Chennai, Aug 14:
Aadi Pooram, one of the most significant festivals in the Tamil month of Aadi, is being celebrated across Tamil Nadu on Friday with special prayers, rituals and processions at temples dedicated to Goddess Andal and other Amman deities.
The festival, observed on the Pooram (Purva Phalguni) star during Aadi, is traditionally celebrated as the birth day of Sri Andal, the only woman among the 12 Alvars of the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Devotees across the State are participating in special pujas, offering flowers and performing traditional rituals seeking the blessings of Andal and other manifestations of the divine feminine.
According to temple traditions, Andal was found as a divine child in the temple garden at Srivilliputhur by Periyalvar. She grew up as a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu and expressed her longing to unite with Lord Ranganatha through her devotional compositions, particularly Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi.
Grand celebrations at Srivilliputhur
The celebrations at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, one of the most important centres of Aadi Pooram observance, are drawing large numbers of devotees. The temple is decorated with flowers and traditional ornaments, while special abhishekams and pujas are being performed for Andal.
A major highlight of the festival is the ceremonial procession of Andal in bridal attire, symbolising her divine union with Lord Ranganatha. Devotees participate in the rituals and recitations of Andal’s hymns, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere around the temple.
Special arrangements have been made at the temple and surrounding areas to regulate the movement of devotees and facilitate darshan.
Rituals at temples across the State
Aadi Pooram is also being marked with special celebrations at Vaishnavite temples and Amman temples across Tamil Nadu. In several temples, the presiding deities are adorned in special alankaram and taken around the temple premises in processions.
Women devotees traditionally observe the festival with special prayers for family welfare, prosperity and marital well-being. Special offerings, including flowers, fruits, bangles and traditional sweets, are made to the deities.
At many Amman temples, the festival also coincides with elaborate celebrations associated with the worship of Goddess Shakti. Special abhishekams, homams, devotional music programmes and cultural events are being organised as part of the festivities.
Andal’s message of devotion
Aadi Pooram has a special place in Tamil religious and literary traditions because of Andal’s contribution to devotional literature. Her Tiruppavai, comprising 30 verses, is widely recited by devotees, while Nachiyar Thirumozhi reflects her intense devotion and longing for Lord Ranganatha.
Andal’s devotion has continued to transcend generations, with her compositions forming an integral part of worship in Sri Vaishnava temples. Her life is celebrated as an example of complete surrender and unwavering devotion to the divine.
The festival is particularly significant for women devotees, who participate in special prayers and offerings and seek blessings for prosperity, happiness and family well-being.
Aadi Pooram timings
According to the Chennai-based timings provided for Aadi Pooram 2026, the Pooram nakshatram began at 4.38 am on August 14 and will end at 3.42 am on August 15. The timings are based on Indian Standard Time.
With Aadi Pooram falling on Friday this year, temples across Tamil Nadu are witnessing a steady flow of devotees from the early morning hours.
The festival is being observed with traditional music, devotional chanting, temple processions and special decorations, with devotees offering prayers for peace, prosperity and spiritual well-being.
As temples across Tamil Nadu reverberate with the chanting of Andal’s hymns, Aadi Pooram once again brings together the State’s rich devotional, literary and cultural traditions in a celebration centred on faith and surrender.