“Ugadi” means – “Yuga” (age) and “Adi” (beginning) – “the beginning of a new age”. Ugadi is celebrated as the New Year by the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka in India. It is also known as Yugadi, Samvatsaradi Telugu and Kannada New Year.
In 2026, the Telugu New Year falls on Thursday, 19 March, on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. Here are the details regarding the Ugadi date, story, celebrations, Srisailam Temple Timings, and best accommodations.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across different states of India. “Ugadi Pachadi” is a special dish prepared for the occasion. The dish reminds people that the new year will not just consist of sweet experiences but a combination of sweet, sour, salty and bitter episodes.
Devotees prefer to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga Temple at the festival of Ugadi.
Ugadi at Srisailam Temple
Ugadi Mahotsavam will be celebrated for five days around 19 March 2026 (the Telugu New Year).
Elaborate arrangements are coming their way in the Srisailam temple for Ugadi. Alankara Darshan of Lord Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga will be allowed from the second day of Mahotsavam on 31st March. More than 5 lakh devotees are expected to visit the temple for darshan.
Necessary arrangements are made & facilities will be provided for the padayatra devotees at the temple and in the Nallamala forest. During this day, people undertake new ventures, as this day is considered auspicious.
Festival of Ugadi 2026 Details
Ugadi Tithi: Begins on 19 March 2026 (Thursday) and ends early on 20 March 2026 (Friday) in many panchangs.
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada Tithi (New Year Tithi)
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 06:52 AM on 19 March 2026 (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada starts)
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 04:52 AM on 20 March 2026
Stay Options Near Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam
YatraDham.org helps you find the best and most convenient stay based on your budget and preferences. You can explore options and book your stay online directly through YatraDham.
- Sri Akkamahadevi Chaitanya Pitha
- New Gowari Shankar Lodge
- Siri Hotel
- Hotel Grand Akkamahadevi
- Sri Guru Sadan
- Srisaileswara AC Dormitory
Five-Day Celebration at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Temple
A five-day celebration will be held at Mallikarjuna Temple, Srisailam, from March 17 to March 22, 2026.
Day 1 – Wednesday, 17 March 2026
Mahotsavam begins with Yagasala Pravesam, Ganapati Puja and Shiva Sankalpam.
Day 2 – Thursday, 19 March 2026 (Ugadi Day)
Main Ugadi Mahotsavam with special Abhishekam, Panchanga Sravanam, Laksharchana and evening Vahana Seva. Ugadi is celebrated as the New Year.
Day 3 – Friday, 20 March 2026
Vahana Sevas and daily temple walk continue, Shiva and Devi Vahanas along with devotional programs.
Day 4 – Saturday, 21 March 2026
Rathotsavam (chariot parade) and special deity Alankaras are performed during the Mahotsavam.
Day 5 – Sunday, 22 March 2026
The festival concludes with final pujas and Poornahuti.
Each day carries unique cultural and spiritual significance, marking a time of renewal, prosperity and celebration.
Srisailam Temple Timings
Timings may vary on weekends, holidays and major festivals like Maha Shivaratri. Check the Srisaila Devasthanam Official Website for updates.
Srisailam Temple Daily Timings
Check out the daily timings for Darshans and Sevas at Srisailam Temple.
| Seva / Darshan | Timings (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Suprabhatha Seva | 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM |
| Morning Darshan (General) | 5:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Temple Break (Alaya Suddhi) | 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan (General) | 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Srisailam Temple Special Darshans & Sevas
| Seva / Darshan | Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sparsha Darshanam (Touch Darshan) | Early mornings (e.g., 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM) |
| Alankara Darshanam | Specific morning & evening slots |
| Pratyaksha Seva (In-person rituals) | Timings vary; available for booking |
| Paroksha Seva (Virtual rituals) | Online |
Ugadi Mahotsav Srisailam Story
It is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on the day of Ugadi. Thus, to create the track of time, he created days, weeks, months and years.
Ugadi is the first day of the creation of the universe. Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day as Yugaadikrit (creator of the Yugas). On this day, Earth starts to recharge itself for the new beginning with the help of the Sun’s energy.
Ugadi 2026 Puja Timings at Srisailam
Ugadi is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra Maas. It is celebrated during the Brahma Muhurat for maximum spiritual benefits. The key timings for Ugadi at Srisailam in 2026 are:
The best time for performing Ugadi Puja in 2026 is between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM on 19 March.
Celebration of Ugadi Mahotsav at Srisailam Temple
Ugadi is celebrated with great devotion at Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple. Thousands of devotees gather to seek blessings and take part in special rituals.
- Special Abhishekam & Rudrabhishekam
The day begins with Abhishekam for Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy using milk, honey and sacred water. Priests chant Vedic Mantras and perform Rudrabhishekam to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
- Panchanga Sravanam
Priests read the Telugu Panchangam, explaining how the new year will be for people based on astrology. Devotees listen carefully to understand what the year holds to them.
- Maha Mangala Harathi
A grand Aarti is performed for the deity, creating a divine and peaceful atmosphere in the temple.
- Ugadi Pachadi Distribution
Devotees receive Ugadi Pachadi, a special dish with six different tastes representing the different emotions of life: happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise and bitterness.
- Cultural Programs & Spiritual Discourses
The temple hosts classical music, dance performances and spiritual tasks by religious leaders, explaining the significance of Ugadi.
- Laksha Bilwarchana & Sahasra Deepalankara Seva
Devotees offer 100,000 Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva in a special ritual called Laksha Bilwarvhana. In the evening, the temple is beautifully lit with thousands of oil lamps during Sahasra Deepalankara Seva, creating a magical sight.
Celebrate this Ugadi with family and YatraDham at the Srisailam Temple. Plan your best trip to Srisailam only with YatraDham.Org
Srisailam Darshan Tickets Price
On weekdays, devotees can have free darshan and quick darshan. Check the prices for different darshan types and offerings at Srisailam Temple.
Srisailam Temple Darshan & Prasadam Prices
- Athiseeghra Darshan (Only Alankara Darshan): Rs. 300
- Keshakandana: Rs. 40
- Laddu Prasadam 100 gms: Rs. 20
- Laddu Prasadam 400 gms: Rs. 80
- Seeghra Darshanam: Rs. 150
- Sparsha Darshanam (Single Person Only): Rs. 500
Why Visit Srisailam for Ugadi 2026
Visiting Srisailam Temple for Ugadi is spiritually uplifting, bringing peace, happiness and divine blessings.
- Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a powerful place to worship Lord Shiva.
- The temple is a part of the Panchabhoota Kshetras, where Lord Shiva represents the element of Earth. The atmosphere here is filled with positive energy and peace.
- Ugadi is an occasion when unique pujas and Panchanga Saravanam are performed, giving devotees a chance to start the year with blessings and good fortune.
Srisailam Mallikarjuna Padyatra Route Map
This unique trek in South India is among the rarest, open only twice a year. Covering 42 kilometres, the route passes through the Nallamala Tiger Reserve. It starts from Venkatapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district and ends at Srisailam. Devotees prefer to do the padayatra in the Ugadi Mahotsav.
Also read:
- How to Reach Srisailam Jyotirlinga Srisailam?
- Top 11 Places to Visit in Srisailam
- Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Timings
- Rudrabhishekam Puja at Srisailam
- Srisailam Routes and Accommodations
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