The Pathamudaya Pooja and Aditya Devan Pongala at Sree Sankaranarayana Temple, Perumbadappu, Ernakulam is a highly auspicious annual temple festival dedicated to Aditya Bhagavan (Sun God). In 2026, the sacred rituals will be held on April 21 (Tuesday), April 22 (Wednesday) and April 23 (Thursday) attracting devotees from various parts of Kerala.
The festival begins on the first day, April 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM with the lighting of the sacred ghee lamp in the traditional setup followed by prayers and the commencement of ritual activities. On the second day, April 22, 2026, the temple conducts the powerful Rappooja at 9:00 PM, along with special offerings such as Appathalam creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The most important day, April 23, 2026 begins at 10:00 AM with the grand Pongala offering to Aditya Bhagavan. Devotees participate with devotion and by 12:30 PM, sacred food offerings such as rice porridge (Puzhukku) and blessed meals are distributed to devotees. During this time, various rituals including Thulabharam, children’s Choroonu, Noorum Palum and other traditional vazhipadus are performed.
🪔 Lighting of Ghee Lamp
🙏 Rappooja with Appathalam
☀️ Aditya Devan Pongala )
🍚 Neeranjanam Rice
The sacred Pathamudaya Pooja begins at Sree Sankaranarayana Temple, Ernakulam at 6:00 PM with the lighting of the traditional ghee lamp in the temple premises, followed by prayers and the initiation of festival rituals.
On the second day, the powerful Rappooja is conducted at 9:00 PM along with the sacred Appathalam offering, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere dedicated to Aditya Bhagavan.
The main highlight of the festival begins at 10:00 AM with the grand Pongala offering to Aditya Bhagavan, where devotees perform offerings with devotion and blessings.
Sacred offerings including Neeranjanam rice and Puzhukku are distributed to devotees as part of the divine prasadam distribution ceremony.
At the time when the sun reaches its peak, a special small pooja and Appathalam offering are conducted, marking the divine connection with Surya Deva.
The sacred Pathamudaya Pooja begins with lighting the traditional ghee lamp at Sree Sankaranarayana Temple on April 21, 2026, marking the divine start of the festival.
On April 22, 2026, the powerful Rappooja is performed at night along with sacred Appathalam offering, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
The main highlight on April 23, 2026, where devotees offer Pongala to Aditya Bhagavan seeking blessings, prosperity, and well-being.
Neeranjanam rice, Puzhukku, and sacred food offerings are distributed to devotees as divine prasadam on the final day of the festival.
Traditional rituals like Choroonu (first rice feeding ceremony), Thulabharam, and other sacred offerings are performed with blessings for children and families.
At noon, when the sun reaches its peak, a special pooja and Appathalam offering are conducted symbolizing the divine energy of Aditya Bhagavan.
Venue: Sree Sankaranarayana Temple, Ernakulam
Nearest Town: Palluruthy
Railway: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (10 km)
Airport: Cochin International Airport (40 km)
Road: Well connected via Perumbadappu Road and major Kochi city routes; frequent KSRTC and private buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available from Palluruthy, Ernakulam South, and nearby Kochi regions.