Sivagiri Pilgrimage, also known as Sivagiri Theerthadanam in Malayalam, is a popular religious pilgrimage. The distinctive character of the place makes it different from other pilgrimage sites. Located in Varkala town of Kerala, Sivagiri is the place where social reformer and sage Sree Narayana Guru’s tomb is located.
History
A nature lover, Sree Narayana Guru built a hermitage on top of the Sivagiri Hill, grew some plants around the place and stayed there. As per popular beliefs, that solitary hill began to attract public attention ever since Gurudevan appeared there. Later Sivagiri grew into the nerve centre of Sree Narayana movements. The places started to get flocked with tourists coming from all over the country to have darshan of Gurudevan.
The Sivagiri Mutt, instituted and founded by Sree Narayan Guru, is a beautiful construction constituting of the Mahasamadhi and Sree Narayan’s residence. Spread over a large area of 200 acres, the Mutt houses the belongings of the Guru, and a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge).
The Sivagiri Pilgrimage is conducted between and 30th December-1st January. Guru Deva Jayanti, the birth date and Samadhi Day of revered Sree Narayan Guru falls in August and September. The festivals are celebrated with colourful processions, debates and seminars, public meetings, cultural shows, community feasts, group wedding and rituals.
From historical sites to cultural attractions, there is a lot that this place has to offer. The Big Lake, popularly known as the Emerald Lake is a popular attraction here. The lake is surrounded with rich gardens maintained at the shores and mountains that form the perfect backdrop. There is an island in the middle of the lake where one can find the Deer Park. The area serves as the perfect spot for picnic.
Best time to visit
Apart from the monsoon season, all the other seasons are considered perfect to visit Sivagiri. The place is crowded with not just the devotees of Sree Narayan Guru, but other enthusiastic visitors who visit the temple extensively. Visiting the place during the birth anniversary celebration will leave the visitors in awe.
How to reach
The Sivagiri mutt is located in the quaint surroundings. Therefore, one has to take a short trek to reach it. The place has a well-established connectivity of roadways, railways and airways.
Nearest Railway Station - Varkala Railway Station
Nearest Airport - Trivandrum International Airport
+91 987 357 9007 
