Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
#11 of 21 Places to Visit in Varkala
Distance (From Varkala Railway Station): 3 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab / Auto
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 3 km from Varkala Railway Station, Sivagiri Mutt is situated on a hillock in Varkala. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Kerala, and among the best Varkala places to visit.
Sivagiri Mutt is founded by the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru in the year 1904. Sivagiri Mutt is also the headquarters of Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Sangham (SNDP), Guru's organization to spread his ideas and thoughts. The disciples and followers of the Guru run the headquarters of Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham at the Sivagiri Mutt. The Mutt's mission is to disseminate and propagate the teachings and principles of Sree Narayana Guru such as 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man' and to do service to humanity as conceived by the Guru.
Spread over 200 acres of hilly terrain, the Sivagiri Mutt is placed on a high platform. The tomb of Sree Narayana Guru is a major attraction of this place attracting many tourists. There is also the Guru's residence and it displays his personal belongings. This pilgrim center has an octagonal shape Saradha Temple and an elementary school. The main idol, Goddess Saraswati, here was consecrated by the Guru himself.
This ashram celebrates Guru Deva Jayanti (in August) and the Guru Deva Samadhi (in September) every year. On Guru Deva Jayanthi day, the birthday of the Guru, colorful processions, debates, seminars, public meetings, and cultural shows are conducted. The Mutt is heavily visited during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage on 30th December - 1st January every year. Thousands in yellow attire flock towards Sivagiri for the annual pilgrimage.
Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Entry: Free