Draupadi Dinam (29-April-2025)

Narayanashrama Tapovanam is located on the eastern slope of Aykunnu Pandavagiri Hill, on top of which is the famous Aykunnu Devi Temple. There is a legend that the Pandavas, along with Draupadi, came to this hill during their forest exile, and Draupadi had done penance and worshipped the Devi for the victory of her husbands in the imminent war. The ‘Karthika’ day of the ‘Vyshakh’ month is celebrated as Draupadi Dinam. On this day, the Devi’s idol is placed on a beautifully decorated ‘ratham’ (chariot), tied to two thick, long ropes and pulled around the village by women devotees.

As the ‘ratham’ went around the village and arrived at the Ashram gate, everyone – the inmates, workers, and devotees including Poojya Swamiji pulled the Ratham carrying Devi.