Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, is one of the most important and popular pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India. It is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a four-armed form of Lord Krishna. The central idol is believed to be over 5,000 years old, carved from a unique stone called 'Patala Anjanam'. The temple is renowned for its elaborate and ancient rituals, which are strictly adhered to, and for its mandatory traditional dress code. It is a major center for weddings and the 'Thulabharam' offering, where devotees offer their weight in various items to the Lord.
Darshan & Daily Rituals (Pooja)
Temple opens with Nirmalyam Darshan, considered highly auspicious.
Abhishekam and various offerings.
Usha Pooja and Ethirettu Pooja.
Seeveli procession and Pantheeradi Pooja.
Darshan continues. Ucha Pooja starts at 11:30 AM.
Temple closes for Ucha Pooja completion.
Temple is closed for the afternoon.
Temple reopens for evening Seeveli procession.
Deeparadhana (evening lamp ritual).
Darshan continues. Athazha Pooja begins at 8:00 PM.
Thrippuka (incense ritual). Temple closes for the night.
General Darshan
Free entry for all devotees who adhere to the strict dress code. Online booking for a time slot is often required.
Special Darshan (Neyvilakku)
A paid pass for quicker access, which includes a ghee lamp offering. It allows entry through a separate queue.
Ganapathy
Deity in a shrine within the complex
Sastha (Ayyappan)
Deity in a shrine within the complex
Bhagavathy
Goddess in a shrine within the complex
Guruvayur Ulsavam
The ten-day annual temple festival celebrated with elephant races, elaborate processions, cultural performances, and sacred rituals.
Guruvayur Ekadasi
A highly auspicious day observed with special prayers and rituals, attracting a large number of devotees for fasting and darshan.