Guruvayur Temple, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, is one of India’s most revered spiritual sites. Dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Vishnu, it attracts millions of devotees from around the world. The temple is famous for its intricate rituals and ceremonies that run throughout the day. Knowing the specific timings for darshan and poojas will help you witness the divine proceedings and make the most of your spiritual journey. This article will walk you through the temple’s opening hours, daily pooja schedule, and other essential details for your visit.
Guruvayur Temple Darshan Timings
The temple maintains a consistent schedule throughout the week, but it’s important to be aware of the specific darshan windows and the afternoon break.
- Morning Timings: 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening Timings: 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
- Temple Closure: The temple remains closed in the afternoon from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
- Days Open: The temple is open all seven days of the week.
- Time Required for Darshan: Typically, a visit can take 1 to 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the crowd.
- Entry Fee: Visiting the temple is free of charge.
Daily Pooja and Ritual Schedule
The Guruvayur Temple is renowned for its elaborate and deeply traditional poojas. Each ritual is performed at a specific time with great devotion. Here is a detailed schedule of the daily poojas.
Morning Poojas (3:00 AM to 12:30 PM)
The temple day begins in the pre-dawn hours with a series of sacred rituals.
- 3:00 AM – 3:30 AM: Nirmalyam
This is the first darshan of the day, where devotees can see the deity adorned with the flowers and garlands from the previous night. It is considered a highly auspicious moment. - 3:20 AM – 3:30 AM: Oilabhishekam, Vakacharthu, Sankhabhishekam
Following the Nirmalyam, a series of anointing rituals take place, including bathing the idol with sesame oil (Oilabhishekam) and holy water from a conch (Sankhabhishekam). - 3:30 AM – 4:15 AM: Malar Nivedyam, Alankaram
The deity is then decorated with fresh flowers, garlands, and jewels (Alankaram), and an offering of puffed rice (Malar Nivedyam) is made. - 4:15 AM – 4:30 AM: Usha Nivedyam
An early morning food offering is made to the Lord. - 4:30 AM – 6:15 AM: Ethirettu Pooja and Usha Pooja
This is the main morning pooja, performed to welcome the sun god. - 7:15 AM – 9:00 AM: Seeveli, Palabhishekam, Navakabhishekam, Pantheeradi Nivedyam
The Utsava Vigraha (processional idol) is taken out in a procession called Seeveli. This is followed by rituals like bathing the idol in milk (Palabhishekam), water from nine pots (Navakabhishekam), and a special pooja when the sun’s shadow measures 12 feet. - 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Ucha Pooja
This is the elaborate noon pooja, after which the temple closes for the afternoon break.
Evening Poojas (4:30 PM to 9:15 PM)
The temple reopens in the late afternoon for the evening ceremonies.
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Seeveli
An evening procession of the Utsava Vigraha takes place around the temple. - 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Deeparadhana
As dusk falls, the Deeparadhana is performed, where the entire temple is lit with oil lamps. This is a breathtaking sight and a highlight for many devotees. - 7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Athazha Pooja Nivedyam
The main food offering for the night pooja is prepared and offered. - 7:45 PM – 8:15 PM: Athazha Pooja
This is the final major pooja of the day. - 8:45 PM – 9:00 PM: Athazha Seeveli
The last procession for the day is conducted. - 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM: Thrippuka, Olavayana
The temple is filled with sacred smoke (Thrippuka) as a final ritual before the doors close for the night. - 9:15 PM: Temple Closes
The sanctum sanctorum is closed, marking the end of the day’s proceedings.
Plan Your Divine Visit
A visit to the Guruvayur Temple is a profound experience, and being aware of the pooja timings can help you connect more deeply with the spiritual atmosphere. Whether you wish to witness the serene Nirmalyam darshan at dawn or the spectacular Deeparadhana at twilight, planning ahead is essential. Arrive early, especially during festivals and weekends, to avoid long queues and immerse yourself in the divine energy of this holy place. We hope this guide helps you prepare for a memorable and blessed visit to Lord Guruvayurappan.