Guruvayur Temple: Darshan Timings, Dress Code and Online Booking

Facts checked November 2026.

This page is part of our 10 Famous Temples in Kerala guide. Planning the yatra? See our South India yatra packages.

Where is Guruvayur temple and how do you reach it?

Guruvayur is a temple town in Thrissur district of central Kerala. The Sree Krishna temple is at its centre, and the main queue is at the Kizhakke Nada (East entry). Guruvayur Devaswom calls the temple Bhuloka Vaikuntham, the holy abode of Vishnu on earth.

From Cochin airport, a taxi to Guruvayur is the simplest choice for families with elders.

What are the Guruvayur temple darshan timings?

Guruvayur Devaswom publishes these sreekovil (sanctum) timings. It notes that they are indicative and may change on special occasions and on days of the Udayasthamana Pooja.

The 3:00 AM slot is the first darshan of the day, and many devotees join the queue well before it. Queues are usually longest on weekends, holidays and festival days.

How do you book darshan at Guruvayur online?

Guruvayur Devaswom runs its own booking website. Only registered users can book, and you must be 18 or older to register. Indian residents log in with an OTP on an Indian mobile number; devotees abroad get the OTP by email. The Devaswom says it does not authorise any agents for online booking of darshan.

Free darshan slots open month by month, so check the Devaswom website for the current booking window. Carry the original photo ID used when booking (Aadhaar, driving licence, PAN, passport or voter ID) and a printout of the receipt for the verification counter. Once confirmed, a Ghee Lamp darshan, pooja or prasadam booking cannot be rescheduled, cancelled or refunded, and a free darshan booking cannot be rescheduled.

What is the dress code at Guruvayur temple?

Guruvayur Devaswom states the dress code for entering the temple premises:

• Men: dhoti with angavastram (upper cloth).
• Women: saree, churidar or half-saree.

Kerala Tourism notes that only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.

What rules should you follow inside?

• Do not carry mobile phones or other electronic devices into the temple; deposit them at the counters.
• Follow the queue at Kizhakke Nada (East entry) and do not jump or rush the queue.
• Do not kneel at the sanctum sanctorum.
• No smoking, alcohol or drugs in and around the temple.
• Do not pay extra money to anyone for any service, and buy food only from licensed outlets.
• Fire crackers and weapons are not allowed, and baggage may be checked.

What are the main offerings at Guruvayur?

Kerala Tourism notes that many devotees perform Thulabharam, being weighed against offerings such as bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts, and that hundreds of weddings take place in front of the temple each month. Vazhipadu (offerings) and prasadam can be booked online through the Devaswom.

Which festivals are celebrated at Guruvayur?

Kerala Tourism lists a 10-day temple festival in February–March, along with Guruvayoor Ekadashi, Vaishakam and Ashtami Rohini (Krishna’s birthday). The Guruvayoor Aanayottam, an elephant race, is also part of the temple’s festivals. Expect very large crowds and longer queues on these days.

Is Guruvayur suitable for senior citizens?

Yes, but plan around the early timings and crowds. Guruvayur Devaswom says physically challenged devotees should book online and then contact the temple officer with the receipt. For senior citizens, it asks devotees to approach the temple manager, who can decide on special care after verification. The Devaswom also mentions medical centres and oxygen parlours for devotees who need them. Read our yatra safety tips for senior citizens.

Where can you stay in Guruvayur?

Guruvayur Devaswom runs guesthouses, including Kousthubham, Panchajanyam and Panchajanyam Annex, which can be booked on its website. Private lodges and hotels are also available in the town.

Which temples can you visit with Guruvayur?

• Other Kerala temples: Padmanabhaswamy, Chottanikkara, Vadakkunnathan and more in our guide to famous temples in Kerala.
• Krishna temples across India: Dwarka, Mathura, Puri and Udupi in our guide to famous Krishna temples.
• Sabarimala: for Ayyappa devotees, see our Sabarimala opening dates guide.

How can Yatra To Temples help?

Our Kerala Divya Desham Darshan Yatra starts and ends at Kochi over 3 nights and includes Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple along with Divya Desams of central Kerala. We plan darshan around the temple’s early opening and afternoon break. Darshan tickets are booked only on the official Devaswom website. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687 or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Guruvayur temple open?

The first darshan slot listed by Guruvayur Devaswom is 3:00 AM to 3:30 AM. The last slot is 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and timings may change on special days.

Is Guruvayur temple closed in the afternoon?

The sanctum is open from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and then closed until 4:30 PM, according to the Devaswom’s published timings.

Can non-Hindus enter Guruvayur temple?

No. Kerala Tourism states that only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.

Is churidar allowed in Guruvayur temple?

Yes. Guruvayur Devaswom lists saree, churidar or half-saree for women. Men wear a dhoti with an upper cloth.

How much is the Guruvayur Ghee Lamp darshan ticket?

Rs 1,000 per person above 10 years, or Rs 4,500 for a group of five, booked online. It includes a free prasadam kit and cannot be cancelled.

Can I take my mobile phone into Guruvayur temple?

No. The Devaswom asks devotees not to carry mobile phones or electronic devices inside and to deposit them at the counters.

How far is Guruvayur railway station from the temple?

Kerala Tourism gives the distance as about 1 km.