Guruvayur Temple Thulabharam – Timings, Items, Cost & How to Book
Discover everything you need to know about Thulabharam at Guruvayur Temple: timings, approved items with cost, booking process and essential visitor tips.
Contents
Brief Summary
- Thulabharam ritual explained at Guruvayur Temple
- Timings for morning & evening sessions
- Standard items and their rates per kg/number
- Booking / advance reservation details
- Step-by-step procedure for devotees
- Practical visitor tips & FAQs
The sacred ritual of Thulabharam holds a special place in the traditions of the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, where devotees offer items equal to their weight in devotion and gratitude. This article covers the complete details: timings, items supported, cost, booking rules and useful visitor advice.
What is Thulabharam?
The word Thula means “balance” (weighing scale) and Bharam means “weight”. In this ritual, a devotee is seated on one side of a scale and on the other side are placed offerings (such as fruits, rice, sandal wood, vegetables or even gold/silver) until the scale balances. These offerings are then given to the deity — in this case Guruvayurappan (Lord Krishna) in Guruvayur.
The act symbolizes surrender and thanksgiving: the devotee offers what equals their weight, dedicating it to the Lord.
Timings for Thulabharam at Guruvayur Temple
- Morning session: 5:00 AM to ~1:30 PM
- Evening session: 5:00 PM to ~8:30 PM
- No advance online booking is required; devotees can attend during these sessions at the Thulabharam counter on arrival.
- Location: For Hindus the weighing counter is near the Eastern Gopuram of the temple; for non-Hindus there is a designated counter near the Kalyana Mandapam.
Items & Cost (Rates)
Here are some of the standard items with their approximate rates (INR) as per the latest available list:
| Item | Unit | Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | kg | ₹300 |
| Tender Coconut (Ilaneer) | Nos | ₹10 |
| Plantain (Cherupazham) | kg | ₹15 |
| Plantain (Kadali) | kg | ₹30 |
| Banana | kg | ₹30 |
| Sugar | kg | ₹30 |
| Turmeric (Manjal) | kg | ₹75 |
| Ghee | kg | ₹325 |
| Pepper | kg | ₹300 |
| Silver | kg | ₹45,000 |
*Rates subject to change — always confirm at the counter when you go.
Note: If you wish to bring your own unique item that is not listed, you need to notify the temple authorities at least a day in advance.
Booking & Procedure
- Booking: No advance online booking for Thulabharam is required. On arrival during the permitted timings you can directly approach the Thulabharam counters.
- Procedure:
- Devotee sits on the scale.
- Chosen item(s) are placed on the opposite pan until balance is achieved.
- Offerings are handed over to the temple; the rate is calculated based on item weight/number.
- Pay at the counter and get a receipt for the offering.
- Counters: There are three Thulabharam counters inside the temple premises.
- Special notes: Items brought by the devotee must be approved. For non-Hindus the counter is separate.
Why Devotees Choose Thulabharam
Thulabharam is chosen for various reasons including:
- Fulfilment of a vow after a wish is granted.
- Expressing gratitude for blessings.
- Seeking the Lord’s blessings for a new beginning (e.g., child, business, health).
- A symbolic act of self-surrender and devotion.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early in the morning (around 5 AM) or in the evening session to avoid large crowds.
- Choose items which you can both carry and which are listed at the temple (or get prior consent for others).
- Wear appropriate dress as per temple norms (for example, traditional attire is often required).
- Carry identification and some local currency ready for the payment.
- After the offering, keep the receipt safe — it is your proof of the ritual.
- If you’re coming from outside the state or country, allocate extra time for darshan, lodging, etc.
- Check local transport and parking options, especially during peak festival days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I perform Thulabharam at any time during the day?
A1. No — it is specifically during the morning session (5:00 AM-1:30 PM) and evening session (5:00 PM-8:30 PM).
Q2. Do I need to book online in advance?
A2. For Thulabharam, no advance booking is required — just go during the designated times.
Q3. Can I bring any item not listed in the standard list?
A3. Yes — but only after you inform the temple authorities at least a day in advance.
Q4. Do the item rates change often?
A4. Yes, rates can vary with market conditions. Always check at the time of your visit.
Q5. Is the rate fixed for all devotees?
A5. Yes — the temple gives a published rate list which applies to all devotees.
Performing the Thulabharam ritual at the Guruvayur Temple is a deeply meaningful act of devotion — blending faith, ritual, and gratitude. Knowing the timings, being clear on the item list & rates, and understanding the procedure ensures that your visit is spiritually fulfilling and logistically smooth.
May your offering be blessed and your visit be peaceful.
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links
- “Thulabharam in Guruvayoor Temple – Timings, Procedure & Item Rates” – Guruvayur Services website. (https://guruvayurtemple.org/thulabharam-guruvayur/) Guruvayur Temple Services
- “Guruvayur Thulabharam Timings, Items, Rates, Details, Online …” – Gotirupati.com. (https://gotirupati.com/guruvayur-thulabharam/) Our Sanskriti & Gyan
- “Guruvayoor Temple Pooja Rates” – GuruvayoorLive.in. (https://guruvayoorlive.in/guruvayoor-temple-pooja-rates/) guruvayoorlive.in
- “Thulabharam – the Guruvayurappan Temple” – Guruvayur.ca (for overseas context) Krishna Temple
Related Articles
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“Guruvayur Temple Timings, How to Reach & Darshan Guide” – TripNetra. (https://tripnetra.com/blog/guruvayur-sri-krishna-temple-kerala)
