Guruvayur: A historic day is set to unfold in Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple as it prepares for an unprecedented number of weddings. More than 350 couples are expected to celebrate their nuptials at the famed temple, surpassing the previous record of 277 weddings set on August 26, 2017. The previous high before that was 264 marriages on September 4, 2016. This Sunday, considered one of the most auspicious days in the month of Chingam, has drawn couples from across the state.

 

  • Guruvayur Devaswom is making extensive preparations to ensure the ceremonies run smoothly. Plans include setting up 6 marriage mandapams from the usual 4. Weddings will start at 5 am, though an earlier start may be considered, pending approval from the Tantri.
  • A special pandal has been erected near the Pattar pond south of the temple to accommodate brides, grooms, and their families. Each wedding party, including up to 20 people, will be admitted to the hall based on token allotment. Access to the ‘mandapam’ will be through the Melpathur Auditorium, with other relatives can enter from the east side. Only wedding parties are permitted on the walkway.
  • Between 8 am and 11 am, 220 weddings are scheduled to occur, with ceremonies continuing without interruption. There will be a break from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm for ‘Nivedyam,’ during which time no weddings will take place.
  • The queue for temple ‘darshan’ will be rerouted to the north side, starting from the walkway in front of the pond and leading to the main pandal.
  • To manage the expected crowds, vehicles will be barred from parking on the inner ring road. The police have requested additional parking arrangements from the Devaswom and the Municipal Corporation to accommodate the influx of visitors.