Kuchanur Aadi Festival 2026 Dates: Special Bus & Car Parking Info -

Festival Location: Kuchanur Suyambu Saneeswara Bhagavan Temple, Theni District

Festival Period: Mid-July to Mid-August 2026 (Aadi Month)

Temple Guide: https://saneeswaratemple.com/

Luxury Transport Partner: Rengha Travels

🪔 Aadi Festival 2026 Quick Guide

When is the Kuchanur Aadi Festival 2026?

The festival coincides with the Tamil month of Aadi, expected to begin around July 17, 2026, and end on August 16, 2026.

Peak Days: Every Saturday of the Aadi month (Aadi Sanikizhamai).

Main Event: The Annual Festival (Thiruvila) usually concludes on the 3rd or 4th Saturday with the grand Thirukkalyanam.

Travel Tip: Traffic will be diverted 2 km away from the temple. Book a Rengha Travels driver who knows the VIP drop routes to avoid walking long distances.

🙏 Introduction: The Power of Suyambu Shani

Kuchanur is one of the rarest temples in the world where Lord Shani (Saturn) is worshipped as the Main Deity in a self-manifested (Suyambu) form. Unlike other temples where he is a sub-deity in the Navagraha enclosure, here he is the King.

The Aadi Festival is the most significant event of the year here. Lakhs of devotees from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka flock to take a holy dip in the Surabhi River and light the famous Ellu Deepam (Sesame Lamp) to rid themselves of Ezharai Sani (7.5 years Saturn cycle) or Ashtama Sani.

📅 Important Dates for Aadi 2026

Mark your calendars! While the temple is open daily, Saturdays are when the divine energy is believed to be at its peak.

Aadi 1st Saturday: July 18, 2026 (Expected) – Huge Crowd
Aadi 2nd Saturday: July 25, 2026
Aadi 3rd Saturday: August 1, 2026
Aadi 4th Saturday: August 8, 2026 – Likely date for Major Poojas
Aadi 5th Saturday: August 15, 2026

Note: Check https://saneeswaratemple.com/ for the exact release of the 2026 Invitation (Pathirikai).

🚌 Transport Guide: How to Reach?

1. Special Buses (Government)

During the Aadi Saturdays, TNSTC operates special buses from:

Theni New Bus Stand
Chinnamanur Bus Stand
Madurai (Mattuthavani)

Drawback: These buses are often overcrowded, and you may have to stand for the entire journey. They drop passengers at the temporary bus stop, requiring a 1-1.5 km walk to the temple.

2. Luxury Car & Van Rental (The Comfortable Way)

If you are traveling with family, elders, or children, public transport during Aadi is stressful.

Rengha Travels offers a seamless pilgrimage experience.

Doorstep Pickup: From Madurai Airport, Theni Railway Station, or your hotel.
Driver Assistance: Our drivers are locals. They know the inner routes to get you closer to the temple entrance than the general parking lot.
AC Comfort: After a hot bath in the river and standing in the queue, stepping back into a cool AC Innova is a blessing.

👉 Book Now: http://www.renghatravels.com/

🅿️ Car Parking & Traffic Diversions (2026 Update)

During the festival, the Theni Police typically enforces strict traffic rules:

General Parking: Located at the outskirts of Kuchanur village (near the school ground). You must park and walk/take a share-auto.
VIP/Pass Holder Parking: Closer to the temple.
The Rengha Advantage: Since our drivers are experienced, they drop you and your family right at the River Bathing Ghat or Temple Queue Entrance and then go park the vehicle. You don’t need to walk miles in the sun!

🚐 Recommended Vehicles for Temple Trip

Toyota Innova Crysta: For families of 4-6. Premium comfort for waiting in traffic.
Force Urbania (12 Seater): The best option for joint families. High roof, spacious, and perfect for carrying pooja baskets and changing clothes after the river bath.
Tempo Traveller: For groups of 15+.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a special darshan ticket available?

A: Yes, during the festival, the temple administration usually issues ₹50, ₹100, and special entry tickets to manage the crowd. Visit saneeswaratemple.com for updates.

Q: Can we do the Pariharam (Remedy) on the same day?

A: Yes. You can buy the Ellu Deepam kit inside the temple premises. There is a designated area for lighting lamps.

Q: Is the Surabhi River clean for bathing?

A: Usually, water is released from the dam for the Aadi festival. However, due to the crowd, the water can get muddy by noon. We recommend reaching early morning (5:00 AM) for a fresh dip.

Q: How far is Kuchanur from Theni?

A: It is about 20 km from Theni and 10 km from Chinnamanur.