Guruvayur Temple stands as one of the most renowned religious landmarks. The temple is in the town of Guruvayoor in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple draws visitors worldwide with its captivating architectural beauty and rich history.
There are numerous legends associated with the Guruvayoor Temple. One legend is that Krishna brought his parents’ idol to Dvaraka, predicting a deluge. Uddhava protected the idol, sending it to Brihaspati, who, with Vayu, installed it in Guruvayur. Shiva confirmed the divine choice, and Vishvakarma swiftly built the temple. Brihaspati and Vayu performed rituals, and the deity became ‘Guruvayurappan,’ residing in Guruvayur, the Bhooloka Vaikundam.
Guruvayur Festival Highlights:
- Aaratt Utsavam (Feb-March): A 10-day festival commencing with the hoisting of the temple flag, Guruvayurkodiyettam, featuring events like the elephant race (GuruvayurAanayottam).
- Guruvayur Ekadasi (Nov-Dec): Celebrated during Ekadasi in the month of Vrischikam, it is a grand annual event where millions gather to witness the opening of the temple doors at 3 a.m. It is auspicious to pray to the deity during this time.
- Janmashtami (July-Aug): The Rohini Nakshatra in the month of Chingam is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Festivities mark this joyous occasion.
- Chembai Music Festival: An annual Carnatic music festival held in memory of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. He was a popular Carnatic musician. This festival features performances by eminent musicians, paying tribute to his devotion to Lord Guruvayurappa.
Poonthanam Namboodiri, a humble devotee of Lord Guruvayurappan, expressed his devotion through a Malayalam lyric called “Jnanappana” praising the Lord. Melpathur Narayana Bhattithiri, another devoted follower of Guruvayoorappan, a Sanskrit scholar, composed the “Narayaneeyam“. It is a 1034-verse summary of the Bhagavata Purana in Sanskrit in 1586 AD. Melpathur Bhattithiri became a devotee of Guruvayoorappan. As he completed the final verse, he was miraculously cured of all his ailments.
The temple strictly follows a dress code. Men must wear dhotis and cannot wear shirts and banyans inside the temple. Women can wear sarees, Churidhars, salwar kameez, or skirts and tops. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple.
Offerings in the temple:
Udayastamana pooja, kalabhacharthu, Krishna natam, palpayasam, ata, butter, etc., constitute the primary offerings at Guruvayoor temple.
The other rituals in the temple are Choroonu for infants and thulabharam. Guruvayoor Devasom has Goshala and Anakottil, the elephant sanctuary.
After having a darshan at Guruvayoor, devotees also visit Mammiyur, the temple dedicated to Mahadeva.
How to reach :
Nearest Railway Station is Guruvayoor.
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