Govindavadi Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in the small village of Govindavadi in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Dakshinamurthy, a teacher in a Yoga form.The temple has specific timings for visitors. It is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on most days. However, on Thursdays, the temple opens earlier at 5:00 AM and closes later at 9:00 PM. Special poojas (rituals) are performed on Thursdays for Guru Bhagavan, attracting a large number of devotees.

The temple offers various services for devotees, including Archanai (Rs. 5), Special Entrance (Rs. 10), Sheegra Darshan (Rs. 50), Ghee Lamp (Rs. 1), Maalai Sathuthal (Rs. 5), and Guru Parihara Ticket (Rs. 100). These services allow devotees to participate in the rituals and seek blessings.Govindavadi Temple is easily accessible by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is in Chennai, which is 70 km away. The nearest railway station is in Arakkonam, 15 km away. The temple can also be reached from Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, and Tiruttani.
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Overview of Govindavadi Temple
The Govindavadi Temple is a spiritually vibrant shrine devoted to Lord Dakshinamurthy, a rare form of Lord Shiva who is regarded as the universal teacher (Adi Guru). It is located in the quiet town of Govindavadi, close to Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. The unique feature of this temple is that it is solely devoted to Dakshinamurthy, which is unusual because he is usually found in Shiva temples as a subsidiary deity. Devotees, students, and wisdom seekers from all over South India are drawn to this place by its serene atmosphere, meditative vibrations, and distinctive rituals.
Being one of the few temples devoted exclusively to Lord Dakshinamurthy, the embodiment of ultimate knowledge and inner guidance, Govindavadi occupies a unique position in Hindu spiritual traditions. Sitting beneath a banyan tree, Dakshinamurthy is portrayed in Hindu iconography as teaching sages in silence. He stands for the guru-tattva, the idea of imparting knowledge through insight and silence. Students, astrologers, and spiritual seekers in particular travel to Govindavadi in search of mental clarity, academic success, and confusion-free living. Additionally, the temple is thought to balance planetary doshas, especially those associated with Jupiter (Guru Graha).
Best Time to Visit Govindavadi Temple
Although precise inscriptions are uncommon, the Govindavadi Temple’s origins are thought to date back several centuries to the Chola period. Lord Dakshinamurthy, the presiding deity, is seated facing the south (Dakshina), exuding wisdom and divine grace. This temple’s unconventional design is what makes it unique. One distinctive feature is that neither Lord Shiva nor Parvati have their own sanctum, highlighting Dakshinamurthy’s independence. The architecture of the temple promotes introspection and quiet. Devotees flock to the temple on Thursdays to offer yellow flowers, which are connected to Jupiter, perform Guru Puja, and light lamps.
Govindavadi Temple Darshan Timings (2025)
Regular Darshan Timings
For daily visits, the temple offers consistent darshan hours. Devotees can enjoy the peaceful environment throughout the day, with the morning and evening timings offering different spiritual experiences.
- Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Temple is closed for a short break)
- Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Temple Opening and Closing Timings
The temple follows fixed opening and closing hours, and there are no night darshans, except for select festivals. Below is a standard overview of opening and closing times:
- Opening Time: 6:00 AM
- Closing Time: 8:00 PM
- Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Govindavadi Temple Darshan
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Location | Govindavadi, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, India |
Deity | Lord Shiva (Dakshinamurthy) |
Temple Timings | Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Special Timing | Thursday: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Special Pooja Day | Thursday for Guru Bhagavan |
Archanai Fee | Rs. 5 |
Special Entrance | Rs. 10 |
Sheegra Darshan | Rs. 50 |
Ghee Lamp | Rs. 1 |
Maalai Sathuthal | Rs. 5 |
Guru Parihara | Rs. 100 |
Nearest Airport | Chennai (70 km away) |
Nearest Railway | Arakkonam (15 km away) |
Accessibility | Accessible via air, train, and road |
Significance | Major spiritual destination attracting pilgrims |
Timings of the Govindavadi Temple Darshan Timings
Day | Morning Timing | Evening Timing |
---|---|---|
Monday-Sunday | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Thursday | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
So, on most days, the temple is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening. On Thursdays, the temple has extended hours from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Govindavadi Temple Pooja Timings & Sevas
Daily Pooja Schedule
- Morning Pooja (Abhishekam): 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
- Morning Archana: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Noon Pooja: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Popular Sevas and Rituals
- Guru Puja (Thursdays): Special pooja to seek wisdom and blessings.
- Jupiter Graha Puja: For those affected by Jupiter-related doshas.
- Abhishekam: Milk, honey, and water offerings to purify and connect with the divine.
- Special Archana: Personalized chanting for blessings.
Special Poojas on Auspicious Days
- Sankranti & Tamil New Year: Extended pooja hours for prosperity.
- Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter Transit): Special poojas for Jupiter-related blessings.
- Ekadashi: Extended pooja hours and chanting.
- Shivaratri: All-night vigil and prayers.
Govindavadi Temple Darshan & Pooja Ticket Costs
Entry Fee (if any)
- Archanai (Archana): ₹5 per person
- Special Entrance: ₹10 per person
- Quick Darshan (Sheegra Darshan): ₹50 per person
- Ghee Lamp (Ghee Theebam): ₹1 per lamp
- Maalai Sathuthal (Offering Garland): ₹5 per garland
- Guru Parihara Ticket: ₹100 per person
Pooja Prices and Booking Charges
- Abhishekam (Ritual Bathing of the Deity): ₹2,500
- Santhanakappu (Blessing for Children): ₹3,500
- Guru Parihara Pooja: ₹100 per person
Govindavadi Temple Ticket prices
Seva/Darshan | Timing | Price |
---|---|---|
Archanai | During temple hours | Rs. 5 |
Special Entrance | During temple hours | Rs. 10 |
Sheegra Darshan | During temple hours | Rs. 50 |
Ghee Lamp | During temple hours | Rs. 1 |
Maalai Sathuthal | During temple hours | Rs. 5 |
Guru Parihara | During temple hours | Rs. 100 |
The temple is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on most days. On Thursdays, the temple opens earlier at 5:00 AM and closes later at 9:00 PM.
How to Book Online Darshan & Pooja Booking for 2025 Govindavadi Temple
Govindavadi Temple offers different types of darshan, special pujas, and other services. The temple is managed by the Tamil Nadu government and has an official website for online booking.
Follow these steps to book tickets online:
- Visit the Official Website
- Go to https://hrce.tn.gov.in.
- The homepage will open on your screen.
- Select Temple Booking Services
- Click on the Temple Booking Services option.
- A new page will open.
- Choose the Service
- Select the type of temple service you want.
- A list of available services will appear.
- Select Date & Time Slot
- Choose the date and time slot for your booking.
- Click on the Book button.
- Enter Devotee Details
- Fill in your name, contact number, and address.
- Enter the number of persons, gender, and other required details.
- Make Payment
- Click on the Submit button.
- Then, click on the Payment button.
- A payment page will open. Choose your preferred payment method and pay the temple service charges.
- Print the Ticket
- After successful payment, click on the Print Ticket button.
- Save or print the ticket for future reference.
Dress Code
Men:
- Traditional attire such as dhoti or lungi is preferred.
- Shirts and pants are acceptable, but no shorts or torn clothing.
Women:
- Traditional attire like sarees or salwar kameez is encouraged.
- Churidar and leggings are acceptable, but no skirts or revealing attire.
Footwear:
- Shoes and sandals are not allowed inside the temple. Devotees are expected to remove them at the entrance.
How To Reach the temple Govindavadi Temple Darshan 2025
Govindavadi Temple is well-connected and can be reached by air, train, and road:
By Road: The temple is accessible from nearby towns like Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, and Tiruttani. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the temple.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Chennai, which is about 70 km away from the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is in Arakkonam, which is approximately 15 km away.
What are The Contact Information
The contact information for the Govindavadi Sri Dakshinamurthy Temple is as follows:
Address: Sri Dakshinamurthy Temple, Govindavadi-631 502, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone Numbers:
- Landline: (+91) 44-2729 4200
- Mobile: (+91) 93809 57562, (+91) 94447 54773
For more information and online services, you can visit the official website managed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department: https://hrce.tn.gov.in.
Please note that temple timings and services may vary, so it’s advisable to contact the temple directly or check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Govindavadi Temple?
- Answer: The best time to visit is early mornings (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) for a peaceful darshan. Festivals like Guru Peyarchi and Ekadashi are busier.
2. Is there an entry fee for the temple?
- Answer: There is no general entry fee. Charges apply for services like Archana, Special Darshan, and Pooja Sevas, which are optional.
3. How can I book darshan or pooja online?
- Answer: You can book through the official HRCE website: https://hrce.tn.gov.in. Choose your service, date, and time slot.
4. What is the dress code for visitors?
- Answer: Traditional attire is preferred:
- Men: Dhoti or Lungi
- Women: Saree or Salwar Kameez
- No casual clothes like t-shirts or shorts and no footwear inside the temple.
5. Can I donate to the temple?
- Answer: Yes, donations can be made at the temple or online via the HRCE website. Special donations are available for specific poojas and sevas.
6. Are group bookings available?
- Answer: Yes, group bookings are available for special poojas and rituals. Contact the temple for details.
7. How long does it take for a typical darshan?
- Answer: A typical darshan lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the crowd and poojas being performed.
8. Is there accommodation near the temple?
Answer: Accommodation options are available in nearby areas like Kancheepuram. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during festivals.