Sri Shanishwara Jayanti Mahotsavam at Sri Shani Eshwara Rahu-Kethu Temple, Alappuzha is a deeply revered spiritual celebration dedicated to Lord Shani (Shanishwara), the powerful deity associated with karma, justice and discipline. This sacred festival attracts devotees seeking relief from Shani dosha, Rahu-Ketu afflictions and other planetary influences making it an important occasion in Kerala’s temple festival calendar.
The Mahotsavam is marked by a series of special poojas, homams and Vedic rituals performed by experienced priests in a highly devotional atmosphere. One of the main highlights is the Laksha Mantra Ghritahuti Homam, a powerful fire ritual where thousands of sacred mantras are offered with ghee into the holy fire, believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity, peace, and spiritual protection. Devotees are also given the rare opportunity to directly participate in these rituals enhancing their spiritual connection.
The temple is especially known for its Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana poojas which are conducted with great significance during the festival. Along with Navagraha worship, these rituals help devotees attain balance in life and overcome astrological challenges.
🔱 Laksha Mantra Ghritahuti Homam
🪔 Shani Bhagavan Abhishekam
🌑 Rahu-Ketu Dosha Nivaran Pooja
🔥 Special Homam Participation
The sacred Sri Shanishwara Jayanti Mahotsavam 2026 at Sri Shani Eshwara, Rahu-Kethu Temple, Mannar begins with Ganapathi Homam and initial temple rituals, invoking divine blessings for the successful conduct of the festival.
A major highlight of the festival is the Laksha Mantra Ghritahuti Homam, where sacred mantras are chanted and offered into the holy fire, believed to remove obstacles and bring prosperity and spiritual protection.
Special Abhishekam is performed for Lord Shani using oil, milk, and sacred substances, accompanied by Vedic chanting to seek relief from Shani dosha and blessings for well-being.
Dedicated Rahu-Ketu poojas are conducted for devotees to overcome planetary afflictions and attain balance, peace, and success in life.
Evening rituals include Deeparadhana, devotional bhajans, and spiritual programs, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere within the temple premises.
Annadanam is offered to devotees, and opportunities are provided for direct participation in homams and special poojas during the festival.
The Mahotsavam concludes with final poojas and blessings, marking the completion of the sacred celebrations and offering spiritual fulfillment to all devotees.
The powerful Laksha Mantra Ghritahuti Homam is a key ritual where sacred mantras are offered into the holy fire, bringing prosperity, protection, and spiritual cleansing to devotees.
Special Abhishekam rituals are performed for Lord Shani using oil and sacred offerings to reduce Shani dosha and invoke divine blessings.
Devotees participate in Rahu-Ketu poojas to overcome planetary afflictions and attain peace, balance, and success in life.
The festival offers devotees a unique chance for direct participation in homams and poojas, enhancing their spiritual connection and devotion.
The temple hosts bhajans, devotional music and cultural performances, creating a vibrant and spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Annadanam is organized for devotees reflecting the temple’s commitment to charity, service, and community participation.
Venue: Sri Shani Eshwara Rahu- Kethu Temple, Alappuzha
Nearest Town: Mannar (4 km)
Railway: Chengannur Railway Station (18 km)
Airport: Cochin International Airport (110 km)
Road: Well connected via MC Road and nearby state highways; regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis available to Sri Shani Eshwara, Rahu-Kethu Temple, Shanidevapuram Road, Eramathoor P.O, Mannar, Alappuzha District, Kerala – 689622