Kent Hindu Samajam – 13th Annual Ayyappa Pooja Invitation (29 November 2025)

Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025 Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Venue: Kent Ayyappa Temple, 1 Northgate, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LS (Inside Friends / Quaker Meeting House – First Floor, no external signage)

Dear Members, Supporters, and Devotees,

With devotion and heartfelt joy, Kent Hindu Samajam warmly invites you and your family to the 13th Annual Ayyappa Pooja—a spiritually enriching evening of prayer, unity, and divine blessings.

This sacred gathering is open to all, irrespective of religion. We welcome everyone to participate in the rituals, experience the divine atmosphere, and receive Lord Ayyappa’s blessings.

Programme Includes

Ganapathi Pooja, Bhajans, Vilakku Pooja, Pushpalankaram, Ashtottara Archana, Sanidosha Pariharam (Neeranjanam), Ayyappa Pooja, Deeparadhana, Padi Pooja, Harivarasanam, Prasadavitharanam, and Annadanam.

For Participating Devotees

For Vilakku Pooja: Nila Vilakku (oil lamp), Nalikeram (coconut), and fresh flowers
For Sanidosha Pariharam (Neeranjanam): One coconut

Registration

Devotees are kindly requested to pre-register by emailing kenthindusamajam@gmail.com or by contacting any of the following numbers:
07838170203, 07973151975, 07906130390, 07753188671, 07985245890, 07860578572, 07735368567.

Donations

Kent Hindu Samajam humbly invites all devotees and well-wishers to contribute generously to support this year’s Ayyappa Pooja.

Kent Hindu Samajam
Account Name: Kent Hindu Samajam
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 32259421
Reference: Annual Ayyappa Pooja – Your Name

Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust
Account Name: Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 32167004

Your kind contributions help us conduct this sacred event with devotion and dignity.

Kent Ayyappa Temple Pooja Bookings

To book Poojas at Kent Ayyappa Temple, please visit:
🔗 https://kentayyappatemple.org/pooja-bookings/
or
🔗 https://booking.kentayyappatemple.org/

Parking & Travel Information

Nearest Train Station: Rochester (ME1 1NH)
Temple Directions: https://bit.ly/4lwmHJI
Nearest Car Park: Cathedral Rochester Car Park – Short Stay (ME1 1LX)
Recommended: 5-hour ticket (£4.40)
Alternative Parking:
Rochester Railway Station Car Park, Corporation Street, ME1 1NH (opposite venue)
Rochester Riverside Multi-Storey Car Park, Cory's Road, ME1 1PZ

We wholeheartedly welcome you, your family, and friends to join us for this divine and blessed occasion. May Lord Ayyappa’s grace fill your lives with peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength.

Swami Saranam
Kent Hindu Samajam & Kent Ayyappa Temple
kenthindusamajam.org | kentayyappatemple.org

Kent Ayyappa Temple – Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku Chirappu Mahotsavam 2025 / 2026

Daily Ayyappan Vilakku & Special Ayyappa Pooja Bookings for Devotees

Venue: Kent Ayyappa Temple, 1 Northgate, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LS
(Located inside Friends Meeting House / Quaker Meeting House – First Floor, no external signage)

Parking & Travel Information

Nearest Car Park: Cathedral Rochester Car Park – Short Stay, Northgate, Rochester, ME1 1LX
Recommended: 5-hour ticket (£4.40 as of November 2025)
This is a paid public car park
If full: Please use Rochester Railway Station Car Park (opposite the venue)
Nearest Train Station: Rochester (ME1 1NH)

About the Mandala Season

Since 2020, Kent Ayyappa Temple has been conducting Daily Ayyappan Vilakku Pooja throughout the sacred Mandala season with the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. The season spans 60 days — from the first day of Malayalam month Vrischikam until Makaravilakku (mid-November to mid-January).

This year, the Daily Ayyappan Vilakku Poojas will be held from:
Monday, 17th November 2025 to Wednesday, 14th January 2026,
as part of the Mandala Makaravilakku Chirappu Mahotsavam 2025–2026.

