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Guru Pushyam Utsavam at Sri Perambudur (Sriperumbudur) — a special temple festival focused on Guru Pushya and the Sri Ramanujar shrine in Perambudur, Tamil Nadu 

Guru Pushyam refers to the day when the Pushya star (Nakshatra) coincides with Guru (Jupiter) in Hindu astrology — considered highly auspicious for spiritual and devotional activities.

In many Vishnu/Sri Vaishnava traditions, this day is celebrated as a temple festival (Utsavam) honoring Guru and especially acharyas such as Sri Ramanuja, who is one of the most revered teachers (Guru) in Vaishnavism. 

The festival is mainly observed at the Sri Ramanujar / Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Sriperumbudur (Kanchipuram district), Tamil Nadu — an important Vaishnava pilgrimage site and birthplace of Sri Ramanuja. 

Guru Pushyam Utsavam is observed on the day of the Pushya star in the Tamil month of Thai (usually in January–February).

Devotional events span multiple days, often 3 days or more around the Pushya star date. 

Devotional activities during the Utsavam typically include:

Special Dhivya Sevai and rituals: Devotees participate in early morning and evening devotional services (Sevai) dedicated to Sri Swami Ramanujar (the Guru deity) and Lord Vishnu. 

Pratiṣṭhāpana (installation) ceremonies: On some days of the Utsavam, specific rites like Swami Pratiṣṭhāpana are performed to honor the divine presence of Sri Ramanujar. 

Poojas and devotional singing: Traditional pasurams and stotras may be sung; temples are decorated with flowers and lamps, and special poojas (abhishekam, archana) are offered. 

This Utsavam emphasizes devotion to the Guru principle — both the celestial Guru (Jupiter) and the spiritual Guru — and celebrates the lineage and teachings of Sri Ramanuja, who taught Vishishtadvaita and devotion to Lord Vishnu. 

On Guru Pushyam days, devotees seek blessings for knowledge, spiritual growth, prosperity, and removal of obstacles.

Devotees often visit the temple during the festival days for darshan and to join in Sevai and poojas.

Many devotees consider this an auspicious time to perform special prayers for family well-being, education, and spiritual fulfilment.

Pushya Nakshatra Duration: Begins early on Feb 1 and continues till late that night. 

This alignment (Thai month Pushya) is traditionally the day for Guru Pushyam Utsavam at Sriperumbudur. It is one of the key days when devotees perform special prayers and poojas in the temple.

Pushya Nakshatra is considered extremely auspicious for offerings, devotion, spiritual growth, and seeking blessings from the Guru (teacher) and Vishnu. 

The festival at Sri Perambudur celebrates both the cosmic astrological alignment (Pushya + Guru) and the legacy of Sri Ramanuja — who is deeply revered as the Guru of the Sri Vaishnava lineage.