One Of The Most Important Places Of Worship: Guruvayoor Temple

Situated in the colorful city of Guruvayoor in Kerala, Today Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most significant temples of Lord Krishna. Famous for its religious feel and historical significance, this temple has remained a guiding light for millions of believers for centuries. It is called the “Dwaraka of the South” has a unique history and is a religious site where people can always find tranquility and spirituality. The peacefulness of the environment, plus the chants as well as rituals, bring out a holy feeling that reaches the very cores of people who visit.

 

The best time to visit

The best time to visit the temple is during the early morning hours and perform the ‘Nirmalya Darshan’ between 3.00 am and 6.00 am as the divine energy at this time is considered to be at its optimum. The quiet environment, combined with the view of the deity wearing flowers and jewels, brings a spiritual feeling. Visiting the temple in the evening between 6PM and 8PM is another option because the temple is not that crowded in the evening, and you are allowed to join the evening poojas and rituals.

Special Months

Every year, there is a greater number of devotees visiting the temple during certain months: Vrishchikam (November- December) and Karkidakam (July-August). These months are considered the ‘worship and festive’ months and are conducive for pilgrims. On Vrishchikam, there is another festival known as the Mandala Kalam which lasts 41 days and it comes to an end on the celebration of Guruvayoor Ekadasi. This temple has sessions of Ramayana reading and special prayer offerings during the Karkidakam month thus, it would be spiritually enlightening to visit the temple during this month.

Temple Timings

Opening Hours: Guruvayoor Temple is functioning every day from 3:00 am to 9:15 pm. Poojas like ‘Nirmalyam’ are performed and other religious activities are carried out during the day. The temple is open for visitors 24 hours a day, although it closes from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. This enables the priests to perform other necessary procedures and rituals in the evening and at night.

Darshan Timings: Darshan timings are available at different theatres at varying times of the day, and there are extra darshans during festivals and auspicious days. The “Vishnu Nirmalyam” darshan at 3:00 AM and the “Ucha Pooja” darshan at 12:00 PM seem to be the most famous ones. It is recommended that the visitors follow the actual darshan timings available on the temple website or boards as this may change during festive seasons.

Pooja Timings: Sacrificial rites and rituals performed at Guruvayoor Temple are time-bound, though important Poojas are performed in the morning and evening. The “Usha Pooja” is conducted at 6:00 AM, while the “Pantheeradi Pooja” is at 8:00 AM and the “Ucha Pooja” at 12:00 PM. The evening poojas are “Deepaeradana” which is held at 6:30 PM in the evening and the “Athazha Pooja” which starts at 9:00 PM in the evening. All poojas are dramas of prayer offered to the deity where flowers, lamps, and mantras are used to propitiate the deity.

Apart from being a place of worship, Guruvayoor Temple mainly hosts various historical and traditional values and beliefs. Both for blessings and heritage tours a visit to this temple is having a good experience in every aspect of traveling. While it is indeed possible for you to plan your pilgrimage tour, you may make it that much more special by choosing to rent a luxury houseboat from Bookmyboat. The spiritual atmosphere of Guruvayoor is best to be followed by the tranquility of the backwaters of Kerala. These two experiences are best taken together to turn your trip to the God’s Own country to an amazing one.

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