Temple Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sundays: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Evening Darshan only)
During Mandala Season: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Daily Ayyappan Vilakku Pooja: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Main Event Dates

Monday, 17th November 2025 – Mandala Pooja Begins (Temple Thirunada Opening Day)
Ganapathi Homam: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Ayyappa Pooja: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Special Ayyappa Poojas will be conducted every Saturday during the Mandala season.

Special Pooja Dates:

Saturday, 22 November 2025 – Monthly Pooja (Booked)
Saturday, 29 November 2025 – Kent Hindu Samajam 13th Annual Ayyappa Pooja (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Saturday, 6 December 2025 – Available for Booking
Saturday, 13 December 2025 – Available for Booking
Saturday, 20 December 2025 – Available for Booking
Saturday, 27 December 2025 – Mandala Vilakku & Aarattu Mahotsavam (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Thursday, 1 January 2026 – New Year Pooja (Available for Booking)
Saturday, 3 January 2026 – Available for Booking
Saturday, 10 January 2026 – Available for Booking
Wednesday, 14 January 2026 – Makaravilakku Pooja (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Each Saturday Special Ayyappa Pooja includes: Abhishekam, Vilakku Pooja, Bhajan, Deeparadhana, Neeranjanam, Harivarasanam & Annadanam (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM).

Please note: Ganapathi Homam (8:00 AM) will be conducted only on Monthly Ayyappa Pooja days.

Pooja Booking Links

Daily Ayyappan Vilakku: Book Here
Saturday Special Ayyappa Pooja: Book Here
Ottayappam Nivedyam (Lord Ganapathi): Book Here
All Other Poojas: Visit Main Booking Portal

Participation & Offerings

Devotees participating in Saturday Special Ayyappa Poojas or Monthly Poojas are requested to bring:
Nila Vilakku (Oil Lamp)
Nalikeram (Coconut)
Pooja Pushpam (2 bunches of fresh flowers)
For Neeranjanam, please bring one coconut, ellukizhi, and oil.

Donation & Sponsorship

We sincerely thank all devotees for their continued support. Your kind contributions help us conduct Daily Vilakku Poojas, Monthly Poojas, and Annadanam.

Offering & Suggested Donation

Daily Ayyappan Vilakku – £51
Saturday / Major Event Ayyappa Pooja – £501
Annadanam – £151

Bank Details:
Account Name: Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 32167004
Please quote “Ayyappan Vilakku” as reference.

After making a transfer, kindly email kentayyappatemple@gmail.com with your name, location, and contact details.

Devotee Information

At the time of booking, please provide your:
Name
Birth Star (Nakshatram)
Contact Number and Email
If booking on behalf of someone else, include the beneficiary’s name and Nakshatram.
A Special Archana will be performed for you and your family on your booked date.

Important Notes

Only one family or individual can book a single Daily Ayyappan Vilakku slot.
Saturday Special Ayyappa Poojas allow multiple co-sponsorships.
If your preferred date is unavailable, please join the waiting list — we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Confirmation will be sent via email, phone, or WhatsApp.
Prasadam should be collected on the same day; uncollected Prasadam will be distributed to other devotees.
Event details are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Parents/Carers are responsible for children during events.
All events may be photographed, filmed, or live-streamed via official channels.

Watch Online

We aim to Live Stream all Daily Ayyappan Vilakku Poojas (17 November 2025 – 14 January 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM) and major events via:
YouTube Channel
Facebook Page – Kent Ayyappa Temple
Facebook Page – Kent Hindu Samajam
Please subscribe and follow to receive updates.

Contact Us

Email: kentayyappatemple@gmail.com
Tel: 07838 170203 / 07973 151975 / 07906 130390 / 07985 245890 / 07507 766652
www.kentayyappatemple.org
Kent Ayyappa Temple Events Calendar

Devotee Participation

If you wish to attend or participate in the Daily or Special Ayyappa Poojas, kindly email us by Sunday, 16th November 2025, confirming your participation for documentation and safety compliance purposes.

Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and cooperation.
May Lord Ayyappa and Lord Maha Ganapathi shower abundant blessings upon you and your family.
Swami Saranam!
Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust

Kent Hindu Samajam - Onam Celebration 2025

"Date & Time: Saturday, 6th September 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM"

Venue: Holy Trinity Hall, Twydall Lane, Twydall, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 6JU

Join us as we celebrate the spirit of Onam with traditional festivities, cultural programs, and togetherness. This joyous occasion brings our community together to share in the values of harmony, unity, and prosperity.

