The revered Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is preparing to welcome thousands of devotees for the Vishu Kani Darshan, which will be held in the early hours of April 14, 2025 (Monday). According to the Guruvayur Devaswom Board, this sacred annual event will take place between 2:45 am and 3:45 am, offering a unique spiritual experience to all who attend.
What Is Vishu Kani Darshan?
The Vishu Kani Darshan is a cherished ritual observed on the Malayali New Year, Vishu. Devotees believe that viewing auspicious items—collectively known as the "Kani"—at dawn on Vishu brings prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
At the Guruvayur Temple, the Kani will be displayed on the right side of the sanctum sanctorum, in front of the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan. The idol will be majestically seated on the Swarnasimhasanam (golden throne) and adorned with traditional ornaments like aalavattam (ceremonial fan), venchamaram (white whisk), and nettipattam (gold forehead piece).
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What Does the Kani Display Include?
The sacred display, arranged in an otturuli (traditional vessel), includes a variety of symbolic and auspicious items:
- Dried paddy
- Cucumber
- Kanikkonna (golden shower flowers)
- Jackfruit and mango
- Hand mirror
- Holy scriptures
- Freshly washed mundu (traditional white cloth)
- Gold ornaments
- New currency notes
Devotees will be able to view this arrangement directly from the Namaskara Mandapam as they enter the temple.
Opening of the Sanctum and Rituals
The chief priest (melshanti), Kavapramarath Achyuthan Namboothiri, will open the Sreelakavathil (inner sanctum door) shortly after 2 am. He will be joined by assistant priests (keezhshantikars) to begin the traditional rituals.
The ceremonial steps include:
- Breaking a coconut
- Lighting a lamp
- Placing the Kani offering on the golden throne
- Offering prayers to the deity
- Only after these rituals will the public darshan begin.
As part of the tradition, the chief priest will offer Vishu Kaineettam, a symbolic gift of coins, to devotees. The temple will also celebrate Vishu Vilakku, lighting festive lamps to mark the occasion.
Important Notice for Devotees
Due to the expected large turnout, the Devaswom Board has announced restrictions on special and VIP darshan:
- No VIP or special darshan will be available on April 14, 2025.
- From April 12 to April 20, VIP and special darshan will be suspended between 6 am and 2 pm.
- Devotees must use the regular queue system for access during this time.
However, those who have offered the Rs 1000 Neyvilakku (ghee lamp) will be granted access to a special darshan arrangement.
Vishu at the Guruvayur Temple is a deeply spiritual and culturally significant event. From the carefully arranged Vishu Kani to the grand darshan and rituals, it is a time for reflection, blessings, and renewal. With the arrangements in place, devotees are invited to witness the sacred beginning of the new year in the presence of Lord Guruvayurappan and embrace the spirit of devotion and prosperity.
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