Guruvayur temple set to host over 400 weddings on September 13

The famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is set to host more than 400 weddings on September 13, with 409 ceremonies already booked for the day, temple authorities said on Thursday.

September 13 falls on the last Sunday of the Malayalam month of Chingam and is considered an auspicious day for weddings.

The Guruvayur Devaswom said the number of ceremonies could rise further as bookings will remain open until the eve of the weddings.

With a large turnout expected, the Devaswom, in coordination with police, is making arrangements to ensure smooth darshan and the orderly conduct of the ceremonies.

Additional police personnel will be deployed inside and outside the temple and across the temple town to manage the anticipated rush and ensure devotees' safety.

The weddings will begin at 4 am to ensure that all ceremonies are completed on time. Six mandapams will be arranged for the 'thalikettu' ceremony, while additional staff will be deployed at the wedding venue to assist with the rituals.

A traditional musical ensemble will also be stationed near the venue, the Devaswom said.

The eastern entrance of the temple will be made completely one-way to regulate the movement of devotees and ease congestion.

Devaswom chairman A V Gopinath and administrator S Harigopal appealed to devotees to cooperate with the authorities to ensure smooth darshan and the conduct of the wedding ceremonies.

The temple authorities will also ensure that CCTV cameras installed inside and outside the shrine and across the temple town remain operational. Security personnel have been deployed for round-the-clock surveillance.

Strict legal action will be taken against any anti-social activities detected, the Devaswom said.

The preparations come after more than 1.5 lakh devotees visited the temple on the recent Ashtami Rohini day, Gopinath said. Around 50,000 devotees also participated in the special 'prasada oottu' (feast) organised on the occasion, according to the Devaswom.