For further information, please contact:

07838 170203 | 07973 151975 | 07985 245890

Kent Hindu Samajam 12th Annual Ayyappa Pooja 2024

"Dear Members, Supporters, and Devotees,"

The Kent Hindu Samajam cordially invites you to join the 12th Annual Ayyappa Pooja on Saturday, 30th November 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Brompton Westbrook Primary School, Kings Bastion, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5DQ.

The program includes Ganapathi Pooja, Bhajans, Vilakku Pooja, Pushpalankaram, Ashtottara Archana, Sanidosha Pariharam (Neeranjanam), Ayyappa Pooja, Deeparadhana, Padi Pooja, Harivarasanam, Prasadavitharanam, and Annadanam.

For those wishing to participate in the Vilakku Pooja, we request that you bring a Nila Vilakku (puja oil lamp), Nalikeram (coconut), and Pooja Pushpam (flower bunch). If you plan to perform the Sanidosha Parihara Pooja (Neeranjanam), please bring a coconut.

Devotees wishing to attend are kindly requested to pre-register by emailing kenthindusamajam@gmail.com or contacting any of the following numbers: 07838170203, 07906130390, 07973151975, 07753188671, 07985245890, 07860578572, or 07735368567.

We warmly welcome you to participate in this divine event and receive the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. Swami Saranam Kent Hindu Samajam & Kent Ayyappa Temple

Kent Hindu Samajam - 10th year annual Shree Ayyappa Pooja 2022

"Kent Hindu Samajam to conduct its 10th year annual Ayyappa Pooja on 26th November 2022."

Kent Hindu Samajam will be conducting the 10th year annual Shree Ayyappa Pooja from 4.00 PM until 10:00 PM on Saturday, 26th November 2022 to Saturday. Shree Ayyappa Pooja will be held at the Medway Hindu Mandir, 361 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5XS.

Kent Hindu Samajam and Kent Ayyappa Temple cordially invite all Ayyappa devotees to participate in the divine Ayyappa Pooja to receive blessings of the Lord Ayyappa.

Shree Ayyappa Pooja includes Bhajans, Vilakku Pooja, Neyyabhishekam, Sahasra Namarchana, Ashtottara Archana, Sanidosha Pariharam (Neeranjanam), Ayyappa Pooja, Deeparadhana, Padi Pooja, Harivarasanam, Prasadavitharanam and Annadanam. Devotees participating in Vilakku pooja are requested to bring Nila Vilakku (Puja oil Lamp), Nalikeram (Coconut) and Pooja Pushpam (Flower bunch). The devotees who would like to perform Sanidosha Parihara Pooja (Neeranjanam), are requested to bring a coconut.

The Ayyappa Pooja event is open to all regardless of religion. Priest Venkitesh Swami from Bristol will conduct the main Ayyappa special poojas. For booking Poojas: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAQjUT9RnidAlHNHjn50LnFY1VsSXYHIAeR67-1ZcRvNr7ew/viewform

Temple Address : Kent Ayyappa Temple, Medway Hindu Mandir, 361 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 5XS.

For further information: E-Mail: kenthindusamajam@gmail.com / kentayyappatemple@gmail.com Website: www.kenthindusamajam.org / www.kentayyappatemple.org

Tel: 07838170203 / 07973151975 / 07753188671/ 07476759037 / 07985245890 /07747178476 / 07507766652 / 07906130390 / 0747872855

Karkidaka Vavu Bali - 2022

"Karkidaka Vavu Bali - 2022 at Kent Ayyappa Temple"

Kent Ayyappa Temple is organising this year’s Karkidaka Vavu Bali from 7.30 AM until 10.30 AM on Thursday 28 July, 2022, at Medway Hindu Mandir (361 Canterbury Street, Gillingham ME7 5XS). Shree Manikandan Namboothiri will be present to facilitate and guide the Pithru Tharpan rituals on the day. Karkidaka Vavu or ‘Karkidaka Vavu Bali’ is the name for the rituals performed by the Hindus in the Indian state of Kerala for their deceased ancestors. This day is also known as ‘Vavu Bali’ and is held in the month of ‘Karkidakam’ in the Malayalam calendar. The ceremonies for deceased grandparents, parents, siblings, children and relatives are performed on ‘Karutavavu’ (new moon) in the month of Karkidaka. In Kerala, the ‘Shraddh’ rituals done for the soul of the dead is known as ‘Bali’ and the new moon day or ‘Amavasi’ is referred as ‘Vavu’, hence the name ‘Vavu Bali’. On the auspicious day of Karkidaka Vavu, devotees in large numbers perform the ‘Bali Tharpanam’ ritual in order to pay homage to their departed ancestors. Karkidaka Vavu is performed under the supervision of known priest or elderly person.

