Makaravilakku

The Makaravilakku Festival 2026 at Sree Uma Maheswara Swamy Temple is one of the most spiritually significant annual observances celebrated during the Malayalam month of Makaram. The festival is expected to be observed on 14 January 2026, coinciding with the sacred occasion of Makara Sankranti. Devotees from different parts of Kerala visit the temple during this auspicious season to participate in special poojas, deeparadhana and devotional ceremonies dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

The temple becomes vibrant with traditional lamps, devotional chants, floral decorations, and sacred rituals that create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Special Makaravilakku Poojas are conducted in the morning and evening, attracting hundreds of devotees seeking divine blessings for peace, prosperity, health and family wellbeing. The festival period is also considered highly favorable for performing the famous Swayamvara Archana, a special offering believed to help devotees seeking marriage blessings and harmonious relationships.

During the celebrations, regular rituals such as Ganapathy Homam, Uma Maheshwara Pooja, and special Monday poojas including Sumangali Pooja and Mangalya Pooja are performed with great devotion. The temple’s serene atmosphere and traditional Kerala temple customs make the Makaravilakku season a spiritually uplifting experience for devotees and visitors alike.

🪔 Makaravilakku Special Deeparadhana

🔥 Ganapathy Homam & Uma Maheshwara Pooja

💍 Swayamvara Archana for Marriage Blessings

🌸 Sumangali & Mangalya Poojas

🕉️ Panchakaala Poojai & Special Makara Rituals

Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple Image

📅 Makaravilakku 2026 Schedule

Makaravilakku Mahadeepam Ceremony

The sacred Makaravilakku celebrations begin with special lamp lighting ceremonies and devotional rituals at Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere for devotees.

Special Makara Sankranti Poojas

Dedicated poojas and sacred offerings are conducted on the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for prosperity and wellbeing.

Ganapathy Homam

Devotees participate in the holy Ganapathy Homam performed during the festival period to remove obstacles and receive divine blessings for success, peace, and harmony.

Uma Maheshwara Special Pooja

The temple conducts special Uma Maheshwara Poojas with traditional rituals, floral offerings, and deeparadhana dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma.

Swayamvara Archana

One of the most popular offerings at the temple, Swayamvara Archana is performed during Makaravilakku for devotees seeking marriage blessings and family happiness.

Sumangali & Mangalya Poojas

Special poojas for married women and families are held during the festival period to pray for long marital life, prosperity, and auspiciousness.

Panchakaala Poojai

Traditional five-session daily worship rituals are conducted with Vedic chants, sacred offerings, and temple ceremonies throughout the Makaravilakku season.

Evening Deeparadhana & Bhajans

The temple premises become spiritually vibrant with evening deeparadhana, devotional bhajans, and chanting sessions attended by devotees from different regions.

Annadanam for Devotees

Free prasadam and annadanam are offered to devotees during the festival as part of the temple’s sacred tradition of serving the community with devotion and compassion.

Makaravilakku Festival Conclusion Ceremony

The festival concludes with final poojas, special arathi, and blessings from the deity, marking the successful completion of the sacred Makaravilakku celebrations.

Key Highlights of Makaravilakku

Makaravilakku Deeparadhana

The special Deeparadhana performed during Makaravilakku fills the temple with divine light, devotion, and sacred spiritual energy.

Uma Maheshwara Pooja

Special Uma Maheshwara Poojas are conducted with traditional rituals and sacred offerings seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and family wellbeing.

Swayamvara Archana

The famous Swayamvara Archana attracts devotees seeking divine blessings for marriage, harmonious relationships, and a prosperous family life.

Ganapathy Homam

Ganapathy Homam is performed during the festival to remove obstacles and invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha for success and spiritual growth.

Panchakaala Poojai

The traditional five-session pooja rituals create a deeply devotional atmosphere with sacred chants, temple ceremonies, and spiritual worship.

Annadanam for Devotees

Free prasadam and annadanam are offered to devotees during the festival as a sacred act of service, devotion, and community sharing.

Makaravilakku

Location & Access

Venue: Sree Umamaheshwara Swami Temple, Umamaheshwara Junction, Main Rd, Andamukkam, Chinnakada, Kollam, Kerala 691001

Nearest Town: Kollam Town (1 km)

Railway: Kollam Junction Railway Station (2 km)

Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (68 km)

Road: The temple is easily accessible via Kollam Main Road and Chinnakada Junction. Regular KSRTC and private bus services operate from various parts of Kollam district and nearby towns. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local transport facilities are readily available for convenient access to the temple.