The Dasavatara Charthu and Thirunal Mahotsavam at the Sri Vaikuntapuram Mahavishnu Temple, Kollam, is one of the most sacred and culturally significant annual festivals celebrated in Kerala. Located at Bhoothakkulam, this revered temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu and the festival reflects deep devotion, traditional rituals and vibrant cultural heritage.
The festivities begin with the auspicious Dasavatara Charthu, symbolizing the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which is performed with special poojas and devotional chanting. The festival officially commences with the Thrikodiyettu on 16th April 2026 (1201 Malayalam Era) marking the beginning of days filled with spiritual celebrations, offerings and temple rituals.
Devotees gather in large numbers to witness various sacred ceremonies, bhajans, and cultural programs conducted during the festival period. The highlight of the celebration is the concluding ritual, the Thiru Aarattu, held on 23rd April 2026 (1201 Malayalam Era) where the deity is taken in a ceremonial procession for the holy bath, signifying purification and divine blessings.
🕉️ Dasavatara Charthu Ritual Begins
🚩 Thrikodiyettu
🎶 Daily Poojas, Bhajans & Cultural Programs
🛕 Special Processions & Devotional Offerings
🌊 Thiru Aarattu
The sacred Dasavatara Charthu ritual marks the beginning of the Thirunal Mahotsavam 2026 with special poojas and devotional offerings.
The ceremonial flag hoisting signifies the official start of the festival celebrations at Sri Vaikuntapuram Mahavishnu Temple, Bhoothakkulam.
Devotees witness daily poojas, bhajans, devotional chants, and various cultural programs during the festival days.
Traditional processions with temple rituals and special offerings are conducted, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the festival.
The concluding ritual of the festival, where the deity is taken for the holy bath, marking the end of the Thirunal Mahotsavam 2026.
The sacred Dasavatara Charthu ritual at Sri Vaikuntapuram Mahavishnu Temple, Bhoothakkulam marks the divine invocation of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations with special poojas and chanting.
The ceremonial flag hoisting on 16 April 2026 signifies the official commencement of the Thirunal Mahotsavam with traditional rituals and devotional gatherings.
Daily bhajans, temple arts, devotional songs, and cultural performances create a spiritually vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival days.
The sacred concluding ritual on 23 April 2026, where the deity is taken for the holy bath, symbolizing purification and divine blessings.
Throughout the festival days, special poojas, archana, and offerings are conducted at Sri Vaikuntapuram Mahavishnu Temple, invoking divine blessings of Lord Mahavishnu.
Large gatherings of devotees participate in the festival with community prayers, and Annadanam is offered to hundreds of devotees as a sacred service.
Venue: Sri Vaikuntapuram Mahavishnu Temple, Bhoothakulam, Kollam
Nearest Town: Paravur (8 km)
Railway: Paravur Railway Station (9 km)
Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (50 km)
Road: Well connected via Paravur–Parippally Road and NH 66. Regular KSRTC and private buses, taxis, and auto services are available from Paravur, Kollam, and nearby towns.