Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026: Date, Timings, Rituals & Mulbagal Guide

Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 will be observed on Sunday, June 28 at Sri Narasimha Tirtha, Mulbagal. Read the complete guide on tithi, rituals, and timings.

Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 falls on Sunday, 28 June 2026, marking the 522nd Punya Tithi of the saint widely revered as the Dasa Pitamaha — the grandfather of Haridasa Sahitya. Observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi at Sri Narasimha Tirtha near Mulbagal in Karnataka’s Kolar district, this aradhana draws Madhva devotees from across South India. Notably, the 2026 observance carries an unusual calendrical layer: because Adhika Jyeshtha Maas precedes Nija Jyeshtha this year, the aradhana shifts deeper into June than devotees might expect. This guide walks you through the exact tithi window, pooja schedule at the moola Brindavana, travel logistics from Bangalore and Tirupati, and the lesser-known traditions Mulbagal observes during this five-century-old commemoration.

Quick Summary at a Glance

Before exploring the details, here is a snapshot of everything you need to plan your visit and observance for the Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026.

Who Was Sri Sripadaraja Tirtha?

Sripadaraja, originally named Lakshminarayana, was born in 1404 CE in Abbur, a village in the Channapatna taluk of Karnataka. According to historical records, he served as the ninth pontiff of the Sri Padmanabha Tirtha Mutt — a lineage that later took his own name and became famous as the Sripadaraja Mutt.

However, his fame extends far beyond pontifical succession. Moreover, devotees and scholars consider him the founding father of the Haridasa movement alongside Sri Narahari Tirtha. He composed thousands of devarunamas under the mudra Ranga Vitthala, and these compositions still resonate in Carnatic concerts, daily mutt poojas, and Haridasa kirtana performances today.

The Title “Sripadaraja”

His birth name was Lakshminarayana Muni after sanyasa. Furthermore, the title “Sripadaraja” — meaning “king of pontiffs” — was conferred by the senior yati Sri Raghunatha Tirtha, who was astonished by the young swami’s mastery of Nyaya Sudha. The title stuck, and history remembers him by it.

Guru of Sri Vyasatirtha

One of his most celebrated achievements was mentoring the young Vyasatirtha for twelve years at Mulbagal. Subsequently, Vyasatirtha rose to become the Rajaguru of the Vijayanagara Empire and the spiritual mentor of Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. Therefore, the entire fountainhead of Karnataka’s bhakti renaissance traces back through a single guru-shishya line that begins at Mulbagal.

Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 Date and Tithi Calculation

The Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 28 June 2026 across all branches of the Sripadaraja Mutt and at most Madhva mutts in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

However, 2026 is unusual. This year contains an Adhika Maas — specifically Adhika Jyeshtha Maas — which falls between 17 May and 15 June 2026. Consequently, Madhva tradition observes aradhanas during the Nija (real) Jyeshtha month, not the Adhika one. Nija Jyeshtha begins on 16 June 2026, and the Shukla Chaturdashi within it falls on 28 June.

Why Madhvas Skip Adhika Maas for Aradhanas

According to Dharmashastra, ancestral observances and aradhana of yatis are tied to Nija masa, since Adhika Maas is dedicated solely to Lord Purushottama. Hence, even though Adhika Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi technically falls on 14 June 2026, the actual punya tithi for Sri Sripadaraja shifts to 28 June 2026.

Panchang Window for the Tithi

The Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi tithi begins at 02:48 AM on 28 June 2026 and ends at 03:06 AM on 29 June 2026 (IST, Mulbagal coordinates). Since the tithi prevails at sunrise on 28 June, that day is fixed as the Aradhana Day. Naturally, all special poojas, abhisheka, and theertha prasada are scheduled within this 24-hour window.

Significance of Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi

In 1502 CE (some traditional accounts cite 1504 CE), Sri Sripadaraja appointed his disciple Sri Hayagreeva Tirtha as successor and entered Brindavana alive — a rare phenomenon called sajeeva Brindavana pravesha. The day chosen was Jyeshtha Shukla Chaturdashi, and this is why every year the same tithi is observed as his Aradhana Mahotsava.

