Aadi Pooram is an important Tamil devotional festival dedicated to Goddess Andal. She was the only woman among the 12 Alvars, the Vaishnava poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

The Aadi Pooram festival is observed during the Tamil month of Aadi and is linked to the Pooram (Purva Phalguni) nakshatra, Andal’s birth star. Andal is traditionally considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, specifically Bhudevi in many Vaishnava traditions. She is also known for her devotion to Lord Vishnu and her contribution to Tamil Bhakti literature. 

Planning to observe Aadi Pooram 2026? Find the date, Pooram Nakshatra timings, significance, rituals, temple celebrations and simple ways to perform the puja at home. 

Aadi Pooram 2026 Date and Timings

Aadi Pooram, also known as Aandal Jayanthi, Andal Jayanti and Thiruvaadi Pooram, will be observed on Friday, August 14. Tamil calendars list the observance on this day, with Drik Panchang showing Andal Jayanthi for locations such as Chennai, Vijayawada and Tirumala.

Calendar dates can vary by location and regional tradition. For Tamil Nadu and Tamil-calendar observance, this is the applicable date. Aadi Amavasai is a separate observance.

• Nakshatra begins: August 14 at 4:38 AM
• Nakshatra ends: August 15 at 3:42 AM
• Sunrise: Around 6:06 AM
• Sunset: Around 6:56 PM

These timings can vary by location. Devotees should check their local panchang or temple schedule for puja timings. The Tamil day panchang identifies the day as 29, Aadi, and lists Andal Jayanthi.

Who Is Goddess Andal?

Andal is also known as Kodhai and Nachiyar. According to tradition, Periyalvar found her as an infant in a garden at Srivilliputhur. He raised her in devotion to Lord Vishnu. Andal later expressed her love for Vishnu through devotional poetry. She became one of the most important female figures in Tamil Bhakti tradition.

Andal’s Famous Works

Tiruppavai: A collection of 30 devotional verses widely recited during Margazhi. 

Nachiyar Tirumozhi: A collection expressing Andal’s devotion and longing for union with Lord Vishnu.

Andal Garland Story

A famous tradition says that Andal would wear the garlands prepared by Periyalvar for Lord Vishnu before they were offered to the deity. Periyalvar was initially upset when he discovered this. According to tradition, Lord Vishnu later revealed that He wanted the garland worn by Andal. This story is linked to the name Choodi Kodutha Nachiyar (Soodi Kodutha Nachiyar). The tradition remains important at Srivilliputhur.

What happens at Srivilliputhur Andal Temple on Aadi Pooram?

The Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Virudhunagar district is one of the main pilgrimage centres associated with the festival. Srivilliputhur is traditionally regarded as Andal’s birthplace. The temple hosts major celebrations that attract thousands of devotees.

The programme can vary each year. It may include:

• Special puja for Andal
• Abhishekam or Thirumanjanam
• Special alangaram
• Garland offerings
• Divya Prabandham recitation
• Vedic chanting
• Processions
• Nadaswaram and Thavil performances
• Special offerings and prasadam

Aadi Pooram Bangle Tradition

Bangles are associated with several Aadi festival traditions in Tamil Nadu. Some temples conduct Valaikappu-style celebrations and offer bangles to Goddess Andal or other female deities. Devotees may receive bangles as prasadam. This practice varies by temple. It is not a compulsory ritual everywhere.

Is Fasting Required?

No. Fasting is not compulsory. Some devotees fast or eat only simple vegetarian food. Others perform puja and visit temples without fasting. Practices vary between families and temples. Follow the rules of your temple if a specific vratam is prescribed.

How to Observe Aadi Pooram at Home

A simple home puja may include: 

1. Clean the puja area.
2. Place an image or idol of Andal.
3. Decorate it with flowers.
4. Light a lamp and incense.
5. Offer sandalwood and kumkum where appropriate.
6. Offer a garland.
7. Recite Tiruppavai or other prayers.
8. Offer vegetarian naivedyam.
9. Perform arati.
10. Distribute prasadam.

There is no need for elaborate arrangements. Devotion and prayer are the main focus.

Aadi Pooram celebrates Andal’s devotion to Lord Vishnu and her contribution to Tamil Bhakti literature. It is especially important among Tamil and Sri Vaishnava communities. Devotees can observe the Aadi Pooram 2026 festival by visiting temples, offering flowers and garlands, reciting Tiruppavai or performing a simple puja at home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Aadi Pooram 2026?
Aadi Pooram 2026 will be observed on Friday, August 14.

Is Aadi Pooram the same as Andal Jayanthi?Yes. Aadi Pooram is observed as Andal Jayanthi, marking Andal’s birth-star celebration. 

Who is worshipped on Aadi Pooram?Devotees worship Goddess Andal and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.

Where is Aadi Pooram celebrated most prominently?
The main celebrations are associated with Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Tamil Nadu.

What can devotees do at home?
They can worship Andal, light a lamp, offer flowers and food, recite devotional hymns and perform arati.

Is fasting compulsory?
No. Fasting depends on personal, family and temple traditions.

What are Andal’s famous works?
Her two best-known works are Tiruppavai and Nachiyar Tirumozhi.

Is Aadi Pooram the same as Aadi Amavasai?
No. They are separate observances. Aadi Amavasai falls on August 12, while Aadi Pooram is observed on August 14.

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