Sivagiri Muttvarkala
A Serene Spiritual Retreat
Overview
A religious center with a prayer hall, ornate temples and accommodation, blending spirituality and social reform.
What To Expect?
A vast, sprawling campus spread across 200 acres of hilly terrain. Expect a deeply peaceful atmosphere centered around the Samadhi (tomb) of Sree Narayana Guru and the unique Sarada Mutt temple dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge. The architecture is simple, elegant, and devoid of traditional ritualistic complexity.
Tips
- Wear modest clothing to respect the spiritual and cultural values of the Mutt.
- Maintain strict silence, especially while visiting the Samadhi and prayer halls.
- Try to visit during the 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' in late December to witness the vibrant cultural and religious gatherance (though it gets very crowded).
- Photography may be restricted inside specific shrines; always look for signage or ask the staff.
- Check out the publications and literature based on Sree Narayana Guru's teachings at the on-site bookstall.
Exploring Sivagiri Mutt
More About Sivagiri Mutt
Established by the renowned social reformer and saint Sree Narayana Guru in 1904, Sivagiri Mutt is a significant pilgrimage center in Kerala. It stands on a hillock in Varkala and represents the Guru's philosophy of 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for Man'.
The Mutt is unique because of its focus on education and social upliftment rather than traditional rituals. The main attractions include the Sarada Mutt, which the Guru himself designed to resemble the shape of a blooming lotus, and the Guru Deva Samadhi, which attracts millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace.
Exploring a destination...
The joy of travel comes in exploring new things. Planting your feet somewhere you’ve never been before brings with it the rush of discovery and the joy of pushing back on the boundaries of your world.
Discover a new city through a food tour. Food tour’s are the easiest way to take a tour, learn about the local delicacies, and the best of all, get great tips that aren’t just “local” tips for tourists, but sometimes, lessons for a lifetime too
Use Public Transportation. When you are in a new city, you can possibly see places and people that you wouldn’t normally see when simply walking to the places that checks your list. Some buses or rails take you to parts of the city you wouldn’t get to see otherwise.
Find a local festival. Go beyond what other tourists might do while visiting a place. Look for the unique things you would want to do. Use social media or the local tourism website to find out what’s going on locally.
How to reach Sivagiri Mutt
Located at the heart of Varkala, the Mutt is just 3 km from the Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaws or taxis from the station and the cliff area.
Tips for Visiting Sivagiri Mutt, varkala
- Wear modest clothing to respect the spiritual and cultural values of the Mutt.
- Maintain strict silence, especially while visiting the Samadhi and prayer halls.
- Try to visit during the 'Sivagiri Pilgrimage' in late December to witness the vibrant cultural and religious gatherance (though it gets very crowded).
- Photography may be restricted inside specific shrines; always look for signage or ask the staff.
- Check out the publications and literature based on Sree Narayana Guru's teachings at the on-site bookstall.
