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Thiruvathira — the most important women's vrata in Kerala — observed on the Thiruvathira (Ardra) nakshatra in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (Dec–Jan). Nair and Nambudiri women bathe at dawn, fast on rice-free food, prepare the signature Thiruvathira Puzhukku, and gather at night for Thiruvathirakali (Kaikottikali) around a brass lamp.
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
ॐ नमः शिवाय। पार्वती-परमेश्वराभ्यां नमः।
Om Namah Shivaya · Parvati-Parameshwarabhyam Namah
Salutations to Shiva; salutations to the divine couple Parvati and Parameshwara.
How to recite
Bathe before sunrise in cold water (Arudhra-snanam, ideally in a pond), visit a Shiva temple, observe upavasa through the day on rice-free food, and join the women's night vigil with Thiruvathirakali (Kaikottikali — clap-dance in a circle around a lit lamp). Married women observe for the long life and well-being of their husbands; unmarried girls observe for a good spouse. A married woman's first Thiruvathira is called 'Poothiruvathira' and is celebrated with special significance.
Benefits
Commemorates Parvati's tapas to win Shiva and Shiva's return from his Tandava grief after Sati. Observance is said to grant marital harmony, longevity for spouse, and Parvati's grace for unmarried seekers of a good marriage.
✦ Special Note
Per Drik Panchang — Dhanu month, Thiruvathira (Ardra) nakshatra. 2026: Dec 24 · 2027: Dec 14. (Entry-day convention: the civil day on which the Moon first crosses into Ardra nakshatra.) Married women's first Thiruvathira = 'Poothiruvathira' with special pujas and gifts from the maternal home.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Thiruvathira Puzhukku with grated coconut and roasted cumin; koova payasam; chaama kanji; tender coconut water.
🪔 Aarti
Om Jai Shiv Omkara
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा । ब्रह्मा, विष्णु, सदाशिव, अर्द्धांगी धारा ॥ एकानन चतुरानन पंचानन राजे । हंसासन गरुड़ासन वृषवाहन साजे ॥ दो भुज चार चतुर्भुज दसभुज अति सोहे । त्रिगुण रूप निरखत त्रिभुवन जन मोहे ॥ अक्षमाला वनमाला मुंडमाला धारी । त्रिपुरारी कंसारी कर माला धारी ॥ श्वेतांबर पीतांबर बाघंबर अंगे । सनकादिक गरुड़ादिक भूतादिक संगे ॥ कर के मध्य कमंडलु चक्र त्रिशूलधारी । सुखकारी दुखहारी जगपालनकारी ॥ ब्रह्मा विष्णु सदाशिव जानत अविवेका । प्रणवाक्षर के मध्ये ये तीनों एका ॥ काशी में विराजे विश्वनाथ, नंदी ब्रह्मचारी । नित उठ दर्शन पावत, महिमा अति भारी ॥ त्रिगुणस्वामी जी की आरती, जो कोई नर गावे । कहत शिवानंद स्वामी, मनवांछित फल पावे ॥
Karpur Gauram Karunavataram
कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् । सदावसन्तं हृदयारविन्दे भवं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥
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Get a reminder before the next Thiruvathira
At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.
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