Moreover, this is no ordinary samadhi anniversary. Devotees believe Sripadaraja continues to reside in his Brindavana at Narasimha Tirtha and grants boons to sincere seekers. Specifically, locals attribute miraculous cures of chronic illnesses and resolution of long-standing family troubles to his grace.

Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 Pooja Schedule at Mulbagal

The Sripadaraja Mutt at Narasimha Tirtha, Mulbagal, conducts a three-day Aradhana Mahotsava — Purva, Madhya, and Uttara Aradhana. Below is the typical schedule observed every year, which will apply to the 2026 observance.

Three-Day Pooja Sequence

Daily Pooja Timings on Aradhana Day

1. Suprabhata Seva — 5:00 AM to 5:45 AM
2. Abhisheka to Moola Rama and Sripadaraja Brindavana — 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
3. Mahapooja and Naivedyam — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
4. Mantrakshata and Phalamantrakshata distribution — 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
5. Anna Santarpane (free meals) — 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
6. Sayam Sandhya Aarati — 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
7. Pavamana and Sri Hari Vayu Stuti recitation — 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM

For instance, on the main Aradhana day, the moola Brindavana is decorated with flowers, vajra kavacha, and special alankara. In addition, the day’s prasada features traditional Madhva preparations like kosambari, huggi, mosaranna, and obbattu — items Sripadaraja himself relished according to the mutt’s living tradition.

Sri Narasimha Tirtha — The Sacred Brindavana

The Brindavana of Sripadaraja sits within the Sripadaraja Mutt premises at Narasimha Tirtha, on the outskirts of Mulbagal town. Above all, this is no ordinary samadhi sthala — it houses three sanctities in one campus.

What You’ll See at Narasimha Tirtha

• Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple — established by Sri Akshobya Tirtha in the 13th century
• Sripadaraja’s Moola Brindavana — facing east, the sacred tomb where the saint resides
• Vyasa Guha — the cave where Sri Vyasatirtha performed twelve years of penance
• Sripadaraja Pooja Mandira — the modern auditorium built by Sri Vijnananidhi Tirtha
• Rangavittala Auditorium — venue for cultural and discourse programs
• The sacred theertha — believed to host Goddess Ganga as per the saint’s vision

The Ganga Legend

In his old age, Sripadaraja desired Ganga snana but could not undertake the journey north. Subsequently, Ganga Devi appeared in his dream and assured him she would reside permanently at Narasimha Tirtha. Even today, devotees take a holy dip here believing it equals a Ganges bath. Therefore, Aradhana day rituals always include theertha snana before darshan.

How to Reach Mulbagal for Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026

Mulbagal sits on the Bangalore–Chennai NH-75 corridor, roughly 100 km east of Bangalore in Kolar district. Consequently, it is well-connected by road from major South Indian cities.

Travel Distances and Routes

By Train

Mulbagal does not have a direct railway station. However, the nearest functional stations are Kuppam (35 km) and Kolar (30 km). For longer journeys, Bangalore Cantonment and Bangalore City stations are the practical railheads. From there, KSRTC and APSRTC buses run frequently to Mulbagal.

By Air

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR) is the closest airport at 105 km. Additionally, Tirupati Airport (TIR) is 115 km away and offers a smoother route for Andhra Pradesh devotees combining a Tirumala visit with the Aradhana.

By Bus

KSRTC operates non-stop and ordinary buses from Majestic (KBS) Bus Stand in Bangalore to Mulbagal every 15-20 minutes. Furthermore, fares range from ₹120 to ₹250 depending on service class. APSRTC also operates services from Tirupati and Chittoor.

Where to Stay in Mulbagal

Mulbagal is a small town, and accommodation options are limited but adequate for the Aradhana crowd. The Sripadaraja Mutt provides limited rooms for registered devotees on a first-come basis. Hence, advance contact is essential.

Accommodation Options

• Sripadaraja Mutt Guest House — basic rooms, donation-based, contact mutt office in advance
• KSTDC Hotel Mayura, Kolar — mid-range option 30 km away, ₹1,200–₹2,000/night
• Private lodges in Mulbagal town — basic rooms ₹500–₹1,000/night
• Bangalore-based stay — many devotees prefer day-trip from Bangalore; better for senior citizens

Notably, during peak Aradhana days the town fills quickly. Therefore, devotees from outside Karnataka often combine the visit with Tirumala darshan and stay at TTD accommodations in Tirupati.

