Guruvayur Temple Palpayasam Timings Offering Online Booking
Palpayasam is the celebrated sweet milk-rice payasam (kheer) offered to Lord Krishna at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur district, Kerala, and it is one of the temple’s most sought-after vazhipadu (ritual offerings). You can offer it in two ways: book and pay for it so the temple prepares and offers it in your name and gotra, or, in the traditional way, sponsor it at the Devaswom counter. Booking is possible either at the vazhipadu counter inside the temple complex or in advance through the official Guruvayur Devaswom online portal. As an indicative figure, the basic Palpayasam offering is around ₹55, with larger measures (500 ml and 1 litre) priced higher. Always confirm the current rate and slot on the official portal before you travel.
What is Palpayasam at Guruvayur?
“Pal” means milk and “payasam” means the sweet rice pudding, so Palpayasam is a rich porridge of rice slow-cooked in milk and sugar. At Guruvayur it is prepared inside the temple kitchen as part of the daily nivedyam (food offered to the deity) and is closely associated with the temple’s centuries-old tradition of food offerings to Guruvayurappan. After it is offered to the Lord, a portion is returned to the sponsoring devotee as prasadam. Devotees offer Palpayasam to mark birthdays, weddings, thanksgiving, or simply as an act of devotion for the family’s wellbeing.
How to offer / book Palpayasam
There are two practical routes, and both are officially recognised:
- At the temple (vazhipadu counter): Go to the Devaswom offerings (vazhipadu) counter inside the temple, pay for the Palpayasam, and you will be given a receipt/ticket. The temple then prepares and offers it in the name and gotra you provide, and prasadam is handed back to you.
- Online in advance: The Guruvayur Devaswom operates an official online booking system for vazhipadu, darshan, prasadam and accommodation. New users register with their mobile number/OTP and details; existing users simply log in, select the Palpayasam offering, choose the date, enter devotee name and gotra, and pay online.
Some devotees traditionally prepare payasam themselves and bring it to be offered; if you intend to do this, confirm the current practice and any counter timing directly with the Devaswom, as procedures are managed by the temple administration and can change.
Palpayasam rate (indicative)
Offering rates are fixed by the Devaswom and are modest. The figures below reflect the rates listed on the official Guruvayur Devaswom vazhipadu booking system at the time of writing; treat them as indicative and verify the live rate before booking.
| Offering | Indicative rate |
|---|---|
| Palpayasam (standard) | ₹55 |
| Palpayasam 500 ml | ₹110 |
| Palpayasam 1 litre | ₹220 |
Rates can be revised by the Devaswom without notice, so the amount shown at the counter or on the portal at the time of booking is the one that applies.
Guruvayur temple timings
Palpayasam offering follows the temple’s daily pooja and nivedyam schedule rather than a separate all-day counter window. The temple opens very early and closes late, with a long midday break:
| Session | Timing (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Morning | Opens ~3:00 AM; darshan until ~1:30 PM |
| Midday closure | ~1:30 PM to ~4:30 PM (temple closed) |
| Evening | ~4:30 PM until ~9:15 PM |
Timings shift during festivals such as Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini and the annual Utsavam, so check the official portal for the day you plan to visit. Vazhipadu counters generally operate during the temple’s open hours; confirm the Palpayasam booking window with the Devaswom.
Dress code and entry
Guruvayur follows a strict traditional dress code, which is enforced at the entrance:
- Men: Dhoti (mundu) worn around the waist; the upper body is generally kept bare or covered with an angavastram. Shirts, T-shirts, banians and trousers are not permitted inside.
- Women: Saree, set-mundu, half-saree, or salwar-kameez/churidar with dupatta. Modern western wear is not allowed.
- Children: Traditional attire is preferred.
Please note factually that, as at several traditional Kerala temples, entry to the Guruvayur temple is restricted to Hindus only, in keeping with the temple’s long-standing customs.
How to reach Guruvayur
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By train | Guruvayur Railway Station (GUV) is about 1 km from the temple; Thrissur (TCR), ~29 km away, has wider long-distance connectivity. |
| By air | Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery), ~80 km, is the nearest airport; Calicut (Kozhikode) airport is another option. |
| By road | Well connected by KSRTC and private buses; Thrissur ~29 km, Kochi ~90 km. |
Frequently asked questions
What is Palpayasam at Guruvayur?
It is the sweet milk-and-rice payasam (kheer) prepared in the temple kitchen and offered to Lord Guruvayurappan, then returned to the sponsoring devotee as prasadam.
How much does a Palpayasam offering cost?
The basic offering is around ₹55, with 500 ml at about ₹110 and 1 litre at about ₹220. These are indicative Devaswom rates; confirm the current amount on the official portal.
Can I book Palpayasam online?
Yes. The official Guruvayur Devaswom online portal lets you register/log in, choose the Palpayasam vazhipadu, pick a date, enter your name and gotra, and pay. You can also book directly at the temple’s vazhipadu counter.
What are the temple timings?
The temple is generally open from about 3:00 AM to 1:30 PM and again from about 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM, with variations on festival days.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Men wear a dhoti (no shirts/trousers); women wear saree, set-mundu or salwar-kameez with dupatta. The dress code is enforced at the entrance.
Can non-Hindus enter the temple?
No. As per the temple’s traditional customs, entry is restricted to Hindu devotees.
Click here to know the details about Guruvayoor Temple Neyvilakku Offering
Sources & last verified (July 2026)
- Guruvayur Devaswom official vazhipadu online booking portal – https://booking.guruvayurappantemple.com/
- Guruvayur Devaswom official website – https://guruvayurdevaswom.in/
- Guruvayur Devaswom offerings page – https://guruvayurdevaswom.nic.in/offerings/offerings
- Guruvayur temple darshan timings & how-to-reach references – https://guruvayoor.in/darshan-timings.html
This site (tirumalatirupationline.com) is an independent pilgrim-information guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or partnered with the Guruvayur Devaswom, TTD, or any temple or government body. Offering rates, timings and rules are set by the Guruvayur Devaswom and can change; always confirm on the official portal before travelling.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
