Aadi Pooram 2026: Birth of Goddess Andal and Ritual Traditions

Aadi Pooram will be observed on August 14, 2026, during the sacred Aadi month of the Tamil calendar. It is an important festival in the Sri Vaishnava tradition and is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Sri Andal, also known as Kodai Devi.

Andal is traditionally believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Bhudevi or Goddess Lakshmi. According to temple traditions, she was discovered as a divine child in the temple garden at Srivilliputhur. Her life and teachings are closely associated with complete devotion and surrender to Lord Narayana.

On Aadi Pooram 2026, sunrise in Chennai is expected at 6:00 AM, while sunset will be at 6:27 PM. Moonrise is expected at 7:13 AM and moonset at 7:47 PM. The Pooram Nakshatram begins at 4:38 AM on August 14 and ends at 3:42 AM on August 15. All timings are in IST and are based on Chennai.

Andal was born under the Pooram (Purva Phalguni) star during the month of Aadi. Her devotional works, particularly Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Thirumozhi, hold an important place in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. Tiruppavai consists of 30 verses describing spiritual awakening and surrender to God, while Nachiyar Thirumozhi expresses Andal`s deep devotion and love for Lord Ranganatha.

Aadi Pooram is celebrated with special rituals at temples such as Srivilliputhur and Srirangam. Andal`s idol is given a sacred bath and devotees recite her devotional hymns. She is also taken in a procession dressed as a bride, symbolising her divine union with Lord Ranganatha.

The festival highlights the importance of devotion, faith and complete surrender to God. Andal`s life and teachings continue to inspire devotees beyond differences of caste, gender and social identity.

May Goddess Andal bless everyone with love, faith, peace and spiritual strength on the auspicious occasion of Aadi Pooram 2026.