Govindavadi Temple, also popularly known as Gurusthalam or Dakshinamurthy Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in Govindavadi village, near Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. This ancient shrine is uniquely dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, a rare and powerful form of Lord Shiva as the cosmic teacher (Guru). The temple is a prime destination for those seeking wisdom, clarity, spiritual growth, and removal of planetary doshas, especially related to Guru (Jupiter).
This temple is believed to be the only standalone shrine exclusively for Dakshinamurthy in India and is visited by thousands of devotees every Thursday, which is considered highly auspicious.
Govindavadi Temple – Short Summary
-
Temple Name: Govindavadi Temple / Gurusthalam
-
Location: Govindavadi Village, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu – 631502
-
Main Deity: Lord Dakshinamurthy (Aspect of Shiva as a teacher)
-
Managed By: HR & CE Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
-
Significance: Only temple is solely dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy
-
Temple Structure: South-facing deity without a gopuram
-
Darshan Time Required: 3–4 Hours
-
Booking Modes: Online & Offline
-
Major Festivals:
-
Guru Puja (Chithirai – April-May)
-
Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter Transit Days)
-
Mahashivaratri Sangabishekam (Masi – Feb-March)
-
-
Official Portal: Available through HR & CE Online Services
Temple Darshan Timings 2025
| Particular | Timing | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 07:00 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Morning Darshan | 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Darshan Break | 12:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Evening Darshan | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Temple Closing | 08:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Thursday Special | 05:00 AM – 08:00 PM | Every Thursday |
Pooja/Aarti Schedule
| Pooja Name | Timing | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kalasandhi Pooja | 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Daily |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Daily |
| Sayaraksha Pooja | 05:30 PM – 06:00 PM | Daily |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 07:45 PM – 08:00 PM | Daily |
Pooja, Abhishekam & Seva Costs
| Service / Seva Name | Ticket Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Abhisekam | ₹2500 |
| Santhanakappu | ₹3500 |
| Archanai | ₹5 |
| Ghee Lamp | ₹1 |
| Malai Sathuthal | ₹5 |
| Special Entrance | ₹10 |
| Sheegra Darshan | ₹50 |
| Guru Parihara Pooja | ₹100 |
Opening & Closing Timings (Day-wise)
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Thursday | 05:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Friday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Saturday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
| Sunday | 07:00 AM | 08:00 PM |
Note: Thursdays are especially auspicious and more crowded due to the spiritual significance of Guru.
How to Book Govindavadi Temple Pooja Online
You can book Pooja and Sevas through the official Tamil Nadu HR & CE portal. Here’s how:
-
Visit the official portal: TN HR & CE Temple Services
-
Search for “Arulmigu Kailasanathar & Dhakshanamoorthi Temple, Govindavadi”
-
Click on “Online Booking Services”.
-
Select “e-Ticket Verification”.
-
Choose from Paid or Free Services
-
Enter your Mobile Number, Email, and Captcha Code
-
Select the service, date, and time slot
-
Fill in your personal details and photo ID proof
-
Confirm and proceed to the payment page
-
Download your e-Ticket and receive confirmation on your registered mobile/email
Contact Details
-
Temple Address:
Arulmigu Kailasanathar & Dhakshanamoorthi Temple,
Govindavadi, Kancheepuram – 631502, Tamil Nadu -
Phone Numbers:
-
+91 93809 57562
-
+91 94447 54773
-
Landline: +91 44-2729 4200
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Govindavadi Temple famous for?
It is the only temple exclusively dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, the teacher form of Lord Shiva.
Q: What is the best day to visit the temple?
Thursday is considered the most auspicious day for Guru-related prayers and sees the highest footfall.
Q: Can I book Poojas online for the Govindavadi Temple?
Yes, pooja bookings are available online via the TN HR & CE Department’s portal.
Q: What are the timings for Archanai and Abhisekam?
Archanai can be done anytime during darshan hours; Abhisekam is typically scheduled early morning and requires prior booking.
Q: Are there special entry tickets?
Yes, you can opt for Special Entrance (₹10) or Sheegra Darshan (₹50) tickets.