Thiruvairanikulam Temple in Thekkumbhagom, Kerala, stands as one of the most important Shiva temples in South India. Dedicated to Lord Mahadeva (Thiruvairanikulam), the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. With its religious significance and picturesque location, the temple has become a must-visit for devotees seeking blessings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of booking online darshan, obtaining entry passes, and provide you with all the essential details about the temple’s timings.
Overview of Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple
Located near Kalady in the Ernakulam district, Thiruvairanikulam Temple is a significant religious destination. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, holds special religious importance as it is located in Kalady, the birthplace of the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The unique design of the temple is worth noting—Lord Shiva faces east, while Goddess Parvathi faces west, which is a rare arrangement in Hindu temples. This feature is believed to bless devotees with the boon of marriage.
Though the temple is generally open for 12 days during the Nadathurappu Mahotsavam, these days are eagerly awaited by devotees. This article will guide you through booking your darshan online and provide all the necessary information to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
How to Obtain Thiruvairanikulam Temple Darshan Entry Pass for 2025
To visit the Thiruvairanikulam Mahadev Temple for darshan, it’s essential to secure an entry pass, which is provided free of charge. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you obtain your darshan pass:
- Register on the Virtual Queue Portal: To begin, visit the temple’s virtual queue portal and complete the registration.
- Confirm Your Booking: After registration, confirm your booking by verifying the details.
- Verification at the Counter: At the virtual queue verification counter, present the ID used for registration for verification.
- Get Your Darshan Pass: Once verified, you’ll receive your darshan pass, which grants you access to the temple.
- Present the Pass at the Temple: You can either show a printed confirmation or present the virtual queue pass at the temple parking area.
Remember, the virtual queue service is only available for devotees with a valid pass. These passes can only be collected from the verification counter up to 30 minutes before the scheduled time slot.
Thiruvairanikulam Temple Opening Dates for 2025
The Thiruvairanikulam Temple is open for a limited period each year—only 12 days during the Nadathurappu Mahotsavam. In the upcoming period for 2025-2025, the temple will open on January 13, 2025, and the celebrations will conclude on January 24, 2025. This period marks the culmination of the temple’s grand festival, attracting large numbers of pilgrims from all over.
The Goddess Parvati shrine remains open during this time, which coincides with Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Dhanu Masam (according to the Malayalam calendar). This short but significant period holds great religious importance and is a special occasion for worshippers.
Why Goddess Parvati’s Darshan is Limited to Just 12 Days
An ancient legend explains why Goddess Parvati grants darshan only for 12 days. It is believed that she used to prepare food for Lord Shiva in the temple kitchen, during which no one was allowed to enter. A group of curious Brahmins tried to sneak in, violating the rule. When the Goddess discovered this, she became angry and left the temple in frustration.
The Brahmins, realizing their mistake, repented with deep penance and prayers. Eventually, the Goddess forgave them and agreed to provide darshan, but only for 12 days each year, starting from the Thiruvathira Nakshatra in the Malayalam calendar.
Today, this limited darshan period has become a highly anticipated event, with thousands of devotees eager to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati.
How to Book Thiruvairanikulam Temple Darshan Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these simple steps to book your Thiruvairanikulam Temple darshan online and secure your entry pass:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official temple website at Thiruvairanikulam Temple.
- Register for the Virtual Queue: Click on the “Virtual Queue” option on the homepage.
- Create an Account: New users must register by filling out their personal details, including name, mobile number, ID proof, and address. You’ll also need to create an ID and password.
- Login to the Portal: After registration, log in using your newly created credentials.
- Choose Your Darshan Date and Time: On the portal dashboard, select the available date and preferred time slot for your darshan.
- Add Group Members: Enter the details of other devotees in your group.
- Confirm Your Booking: Submit your booking and download the confirmation PDF, which includes your tracing ID.
- Verification at the Counter: Bring your confirmation to the temple’s verification counter to receive your darshan pass.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free darshan experience at Thiruvairanikulam Temple.
Thiruvairanikulam Temple Darshan Timings
The Thiruvairanikulam Temple offers darshan at specific times during the day. Devotees can plan their visit according to the following schedule:
| Darshan Type | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM |
Make sure to arrive early to ensure a smooth darshan experience.
FAQs About Thiruvairanikulam Temple Darshan
Q: How do I book darshan for Thiruvairanikulam Temple?
A: You can book your darshan online through the official temple website by registering and selecting your preferred date and time slot.
Q: Is there a charge for the darshan pass?
A: No, the darshan pass is completely free of charge.
Q: When is the Thiruvairanikulam Temple open?
A: The temple is open only for 12 days each year during the Nadathurappu Mahotsavam, from January 13 to January 24, 2025.
Q: Why is Goddess Parvati’s darshan available only for 12 days?
A: According to legend, Goddess Parvati agreed to grant darshan only for 12 days as a result of an incident involving Brahmins who broke the temple’s rules.
Q: What are the darshan timings at Thiruvairanikulam Temple?
A: The darshan timings are from 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening.