GURUVAYUR: The darshan hours at Guruvayur temple will be increased from the first day of Thulam (the third month in a traditional Malayalam calendar). The decision by the Devaswom Board of Trustees is expected to bring respite to the heavy rush experienced in the temple during the last few days.

The temple, which will open at 3 am from the first day of Thulam, Saturday, October 18, will close only at 3 pm. After being closed for only an hour in the afternoon, the temple will open again at 4 pm. Thereafter, darshan will continue till 9 pm.

Currently, the temple closes at 2 pm. It reopens at 4:30 pm. During the last few days, the temple could only be closed at 2:30 pm, due to the heavy rush of devotees. The temple's Tantri had also suggested extending the darshan time to deal with the rush.