Aayilya Pooja is one of the most important and auspicious rituals performed at Pampady Pampumkavu (Sree Nagaraja Kshetram), a renowned temple dedicated to Sree Nagaraja (the King of Serpents) in Thiruvilwamala, Thrissur District, Kerala.
This pooja is conducted on the day of Aayilyam nakshatram (star), which is considered highly sacred for serpent worship in Kerala tradition. Aayilyam occurs once a month in the Malayalam calendar and holds deep spiritual significance for devotees seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha, blessings for fertility, health, family prosperity, and overall well-being.
Ayillya Mahotsavam Offerings
The Ayillyam asterism in the Malayalam month of Kanni (September/October) is especially significant for all Naga temples. It is considered the birthday of the Naga Gods, and numerous poojas are performed in their honor on this day.
In connection with the Ayillyam observance, special poojas are also conducted on the two adjacent days, when the Pooyam and Makam stars are in ascendance. Ashtadravya Mahaganapathy Homam, involving the offering of 1008 coconuts, will be performed on all three consecutive days.
Interested devotees may participate in these sacred rites to receive the blessings of the Naga Gods. Participation can be done by offering coconuts in any of the following quantities, based on the rates prescribed:
108 Coconuts
54 Coconuts
27 Coconuts
14 Coconuts
7 Coconuts
5 Coconuts
3 Coconuts
2 Coconuts
1 Coconut
Devotees who wish to participate in the Ayillya Mahotsavam rituals can collect the application form in advance from the temple office. This will be especially convenient for devotees coming from distant places. Completed forms must be submitted at the counter on or before the day of the pooja.
How to Preserve, Use, and Dispose of Sacred Offerings
(Areca Flowers, Garlands, Vibuthi (Bhasmam), Turmeric, Oil, Ghee, and Soot (Vilakku Mazhi))
The Areca flowers and garlands offered to Lord Nagaraja should be placed at the front side of your house, preferably in an elevated and clean location to maintain their sanctity and avoid impurity. Although it is considered auspicious to keep them until they dry, they must be disposed of carefully and respectfully, without desecrating the remains.
Items like Vibuthi (Bhasmam), Turmeric, oil, Ghee, and soot (Vilakku Mazhi) received from the holy shrine must always be stored in a clean place and should not be used during periods of impurity.
Special Ayillya Pooja
Devotees may also arrange for a Special Ayillya Pooja on any day other than the actual Ayillyam star day, according to their convenience and spiritual intent.
Ayillya Pooja
Ayillyam is the 9th asterism among the 27 birth star constellations in Hindu astrology. It holds great significance for the Naga Gods. On the day of Ayillyam Nakshatra every month, a grand pooja is conducted with strict religious observances to appease all Naga deities, including Nagaraja, Nagakanya, and their divine retinue.
Being a spiritually vibrant and elaborate ceremony, a large number of devotees participate to perform the ritual with utmost devotion. It is considered highly auspicious to perform this pooja at least once for three consecutive years to fulfill one’s desires and aspirations in life.
Schedule
The pooja begins at 4:00 a.m. with Mahaganapathi Homam, following the Nirmalyadarshan. After the Homam, the regular rituals such as Ushapooja, Vellariyidal, and Noorum Paalum are performed. The Ayillya Pooja itself commences around 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast and lunch will be served to devotees as prasada oottu.
After the Ayillya Pooja, all prasadams—including Ashtanivedya items like:
-
Vellanivedyam
-
Paalpaayasam
-
Appam
-
Avil
-
Katina Paayasam
-
Thrimadhuram
-
Chathussatham
-
Kadali Pazham Nivedyam
will be distributed to all devotees and visitors.
Monthly Ayillya Poojas – 2026
| English Date | Malayalam Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 06 | 1201 Dhanu 22 | Tuesday |
| February 02 | Makaram 19 | Monday |
| March 01 | Kumbham 17 | Sunday |
| March 29 | Meenam 15 | Sunday |
| April 25 | Medam 12 | Saturday |
| May 22 | Edavam 08 | Friday |
| June 19 | Midhunam 05 | Friday |
| July 16 | Midhunam 32 | Thursday |
| August 12 | Karkkidakam 27 | Wednesday |
| September 09 | 1202 Chingam 24 | Wednesday |
| October 06 (Ayillya Mahotsavam) | Kanni 20 | Tuesday |
| November 02 | Thulam 16 | Monday |
| November 29 | Vrischikam 13 | Sunday |
| December 27 | Dhanu 12 | Sunday |
Pooja Schedule
5AM | Maha Ganapathy Homam |
8AM | vellari,Noorumpalam |
10AM | Nirapara samarppan |
10.30AM | Ayilapooja |
11.00AM | Annadhanam |
06.30 PM | Deeparadhana |