MALAPPURAM: As sacred chants rose with the morning mist over the Bharathapuzha, Yathi pooja unfolded at Thirunavaya, drawing the Mahamagha Mahotsavam to a spiritually charged close. Over 18 days, more than 20 lakh devotees walked to the riverbank, turning the ancient town into a living hymn of faith, surrender, and collective prayer.
The concluding day of the mahotsavam witnessed a rare spiritual confluence, as hundreds of Hindu monks from across the country gathered at Thirunavaya. From the ash-smeared Naga sadhus of Kashi to the monks of the Shankara Math, around 200 saffron-clad sanyasins were ceremonially welcomed with special Yathi pooja, offering devotees a moment of deep spiritual communion.
The rituals on Tuesday began at dawn with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati welcoming the monks upon their arrival in the sacred town. By 9am, the Bharathapuzha became the centre of devotion as monks, devotees, and members of the Juna Akhara took the holy dip at a specially prepared ghat. The river bore silent witness as prayers merged with flowing waters.
Following the river rituals, the monks were escorted to a specially arranged facility near the Navamukunda temple, where Yathi pooja and Bandhana pooja, on the lines of the Kumbh Mela traditions of Prayagraj, were performed.
Mahamagha Mahotsavam will return to Nila in 2027’
During the Yathi puja, the sanyasins were ritually worshipped and honoured with offerings and gifts.This was followed by Bhandara pooja, held in a closed and solemn setting, where the monks were served prasada.
For the thousands of devotees gathered, the sight of Yathi pooja was both rare and profoundly moving. Sacred chants filled the air, creating an atmosphere steeped in devotion. As the monks offered blessings, many devotees stood in silent prayer, absorbing a moment that felt timeless.
The Mahamagha Mahotsavam, which began on January 16, concluded on Tuesday evening with Nila Aarti performed by Kashi pandits, illuminating the riverbanks with lamps and prayers. While thousands thronged Thirunavaya on the final day, the festival authorities clarified that the 20-lakh footfall represents the cumulative attendance over the 15-day festival, making it one of the largest Hindu congregations ever held in the state.
Festival Sabhapati Mahamandaleshwar Swami Anandavanam Bharati told TNIE that the Mahamagha Mahotsavam would return to the Nila ghat in 2027.
“We witnessed an unprecedented rush of devotees. Despite initial hurdles, the festival was conducted in a truly glorious manner. Over the past 18 days, more than 20 lakh devotees participated and monks from across the country came to bless the Mahotsavam. We will return in 2027 on Paush Purnima (January 22) and will continue till Maha Shivrathri (March 6). In 2028, the Mahamagham will be elevated to Mahakumbh mela,” he said.