Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple: Timings, Rituals & Online Booking Guide
The Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most sacred offerings to Lord Guruvayoorappan. This complete guide explains its significance, timings, cost, booking process, rituals, and essential tips for devotees.
Contents
- 1 Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple: Complete Guide for Devotees
- 1.1 What Makes the Udayasthamana Pooja Special?
- 1.2 Ritual Sequence Followed in Udayasthamana Pooja
- 1.3 Timings Followed for Udayasthamana Pooja
- 1.4 How to Book Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple
- 1.5 Approximate Cost of Udayasthamana Pooja
- 1.6 Dress Code for Devotees
- 1.7 Guidelines for Devotees Participating in the Ritual
- 1.8 Spiritual Benefits of Udayasthamana Pooja
- 1.9 FAQs About Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor
- 1.10 Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
- 1.11 References & Helpful Links
- 1.12 Related Articles
Brief Summary
- Meaning and importance of Udayasthamana Pooja
- Step-by-step ritual sequence
- Timings followed at Guruvayoor Temple
- How to book the pooja offline and online
- Mandatory guidelines and dress code
- Devotee benefits and spiritual significance
- FAQs for first-time visitors
Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple: Complete Guide for Devotees
The Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple represents one of the highest forms of worship dedicated to Lord Guruvayoorappan. Deeply rooted in Kerala’s temple traditions, this sacred ritual spans from sunrise to sunset, symbolising an entire day of devotion offered at the divine feet of the deity. For devotees seeking spiritual fulfilment, family well-being, emotional healing, or divine blessings, this pooja is considered one of the most powerful offerings.
What Makes the Udayasthamana Pooja Special?
The term Udayasthamana literally means “from sunrise to sunset.” The pooja includes a full day of continuous rituals conducted on behalf of the devotee who books it. Because of its intensity and spiritual merit, this offering is believed to:
- Strengthen physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Remove obstacles related to health, marriage, finance, or family
- Invoke divine grace for prosperity and protection
- Bring blessings across generations
Key Insight: Many families consider this a once-in-a-lifetime offering due to its importance and limited booking availability.
Ritual Sequence Followed in Udayasthamana Pooja
The pooja schedule includes all major daily rituals of the Guruvayoor Temple. Although devotees may not remain inside the sanctum the entire day, they enjoy priority access, special seating, and darshan during key events.
Here is the typical sequence:
1. Nirmalyam
The day begins early in the morning when the temple doors open. The deity is revealed with previous night’s floral decorations.
2. Abhishekam
Multiple types of abhisheka (ritual bathing) are offered using water, milk, honey, ghee, and other sacred items.
3. Alankaram
The deity is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, ornaments, tulsi garlands, and sandal paste.
4. Usha Pooja
The morning pooja invoking auspicious beginnings.
5. Ethirelpu & Seeveli
Temple elephants carry the idol around the prakaaram in a majestic procession accompanied by traditional instruments.
6. Pantheeradi Pooja
Performed when the sun is at the height of twelve measures above the horizon.
7. Ucha Pooja
The powerful noon pooja followed by naivedyam.
8. Afternoon Darshan & Deeparadhana
Devotees can continue to offer prayers and witness the glowing oil lamps illuminating the sanctum.
9. Athazha Pooja
The final evening pooja marking the completion of the day-long worship.
10. Closing Ritual
The temple closes with Seeveli, symbolising the day’s end and divine protection.
Pro Tip: The entire ritual is performed by the temple priests. Devotees participate through darshan, priority access, and blessings.
Timings Followed for Udayasthamana Pooja
The timings may slightly vary on special days, but the standard routine spans from early morning (Nirmalyam) to night Athazha Pooja. Most devotees arrive before dawn to begin their spiritual journey.
Typical Pooja Time Range:
Around 3:00 AM – 9:00 PM
It includes all daily temple rituals conducted on behalf of the booked devotee.
How to Book Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple
Because this pooja is extremely sought after and only one devotee or family can book it per day, bookings are often reserved for years ahead. However, cancellation slots do become available occasionally.
Booking Methods:
⭐ 1. Offline Booking at the Temple Counter
Devotees can visit the temple’s Devaswom Office to:
- Enquire about token availability
- Submit the application
- Make payment
- Choose an available date
Best For:
Those who can visit the temple in person or have representatives nearby.
⭐ 2. Online Booking Through the Official Portal
The Guruvayoor Devaswom now allows booking of selected offerings through its online portal. Based on availability, devotees can check:
- Dates
- Availability status
- Charges
- Booking confirmation
Important: The Udayasthamana Pooja may not always be listed online due to limited slots. In such cases, devotees must check periodically or visit the temple office.
Approximate Cost of Udayasthamana Pooja
The cost varies depending on temple guidelines but is generally higher due to the full-day ritual and inclusions such as:
- Multiple poojas
- Offerings
- Deeparadhana
- Special darshan
- Seeveli participation
Most devotees consider it a sacred investment rather than an expense, as the pooja is believed to confer immense spiritual benefits.
Dress Code for Devotees
To maintain sanctity, the Guruvayoor Temple follows strict dress rules:
Men
- White dhoti / mundu
- No shirts or T-shirts inside the sanctum (angavastram allowed)
Women
- Saree, set-mundu, salwar kameez, long skirts
- Avoid western clothing like jeans or short tops
Children
-
Traditional or modest attire
Guidelines for Devotees Participating in the Ritual
- Arrive early to witness Nirmalyam
- Follow queue instructions for priority darshan
- Carry minimal belongings
- Maintain silence inside temple premises
- Mobile photography is strictly prohibited
- Respect elephant processions and priest instructions
- Pregnant women or elders may rest in designated waiting areas
Spiritual Benefits of Udayasthamana Pooja
The full-day worship is believed to bring powerful blessings:
✔ Blessings for Family Prosperity
Promotes harmony, unity, and wealth generation.
✔ Health and Well-being
Many devotees perform this pooja seeking recovery or relief from prolonged illness.
✔ Removal of Obstacles
Traditionally performed to overcome hurdles in marriage, career, or finances.
✔ Divine Grace and Protection
The rituals invoke Lord Guruvayoorappan’s blessings for lifelong protection.
Devotee Insight: Many families perform this offering to celebrate milestones, express gratitude for answered prayers, or honour family elders.
FAQs About Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor
1. How early should I reach the temple?
Arriving before the morning opening ensures participation from the first ritual.
2. Can a single person book the pooja?
Yes. Individuals or families may book it.
3. Is food provided?
Devotees can collect the prasadam from designated counters.
4. How long is the waiting list?
Depending on cancellations and current bookings, it may extend several months or years.
5. Is the pooja performed only once per day?
Yes. Only one devotee or family is allocated each day.
The Udayasthamana Pooja at Guruvayoor Temple stands as one of the most profound ways to offer full devotion to Lord Guruvayoorappan. With its intricate rituals, spiritual depth, and transformative energy, it remains a treasured experience for devotees across generations. Whether you seek divine blessings, healing, or a deeper connection with spirituality, this sacred pooja opens the gateway to peace, prosperity, and fulfilment.
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links
- Guruvayoor Devaswom Official Website: https://guruvayurdevaswom.in
- Online Services Portal: https://guruvayurdevaswom.in/online-services/
