Thrissur: The nationwide strike failed to dampen the spiritual fervor at Guruvayur Temple, as tens of thousands of devotees gathered undeterred to seek the divine blessings of Guruvayurappan. According to the Guruvayur Devaswom Board, over 10,000 pilgrims were served prasadam, marking an extraordinary turnout on a bandh day.
With hotels closed due to the strike, the Devaswom’s prasadam service became a lifeline, ensuring no devotee went hungry. From as early as 5 AM, crowds began lining up at Annalakshmi Hall after completing darshan. The breakfast menu—featuring idlis, upma, chutney, sambar, and herbal tea—was extended until 9:30 AM to accommodate the swelling crowd.
More than 3,000 devotees partook in the morning prasadam. Later, from 10 AM till after 3 PM, a hearty lunch prasadam of rice, cowpea curry, ash gourd curry, vegetable dishes, rasam, and pickles was served. The seamless distribution reflected the temple’s well-organized preparations and unwavering commitment to its devotees.
Adding to the spiritual atmosphere, the temple also hosted numerous weddings, amplifying the festive mood despite the general shutdown elsewhere in the state.
The Devaswom Board praised the calm and devotion of the pilgrims, calling the day a shining example of faith rising above disruptions, and reaffirming Guruvayur’s place as one of the most resilient and revered spiritual hubs in India.