What to Bring and Dress Code

Sripadaraja Mutt follows traditional Madhva agama protocols. Accordingly, dress code is strictly enforced inside the Brindavana sannidhi.

Dress Code Checklist

• Men: dhoti and angavastra (white preferred); shirts must be removed inside garbhagriha
• Women: saree or salwar kameez with dupatta covering the head
• Avoid: jeans, t-shirts, shorts, and Western wear inside the mutt
• Footwear: to be left at the designated stand outside the temple complex

What to Carry

• Tulasi mala and Gopichandana for application before darshan
• Cotton angavastra and dhoti (men) — extras if planning theertha snana
• Drinking water and ORS sachets — June heat in Kolar reaches 35°C
• Cash for hundi and phalamantrakshata offerings (UPI is limited inside the mutt)
• A small notebook to write your sankalpa or prayer requests

Notable Compositions and Works

Sri Sripadaraja’s literary contribution is both deep and historically pivotal. Above all, his works bridged Sanskrit scholarship and vernacular devotional literature.

Major Sanskrit Work

Vagvajra (Nyayasudhopanyasa-Vagvajra): a commentary on Sri Jayatirtha’s Nyaya Sudha. This was his only Sanskrit composition. Furthermore, he asked his disciple Vyasatirtha to focus on Sanskrit while he himself wrote in Kannada — a deliberate division of labor that shaped Madhva literature for centuries.

Famous Devarunamas

1. Bhushanake Bhushana — on Lord Krishna
2. Baro Manege Govinda — invocational kirtana
3. Daya Madi Salahayya — surrender composition
4. Bhramaragita — based on the Bhagavata’s Bee episode
5. Venugita — on Krishna’s flute
6. Gopigita — gopis’ lament
7. Madhwanama — eulogy of Madhvacharya

Notably, he is credited with originating the suladi musical structure and composing 133 of them. These suladis form a foundational layer of Karnataka classical music’s devotional repertoire.

Sripadaraja Aradhana Beyond Mulbagal

The Aradhana is not confined to Mulbagal. In fact, it is observed across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu wherever Madhva mutts function — and even in branches abroad.

Branches Where Aradhana Is Observed

• Sripadaraja Mutt branches in Bangalore, Mysuru, Tirupati, Chennai, Hyderabad
• All Raghavendra Swamy Mutts across South India observe a special pooja
• Vyasaraja Mutt branches conduct guru-aradhana for Sripadaraja
• Uttaradi Mutt and Pejavar Mutt mark the punya tithi during their daily samaradhane
• Diaspora locations in Melbourne, Toronto, Houston, and London hold devotional gatherings

In Andhra Pradesh, devotees in Anantapur, Penukonda, and Kadapa traditionally pair the visit with darshan of related Brindavanas in their region. Meanwhile, the Bangalore branch at Vasanthapura conducts a major samaradhane that draws thousands.

The Living Tradition — Current Peetadhipati

The current Peetadhipati of the Sri Sripadaraja Mutt, Mulbagal, is His Holiness Sri Sri 1008 Sri Sujayanidhi Tirtha Swamiji. In a notable visit to Tirumala in January 2023, the swamiji was received with traditional Pedda Maryada honours by the TTD authorities — a rare protocol reserved for senior Madhva pontiffs.

During the Aradhana, the Peetadhipati personally performs the moola Brindavana abhisheka and delivers an upanyasa on the saint’s life and teachings. Therefore, devotees who attend in person receive the rare blessing of mantrakshata directly from the seer.

Common Mistakes Devotees Make

First-time visitors often miss certain protocols that locals follow as second nature. Specifically, watch out for these.

