Sivagiri Mutt
ശിവഗിരി മഠം
The ashram and mausoleum of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru, a major spiritual center in Kerala where hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gather each year at the turn of the year.
Sivagiri sits on a small hill just east of Varkala railway station. It was founded by Sree Narayana Guru, the most influential social reformer in early 20th-century Kerala, whose teaching was "One caste, one religion, one god for humankind." He passed away here in 1928, and his mahasamadhi (tomb) is the focus of pilgrimage. The grounds are peaceful, with a white Saraswati temple, a library, and a lecture hall. Pilgrims often wear yellow. Crowds are huge during the pilgrimage season from December 30 to January 1. Entry is free. Remove your shoes before entering the shrine and keep silent.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–20:00
Nearby sights
- Varkala
- Janardanaswamy Temple
- Varkala North Cliff Walk
- Ponnumthuruthu (Golden Island)
- Kappil Beach
- Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort
- Jatayu Earth's Center
- Veli Tourist Village