Guruvayur:-
Situated approximately 33 kms from Thrissur, Guruvayur temple is one of the most famous temples of Lord Krishna in South India. It is also considered to be the Dwarka of Southern region. It is said that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Krishna's idol and gifted it to Lord Vishnu during Krishnavtaram. After Bhagwan Krishna left for heavenly abode, and the city of Dwarka was submerged, Vayu-lord of winds and Guru were entrusted with the work of finding a suitable place to install the holy idol. After a long search, it is said that both Guru and Vayu installed the idol at the temple at the insistence of guru Parshuram.
Janmashtami The place got its name Guruvayur because both Guru and Vayu installed the idol. It was initially called Guruvayurappa which was later changed to what is today famously known as Guruvayur. Guruvayur temple is linked with Melpattur Narayana Bhattathiri, the author of 'Narayaneeyam' (16th century) a Sanskrit work comprising 1000 slokas (couplets) of inimitable beauty which is believed to have been composed in front of the deity here.
The beautiful idol of Lord Vishnu, with four arms carrying the conch, the discus, the mace and the lotus, and adorned with a tulsi garland and pearl necklaces, is made of a distinct stone, uniquely called 'Patala Anjanam'. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Maximum number of weddings and first feeding ceremony of children takes place in this most sacred temple of Kerala. This is done to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna for a happy future ahead. The temple is also famous for its healing powers.
Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple, which opens at 3 AM every morning. Offerings can be made throughout the day. There is a dress code as well, neither men nor women are allowed to wear trousers of any kind, the men may wear a dhoti and the women a skirt and blouse or sari. Food is also served to devotees free of cost.
The idol of Lord Unnikrishnan-Guruvayurappan is not made of stone or metal but of a mixture called Padala Anjanam.
Sri. Krishna temple Guruvayur is one of the most significant place of worship for Hindus and is often referred to as “Bhooloka Vaikuntam” which translates to the holy domicile of Vishnu on Earth. People from abroad come in large numbers to have a look of the Guruvayoorappan (the form of Lord Vishnu worshiped in the temple). Since it is one among the most admired south Indian temple attractions.
The Lord Guruvayurappan, as seen in the sanctum, is believed to have given darshan in this particular form to Vasudeva and Devaki at the time of His birth and to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra battle. The gracefully decorated little idol of Sri Krishna with Shanku, Chakra, Gadha and Lotus in His hands is awe-inspiring. The constant chantings of the Lord's names `Narayana' and `Guruvayurappa' fill the spiritual atmosphere around the sanctum.
The holy spot was earlier believed to be the abode of Siva and Parvati, whose shrine is now in Mammiyur.
King Janamejaya, who was afflicted with leprosy, did penance at this shrine and got himself cured. A Pandya king was also saved from the curse of snakebite after worshipping at Guruvayur.
Story of the deity:-
Garuda statue at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
The deity of the Guruvayur Temple is unique, since it is carved out of a stone called "Patalanjana Stone", and is considered extremely sacred by the Hindus. This idol was once worshipped by god Vishnu in Vaikuntha and he handed it over to god Brahma. King Manu and his wife, Satarupa worshipped Brahma for a child and being gratified with their devotion, they received this Deity from him and advised them to start worshipping it. Being pleased with their worship, Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them with the boon that he himself will be born as their child in their four re-births in three different forms and in four different situations, with the deity.
Thus they got the good fortune to worship the same deity in all four rebirths. They gave birth to Prsnigarbha who gave to the world the practice of Brahmacarya (Celibacy). In their next birth, Sutapas and his wife were born as Kasyapa and Aditi and their son was Vamana. In the third rebirth as Dasaratha and Kausalya, Vishnu was born as their son Rama. In the fourth rebirth as Vasudeva and Devaki, Vishnu was born as their eighth child Krishna. In the long run, god Krishna himself installed this deity at Dwaraka and worshipped it knowing that it is none other than himself.