1. Mixing up Adhika and Nija Jyeshtha: Some online calendars list 14 June as the Aradhana date — this is incorrect; it is 28 June 2026
2. Skipping the Yoga Narasimha darshan: Tradition holds that one must first visit the presiding deity before approaching the Brindavana
3. Reaching late afternoon: Mahapooja concludes by 1 PM; arriving by 8 AM ensures full darshan and abhisheka witnessing
4. Bringing flowers from outside: the mutt provides sanctified flowers; outside flowers are not accepted at the Brindavana
5. Ignoring the Vyasa Guha: the cave where Sri Vyasatirtha did penance is rarely promoted but spiritually significant

Looking Ahead — Why Sripadaraja’s Legacy Matters in 2026

The 522nd Aradhana arrives at a moment when Haridasa music is experiencing a documented revival. Specifically, several Bangalore and Hyderabad-based academies have launched dedicated suladi-recitation programs over the past three years. As a result, attendance at Sripadaraja Aradhana has steadily climbed since 2023, with the mutt reporting over 50,000 devotees on Aradhana day.

Furthermore, scholars increasingly recognize that the Vagvajra commentary anticipates several modern logical formulations — a finding that has drawn fresh academic interest. Therefore, expect 2026 to feature expanded discourses, livestreaming through the official mutt channels, and deeper participation from younger generations.

The Bottom Line

Mark Sunday, 28 June 2026 on your calendar. The Sripadaraja Aradhana at Mulbagal is not just a religious observance — it is a 522-year-old continuous tradition that connects every Madhva household to the founding moment of the Haridasa movement. If you can attend in person, plan to reach by Saturday evening, witness the Madhya Aradhana on Sunday morning, and stay for theertha prasada. If distance prevents physical attendance, even reciting “Sripadarajaya namaha” upon waking on the Aradhana day is said to bring his grace into the day. Either way, the day belongs to the saint who taught a king, mentored Vyasatirtha, and still shines like a star from his Brindavana at Narasimha Tirtha.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026?

Sripadaraja Aradhana 2026 falls on Sunday, 28 June 2026. The tithi is Jyeshtha Shukla (Shuddha) Chaturdashi as per the Madhva calendar. Note that this is Nija Jyeshtha — not Adhika Jyeshtha — because tradition observes aradhanas only in the real lunar month.

Where exactly is Sripadaraja’s Brindavana located?

The moola Brindavana is at Sri Narasimha Tirtha on the outskirts of Mulbagal town, Kolar district, Karnataka. The full address is Sripadaraja Mutt, Narasimha Tirtha, Mulbagal Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka 563131. It is approximately 100 km east of Bangalore on the NH-75 corridor.

Why is the date different from Adhika Jyeshtha Chaturdashi (14 June 2026)?

According to Dharmashastra and Madhva tradition, all yati aradhanas are observed in the Nija (real) month — not in Adhika Maas. Since 2026 has an Adhika Jyeshtha, the Aradhana shifts to the Shukla Chaturdashi of Nija Jyeshtha, which falls on 28 June 2026.

Is there free food on Aradhana day?

Yes. Anna santarpane (free meals) is served at the Sripadaraja Mutt and at all branch mutts on the Aradhana day. Traditional Madhva preparations including kosambari, huggi, and mosaranna are offered. Meals usually run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mulbagal.

Can I attend the Aradhana online if I cannot travel to Mulbagal?

Yes. The Sripadaraja Mutt streams the main Aradhana pooja through its official Facebook page (Sri Sripadaraja Matha, Mulbagal). Several branch mutts in Bangalore and Hyderabad also conduct local samaradhanes that any devotee can attend.

What is the connection between Sripadaraja and Raghavendra Swamy?

Sri Sripadaraja was a contemporary of Sri Vibhudendra Tirtha, the progenitor of the Raghavendra Mutt parampara. In fact, Vibhudendra Tirtha conferred the title “Sripadaraja” on him. Hence, all Raghavendra Mutts observe his Aradhana with special honor every year.

What pooja is performed on Sripadaraja Aradhana?

The pooja includes Suprabhata Seva, abhisheka to Moola Rama and the Brindavana, mahapooja with sahasranama archana, naivedyam, mantrakshata distribution, anna santarpane, sayam aarati, and recitation of Sri Hari Vayu Stuti and Pavamana. The schedule runs from 5 AM to 9:30 PM.

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