Guruvayur Temple Ootu Annadanam Timings Prasada Today
Learn the daily timings for the Guruvayur Temple Annadanam, how to participate or donate, and everything you need to know before your visit.
Brief Summary
- Daily free food (annadanam/ootu) served at Guruvayur Temple at 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- The hall is called Annalakshmi Hall on temple grounds.
- Donations accepted online via the Guruvayur Devaswom official site under “Annaprasadam / Prasada Oottu”.
- Typical donation amounts: breakfast INR 15,000; lunch INR 1,00,000; dinner INR 15,000; whole-day INR 1,30,000.
- Step-by-step process to login and make donation given.
Visiting the sacred Guruvayur Temple in Kerala often includes an enriching part of the temple experience—annadanam, or the free meal service sometimes called ootu or prasada ootu. This article will guide you through the timings, donation process, hall details and helpful tips for availing this service.
1. What is “Annadanam / Ootu” at Guruvayur Temple?
The term annadanam means “food donation” or “giving food” and is considered a highly meritorious act in many Hindu traditions. At Guruvayur, the meal service (also called “ootu”) is provided as a prasadam (graced food) for pilgrims. According to the source, the meal hall is called the Annalakshmi Hall.
The hall can accommodate several hundred people, and the idea is that any devotee arriving at the hall at the designated times can partake of the meal.
2. Daily Timings for Ootu / Meal Service
The timings listed are:
- 10:00 a.m. — morning service
- 7:30 p.m. — evening service
Note: The article mentions “three times a day” in the description, but lists only two specific timings.
It is prudent to double-check on the official website or at the temple notice board for any changes or additional sessions.
3. Donation / Sponsorship of Annadanam
The temple also allows devotees to sponsor the annadanam. The typical amounts (subject to change) are:
- Breakfast: INR 15,000
- Lunch: INR 1,00,000
- Dinner: INR 15,000
- Full day (all meals): INR 1,30,000
How to Donate Online:
- Visit the official site of the Guruvayur Devaswom Board (e.g., guruvayurdevaswom.in)
- Register / login with your email and password. Upload a photo if required.
- Under “Donation” tab, choose the category “Annaprasadam” or “Prasada Oottu”.
- Select date of offering, fill in personal details, agree to terms, and make payment via available gateways (card/NetBanking/UPI)
- After transaction, you may print the confirmation for your records.
4. Location & Practical Tips
- The Annalakshmi Hall (meal hall) is located within the temple premises and is close enough to walk from the main temple.
- Arrive a little before the service time to avoid missing your turn—especially during festivals or peak pilgrimage periods.
- While the service is free for pilgrims, being aware of crowd size helps in planning.
- Dress modestly and adhere to temple decorum: footwear removed, quiet and respectful behaviour inside the hall.
- If you are sponsoring a meal, confirm receipt/acknowledgement from the temple office and get the date registered in advance.
5. Why Participate in Annadanam?
- From a spiritual viewpoint, offering food to the needy or to the divine is considered “Annadāna” — one of the highest forms of charity in Hindu dharma.
- For devotees visiting Guruvayur, the meal service adds a community-feeling aspect: you partake in the same prasadam as many other pilgrims.
- Sponsorship gives an opportunity to fulfil vows or gratitude gestures in the sacred atmosphere of the temple.
6. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I have to pay to eat the annadanam? | No — it’s free for pilgrims. Sponsorship is optional for donors. |
| Can I choose lunch separately? | Yes — lunch sponsorship is offered (INR 1,00,000 as per source) |
| Is a booking required to eat? | For eating: generally no booking, just reach the Annalakshmi Hall at service time. For sponsoring: booking is required via official site. |
| Are the timings fixed? | The known timings are 10:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., but verify nearer your visit for any changes. |
| What about vegetarian / dietary specifics? | Typically the meals in temple annadanams are vegetarian, simple meals typical of Kerala temple style. Confirm on-site for any special dietary concerns. |
Key Takeaways
- Make a note of the 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. times for the free meal service at the temple.
- Sponsorship is straightforward via the temple’s official portal.
- Arrive early, follow decorum, and enjoy the meal as part of your pilgrimage experience.
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links
- Guruvayur Temple Ootu Annadanam Timings & Donation Guide (Prayanamam)
- Guruvayur Devaswom Official Donation Portal
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