- Location: Varkala, Kerala
- Main Deity/Deities: Sri Narayan
- Major Attraction: Pilgrimage
- Timings: 5.30 am to 06.30 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Sivagiri Temple is an important pilgrimage center that is situated at Varkala which is at an approximate distance of about 50 kilometers from the city Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is built in the form of an “ashram” which was founded by Sri Narayan Guru, a great philosopher and saint of Kerala. At this particular place, thus saint got enlightenment and salvation. His burial place or “Samadhi” is also located inside the ashram.
Sivagiri Temple or the “mutt” was founded by Narayan Guru in 1904. Present on the top of Sivagiri hills, this revered pace attracts myriad tourists who come to pay devotion to the revered sage. As Narayan Guru took his last breath in 1928, a Samadhi was built here and is visited by a number of devotees who come from different parts of India to be a part of Sivagiri pilgrimage. This sacred procession that takes every year initiates on December 30 and ends on the first of January.
History Behind the Temple and Pilgrimage
Narayan Guru laid the foundation of the hermitage over a hill in 1904. The hill soon became popular among the people from nearby areas who started visiting the place, offering several gifts to Guru. Soon the hill was granted to him and since then, it became a highly revered place. After doing a number of journeys, he installed the image of the goddess Sharda at the Ashram premises.
Rational Concept
After having discourses with his companions, Narayan Guru introduced novel ideas about Sivagiri Temple that were different from the traditional concepts of temples. He suggested the formation of a unique temple where deities would not be offered any food or other items like oil, milk etc. A simple structure well ventilated with windows was devised. There was no place for the tantric practices inside the temple premises. A single idol of Sharda was placed by him. He wrote a sacred poem called janani navaratna manjari in her praise. He also suggested that no money should be squandered over Festivities.
He further set rules that must be followed by all. According to Guru, rooms of the temple should be big enough for the devotees to sit comfortably. The money that comes from donation must be spent for the welfare of downtrodden. He shunned the idea of building ponds in the temple premises as their cleanliness is not possible on every single day.
Sivagiri Pilgrimage
The idea of the holy pilgrimage was the brainchild of two followers called Govindan and Kittan Writer. The idea was accepted by Guru who set the goals of the pilgrimage. A number of guidelines were also laid down to be followed by pilgrims to Sivagiri Temple. He advised the pilgrims to wear yellow cloths on their way to the temple and further stated that there is no need to buy new yellow cloths for the pilgrimage.
Festivals
Today, Sivagiri Temple is a sacred pilgrimage place that is attended by a number of devotees from all over India. The occasions that are celebrated with much fanfare are Narayan Jayanti and Samadhi day. You can be the part of birthday celebrations that take place in the month of August. Devotees don yellow attires as they star the pilgrimage. A number of discourses on modernization concepts like woman upliftment take place during pilgrimages.
Weather
- Summer (March to June): During the summer months, the weather around Varkala and Sivagiri can be warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
- Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, with lush greenery all around. Rainfall can be quite intense during this period.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November): After the monsoon, the weather becomes more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- Winter (December to February): The winter season is relatively mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sivagiri Temple is during the post-monsoon and winter months, from October to February when the weather is comfortable for temple visits and outdoor exploration. The temple also hosts the annual Sivagiri Pilgrimage, which takes place from December 30th to January 1st and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is approximately 55 kilometers away from Varkala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sivagiri Temple.
- By Train: Varkala Railway Station is the nearest railway station, located about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Sivagiri Temple. It is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India.
- By Road: Varkala is well-connected by road. You can reach it by bus or taxi from nearby cities like Thiruvananthapuram, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.
[Also Read: Popular Hindu Temples in Kerala]
