Kottakkal Pooram (Sree Viswambhara Temple)

About this event

Kottakkal Pooram is the annual seven-day festival of the Sree Viswambhara Temple at Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala in Malappuram district, combining temple observances with an extensive programme of classical music, dance and traditional Kerala performing arts. The temple was consecrated in 1932 by Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier, founder of Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, and its annual festival was introduced in 1934. The shrine is dedicated to Viswambhara, a four-armed form of Lord Vishnu whose image is carved in white marble and holds the conch, discus, mace and lotus. The temple’s association with Dhanvantari, regarded in Hindu tradition as the divine physician and patron of medicine, reflects Kottakkal’s longstanding connection with Ayurveda. Kottakkal Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Meenam, generally during March or April, and Kerala Tourism records that the main Pooram day falls under the Thiruvonam asterism. The seven-day celebration is particularly noted for its cultural programme, which has helped establish the festival as an important arts event in Malappuram. Kerala Tourism lists Hindustani and Carnatic music concerts, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Chakyar Koothu, Panchavadyam and Thayambaka among the festival programmes. Performances by leading musicians and artists form an important part of the celebrations, while Kathakali presented by the P. S. V. Natya Sangham connects the festival with Kottakkal’s strong tradition of classical theatre and dance. The P. S. V. Natya Sangham, established through the patronage of P. S. Varier, has played a significant role in promoting Kathakali and traditional performing arts in the town. Panchavadyam and other percussion traditions add a distinctly Kerala character to the festival atmosphere. The festival is also notable for its inclusive cultural character: Kerala Tourism’s festival documentation states that people belonging to different faiths participate in the celebrations. Rather than being defined solely by a large temple procession, Kottakkal Pooram is distinguished by the close integration of worship and a sustained programme of high-quality performing arts. The temple itself is located within the Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala complex, beside Kailasamandiram, and remains part of the institution’s cultural heritage. For visitors interested in Kerala’s temple traditions, classical arts and the cultural history of Malabar, Kottakkal Pooram offers an opportunity to experience how religious observance, music, theatre and community participation come together in a week-long celebration. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for 4–10 April.

🚆 Railway: Tirur Railway Station — approximately 14 km from Kottakkal.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport, Karipur — approximately 26 km from Kottakkal.

🚌 Bus: Kottakkal is well connected by road with Malappuram, Tirur and other nearby towns. Kottakkal Bus Stand is the main local bus point.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Kottakkal, with additional options in the surrounding Malappuram and Tirur areas.

✅ Notes: Kottakkal Pooram is a seven-day festival held in March or April. The 2026 festival is listed for 4–10 April. The programme includes classical music and traditional performing arts such as Kathakali, Ottanthullal, Chakyar Koothu, Panchavadyam and Thayambaka; the exact schedule should be confirmed with Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala before visiting.