vahanam, Yagashala Pravesha |
| March 26 | Sesha Vahanam, Padiyettam |
| March 27 | Nagavalli Mahotsava, Narandholikarohanam, Chandramandala Vahanam, Padiyettam |
| March 28 | Sri Vairamudi Kiritadharana Mahotsavam (Main Crown Procession), Padiyettam |
| March 29 | Prahlada Paripalana, Garudavahanam, Special Padiyettam |
| March 30 | Gajendra Moksham, Anevasantam, Kudurevahanam, Anevahanam, Special Padiyettam |
| March 31 | Sri Manmaharathotsava (Chariot Festival) |
| April 01 | Teppotsavam, Pangunyuttaram, Dolotsavam, Kudurevahanam, KallaraSulige |
| April 02 | Sri Narayana Swamy Jayanti, Sandhanaseva, Churnabhishekam, Avabhrutha, Pattabhishekam, Pushpamantaparohanam Padimalai, Poornahuti |
| April 03 | Sri Narayana Swamy Mahabhishekam, Pushpayaga, Kattalu Pradakshine, Hanumanta Vahana, Udvasana Prabandha |
| April 04 | Sri Yadugiri Tayar & Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Mahabhishekam, Shertisevai, Kodai Tirunal Utsava Commences |
Highlights of the
Festival
- March 28, 2026
– The Vairamudi Kiritadharana Mahotsavam is the central event,
where the deity is adorned with the diamond-studded crown. This procession
continues late into the night and is the most awaited ritual of the
festival.
- March 31, 2026
– The Manmaharathotsava (Rathotsava), a grand chariot procession,
is another major highlight.
- April 1–4, 2026
– Concluding rituals include the Teppotsavam (float festival), Jayanti
celebrations, and Mahabhishekam for Narayana Swamy, Yadugiri
Tayar, and Yoganarasimha Swamy.
Location
- Temple:
Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple (also known as Thirunarayanapuram)
- Town:
Melukote
- Taluk:
Pandavapura
- District:
Mandya
- State:
Karnataka
Melukote is a historic
temple town situated on the rocky hills of Yadugiri, about 50 km from Mysuru
and 130 km from Bengaluru.
Getting Here
- By Road:
KSRTC and private buses connect Melukote with Mysuru, Mandya, and
Bengaluru. Taxis and autos are available from Pandavapura.
- By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Pandavapura, about 20 km away. From
there, local transport options are available.
- By Air:
The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
(approx. 150 km). Mysuru Airport is closer (approx. 60 km) but has limited
connectivity.
Tips for Devotees
- Best Days to Visit:
March 28 (Vairamudi procession) and March 31 (Rathotsava).
- Crowd Management:
Arrive early as the temple town gets heavily crowded during the crown
procession.
- Accommodation:
Limited facilities in Melukote; book lodges in Mandya or Mysuru well in
advance.
- Security:
Expect tight police arrangements, especially during crown processions.
- Darshan Timing:
The Vairamudi procession runs late into the night, so plan for overnight
stay.
- Weather: March evenings are pleasant, but carry light woolens for the night.
Post a Comment