Pre-registration is mandatory and the last for registration is Monday 25 July, 2022.

To participate in the Karkidaka Vavu Bali this year, please register using the weblink :

Form - https://forms.gle/Ns1YzVSgRtP8oRrY8

For further information: Email: kentayyappatemple@gmail.com

Tel: 07838170203 / 07478728555 / 07985245890

Tribute – Mr. Krishnan Raman Natarajan, Chairman – Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mr. Krishnan Raman Natarajan, one of the senior member of Kent Malayalee Association, The Chairman of Kent Hindu Samajam, and Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust on Tuesday, 28th January 2020. He had been a leading light and valued member of the local community in Kent and will be missed thoroughly. Please keep Mr. Krishnan Raman Natarajan’s family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements of

Mr. Krishnan Raman Natarajan
(20 August 1934 – 28 January 2020)
Chairman, Kent Hindu Samajam & Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust,
Senior member, Kent Malayalee Association

Mr. Krishnan Raman Natarajan, one of the senior member of Kent Malayalee Association, The Chairman of Kent Hindu Samajam, and Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust.

The funeral service and cremation of Mr Krishnan Raman Natarajan (85) of Boundary Road, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6TU, who passed away on 28th January 2020, will take place on Monday, 10th February 2020.

Religious Rituals / Viewing Arrangements

Please join the family in honouring his life. Community members, friends and family who wish to pay their last respects prior to cremation may do so at the Grand Quee Suite*, Lordswood Leisure Centre, North Dane Way, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent, ME5 8YE from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Monday, 10th February 2020.

Cremation will take place at 2:00 pm on Monday, 10th February 2020 at Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane, Blue Bell Hill, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9QU.

Wake / Lunch After the ceremony, the family invites everybody to attend the wake / lunch at 3:00 pm at the Grand Quee Suite*, Lordswood Leisure Centre, North Dane Way, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8YE.

*Entry to the Grand Quee Suite – Please do not enter through the main reception at the Lordswood Leisure Centre. Entry is via the car park into the garden of the Grand Quee Suite (Signage will be placed at the entrance of the garden).

No Flowers please – The family would prefer that donations are made to Macmillan Cancer Support in his memory instead of floral tributes; there will be a donation box in the hall where donations can be placed.

Mr. Krishnan Natarajan, one of the senior member of Kent Malayalee Association, The Chairman of Kent Hindu Samajam, and Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust. Born in Vakkom in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala State, India, Mr.Natarajan was one of the first Malayalees to settle in Chatham, Kent. Mr. Natarajan is survived by his beloved wife Mrs.Devaki Natarajan, with 4 children and 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is well-known within the Malayalee community in Kent & Medway and was an active participant in all community-related activities. Kent Hindu Samajam, Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust and Kent Malayalee Association pay tribute.

There are no words to express our sorrow for the loss of our beloved uncle, may all of us find comfort in the loving memories uncle shared while he was alive. Our Natarajan uncle will remain in our hearts forever.

Om Try-Ambakam Yajaamahe
Sugandhim Pusstti-Vardhanam
Urvaarukam-Iva Bandhanaan
Mrtyor-Mukssiiya Maa-[A]mrtaat ||

With our deepest sympathy and Prayers,

Kent Hindu Samajam & Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust

The Management Committee of Kent Hindu Samajam & Kent Ayyappa Temple Trust United Kingdom

E-Mail: kenthindusamajam@gmail.com
Website: www.kenthindusamajam.org & www.kentayyappatemple.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenthindusamajam.kent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KentHinduSamaj
Tel: 07838170203 / 07753188671 / 07906130390 / 07973151975