Choroonu at Guruvayoor Temple: Timings, Booking Process and What Families Should Know
For many families in Kerala, Choroonu is a very special occasion. It is the ceremony where a baby is given rice for the first time. This is usually done when the baby is around six months old. The ceremony is also known as Annaprashan.
Many families choose to conduct Choroonu at Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple because of the temple’s spiritual importance. For devotees, performing the baby’s first rice-feeding ceremony in the presence of Guruvayurappan makes the occasion even more meaningful.
If you are planning a Choroonu at Guruvayoor, you may have several questions. When is the ceremony conducted? How can you book it? What should you carry? Where should your family stay?
This guide explains the important things you should know before planning your baby’s Choroonu at Guruvayoor Temple
What Happens During the Choroonu Ceremony?
The Choroonu ceremony is conducted at the Choroonu Hall, located on the first floor of the old ticket counter building inside the Guruvayoor Temple premises.
The ceremony is simple and usually takes only a few minutes.
- The baby sits on the lap of a parent or grandparent.
- Cooked rice, payasam and plantain are arranged on a banana leaf.
- The baby is given a small portion of the food.
- The temple priest offers prayers for the baby’s health and wellbeing.
- Family members can also be present and take part in the special moment.
Although the ceremony is short, it is an important memory for parents and grandparents. Many families take photographs and keep the memories for years.
Choroonu Timings, Tickets and Other Details
The timing and procedures at the temple can change, so it is always better to confirm the latest information before your visit.
Here are some important details:
| Details | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Daily timing | Generally conducted from early morning to early afternoon, with an additional evening slot |
| Ticket | Available at the temple counter before entering the Choroonu Hall |
| Photography | A separate ticket is required if you want the ceremony photographed |
| Blackout days | The ceremony is not conducted on Ekadashi or Vavu night |
| After the ceremony | The Choroonu ticket allows the parents and child to enter the main temple (Nalambalam) directly, avoiding the general darshan queue |
Temple timings, fees and booking procedures may be changed by the Devaswom. So, check the latest information directly with the temple before your travel date.
How to Book Choroonu at Guruvayoor Temple
The Guruvayoor Devaswom provides an online booking option for Annaprasam/Choroonu. Booking can also be done at the temple counter.
If you are planning to book online, keep these points in mind:
- Eligibility: According to the Devaswom terms, only bonafide Hindu devotees can conduct Annaprasam/Choroonu.
- ID proof: Carry the original ID proof that was used while making the booking.
- Booking receipt: Carry a printed copy of the booking receipt.
- Online booking charge: The Devaswom does not charge an additional service fee for online booking. You pay the ceremony fee.
- Refund: If the ceremony cannot be conducted for reasons beyond the Devaswom’s control, the amount paid is refunded according to the applicable refund policy.
It is best to use the official Guruvayoor Devaswom website for online booking and check the terms shown during the booking process.
How to Choose a Date for Choroonu?
Choosing the date is an important part of planning a Choroonu.
Some families choose a date based on the baby’s nakshatra or birth star. Others prefer an auspicious date according to the Malayalam calendar. Chingam, which generally falls around August and September, is also a popular period for many families.
Family availability is another important factor. Choroonu is often attended by parents, grandparents, siblings and other close family members.
If you have flexibility with dates, consider choosing a weekday outside major festival periods. Weekends and auspicious dates can be busier, which may be less comfortable when travelling with a small baby.
Things Families Often Forget
Planning a ceremony with a baby can be difficult if you don’t prepare in advance. Here are some things worth checking:
Check the date
Make sure your selected date does not fall on Ekadashi or Vavu night, when the ceremony is not conducted.
Carry the correct ID
If you booked online, carry the original ID used during the booking. Also carry a printed copy of the booking receipt.
Check photography arrangements
If you want photographs of the ceremony, remember that the photography ticket is separate from the main ceremony ticket.
Think about your baby’s comfort
Early morning ceremonies mean you may need to wake up early. This can be difficult for a small baby, especially if you are travelling from another city or state.
Staying close to the temple can make the morning much easier.
Plan accommodation for the whole family
Choroonu is often a family event. Grandparents and other relatives may also travel with you. So, choose accommodation that is comfortable for everyone.
These practical points are especially important when planning a family trip with a young baby.
Where to Stay Near Guruvayoor Temple?
Choosing a hotel close to the temple can make your Choroonu trip more comfortable.
For families looking for accommodation near the temple, Mangala Temple View is located about 350 metres from Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple. This short distance can be useful when you have a baby and elderly family members with you.
You can easily return to the hotel after the ceremony to freshen up or rest.
Why Mangala Temple View Can Be Convenient for Families
Different room options: Mangala Temple View offers Suite, Executive and Deluxe rooms, giving families different options based on their requirements.
Vegetarian restaurant: The hotel’s in-house restaurant offers South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Tandoor dishes. This can be convenient when the whole family wants to have a meal after the ceremony without travelling to another location.
Banquet hall: The hotel has a banquet hall with a capacity of more than 300 people, which can be useful if you are planning a family gathering or meal along with the occasion.
Boardroom: A 12-seat boardroom is also available for smaller meetings or family arrangements.
You can check the available Suite, Executive and Deluxe rooms, as well as the restaurant and banquet facilities, before making your booking.
Simple Choroonu Travel Checklist
Before leaving for Guruvayoor, make sure you have everything ready:
- Check that your selected date is not Ekadashi or Vavu night.
- Confirm the latest Choroonu timing and ticket price.
- If booking online, use the official Guruvayoor Devaswom website.
- Print your booking receipt.
- Carry the original ID used for the booking.
- Decide whether you need a separate photography ticket.
- Pack the baby’s traditional outfit.
- Book a hotel close to Guruvayoor Temple.
- Make accommodation arrangements for grandparents and other family members travelling with you.
Plan a Comfortable Choroonu Trip
Choroonu is a short ceremony, but it is a very special moment for the whole family. Planning the booking, travel, accommodation and baby’s needs in advance can make the day much more comfortable.
If you are travelling with a baby and elderly family members, staying close to Guruvayoor Temple can save time and reduce the stress of travelling early in the morning.
For accommodation close to Guruvayoor Temple, you can contact Mangala Temple View at +91 4872 550860 or check the available rooms and facilities.
FAQs
What is the difference between Choroonu and Annaprashan?
There is no major difference. Choroonu is the Malayalam name commonly used in Kerala, while Annaprashan is the Sanskrit term used for the same first rice-feeding ceremony.
Is online booking available for Choroonu at Guruvayoor?
Yes. The Guruvayoor Devaswom provides online booking for Annaprasam/Choroonu. You can also check availability and booking procedures at the temple counter. It is recommended to confirm the latest information before your visit.
Who can perform Choroonu at Guruvayoor Temple?
According to the Devaswom terms provided in the source material, only bonafide Hindu devotees are permitted to conduct Annaprasam/Choroonu at the temple.
What should I carry if I book Choroonu online?
Carry the printed booking receipt and the original ID proof used during the booking.
Is photography allowed during Choroonu?
Photography is generally permitted with a separate photography ticket. It is not automatically included with the main Choroonu ticket.