Guruvayur Ekadasi is observed in Burberry Outlet London the famous Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur in Kerala. It is observed in the Vrischikam month as per traditional Malayalam calendar. Guruvayur Ekadasi 2017 date is November 30. The corresponding Ekadasi in other regions in some year is known as Mokshada Ekadasi or Prabodini Ekadasi. The Geeta Jayanti is also observed on the day in certain years.

The temple does not close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum on Ekadasi day. The temple doors which opens on at 0300 hrs on Dasami, the day before Ekadasi, is only closed at 0900 hrs on Dwadasi Day – the day after Ekadashi.

Ekadasi Vilakku (from October 31, 2017)

One of the most important rituals associated with Guruvayur Ekadashi is the lighting of Ekadasi Vilakku (lamps). It starts a month before the actual Ekadasi day – two Ekadasis before the actual Guruvayur Ekadasi.

The entire temple is lit with traditional lamps during the period.

The oil and the necessary items required for the ritual are offered by the devotees.

On Ekadasi after night pooja the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place. Hundreds of devotees arrive to witness this unique event.

Honoring of  elephant Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan

Lord Guruvayurappan is the owner of the largest number of elephants in India and on the Ekadashi day, there are special elephant processions.

A highlight of the Ekadasi is the honoring of the elephant Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan – an elephant that attained legendary status when it was alive and is still remembered and honored at the temple. Guruvayur Kesavan had died on a Guruvayur Ekadasi day.

On the day, the leader of the elephants at Punnathur Kotta of the Guruvayur Temple places a garland at the statue of Guruvayur Kesavan and all the elephants stand around and pay obeisance.

There is also a grant elephant procession to the nearby Parthasarathy Temple as it is the day when Bhagavad Gita was rendered to Arjuna by Lord Krishna – Geeta Jayanti, which is known as Geethopadesam Day here.

Dwadasi Panam

On the Dwadasi day, there is a unique custom of offering Dwadasi Panam in the Koothambalam of the temple. The Dwadasi Panam is a token amount of money and it is considered highly auspicious.