At the time of Krishna's ascension to heaven, his devotee Uddhava became sad thinking of the departure of Krishna. Krishna then gave his foremost disciple and devotee Uddhava this deity and instructed him to entrust Bṛhaspati (the master of the demi-gods) with the task of taking the deity to a suitable location. Uddhava was plunged in grief thinking of the fate that would befall the world in the Age of the Demon during his absence. Krishna pacified Uddhava and promised him that he himself would manifest in the deity and shower his blessings on the devotees who take refuge in him.
A deluge had closed in on Dwaraka, but Bṛhaspati salvaged the deity floating in the water, with the help of his prime disciple Vayu. Bṛhaspati and Vayu went around the world in search of an ideal place. At last they entered Kerala through Palakkad gap where they met Parasurama who was going to Dwaraka in search of the very deity they were bringing. Parasurama led Bṛhaspati and Vayu to a lush green spot with a beautiful lotus lake where they felt the presence of god Siva. Siva along with Parvati welcomed them and told them that this would be the ideal spot for installing the deity. Siva permitted Bṛhaspati and Vayu to perform the consecration rites and blessed them that henceforth this place would be known as "Guruvayur" (since the installation was done by guru ("master") Bṛhaspati and Vayu). Siva with Parvati then left to the opposite bank to Mammiyur.
It is in memory of this incident that a pilgrimage to Guruvayur is said to be complete only with a worship of "Mammiyur Siva" also. Viśvákarma, the divine architect of the demi-gods built the temple. He made it in such a way that on the day of Vishu (summer equinox) the first rays of the sun fall straight on to Vishnu's feet. The deity was installed in the solar month of Kumbha (February - March) and the ceremony was begun on the seventh asterism of Puyam and completed on the day of Anizham.
Greatness Of Temple:-
Parents do the first rice feeding (Choru Oottal in Tamil and Malayalam) to their children, a ritual called Anna prasanam in this temple on April 14 each year being the Chithirai Vishu-Tamil New year day. It is their staunch faith that Lord would take care of the child with nutritious food for ever.
The temple celebrates many Vaishnava festivals among which the Vrichika Ekadasi is very important. The festival begins 18 days earlier. The temple has 52 elephants. They only open temple doors. As an elephant carries Lord during festivals, a running race is conducted among them and the winner elephant would thus become eligible to carry the Lord during festivals. The temple will be opened at 3.00 a.m. and the first puja is offered to Lord Krishna without removing the garlands etc. used in the previous day. This is known as Nirmalya Puja. Abishek follows then. Many visit the temple on Chithirai 1st – April 14 for the darshan when the Melshanthi (chief priest) offers Kai Neettam – offering a coin to the devotees considered a gift direct from Lord. Handful of coins are offered to Kerala politicians that day. This means that with the blessings of Lord Guruvayurappan-Lord Krishna, there won’t be money shortage for the devotee throughout the year.
Legends:-
Mahavishnu in Vaikunta once worshiped this idol of Guruvayur. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma. Legend has it that King Suthapa and his wife Prisna were childless. They worshipped Brahma devotedly for a child. Brahma then handed over this idol to them advising them to worship it ardently. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born to them in three re-births, in three different forms and in three different situations.
The third rebirth was as Vasudeva and Devaki. Lord Krishna was born as their eighth son. In the long run, the Lord Krishna himself installed this idol in Dwaraka and worshipped it. Before leaving the earth to the heavenly abode, Lord Krishna told Udhava, his foremost disciple that he had installed the image of Lord Vishnu in the temple built by him at Dwaraka and that it should be entrusted to Brihaspathi(Guru of Devas) to take it to a sacred place so that people could worship it to attain salvation in the Kaliyuga. There was a flood in Dwaraka and it was submerged in the seas.
Guru recovered the idol with the assistance of his disciple Vayu. Together, they traveled all over India in search of a holy place and finally reached Kerala. Here, with the help of Parasurama, they located a holy spot. Guru and Vayu installed the idol of Lord Vishnu (Lord Krishna). Vishwakarma, the divine architect was requested to build a Temple, which he made in such a way that on the day of Vishu (Summer equinox), the sun himself makes his obeisance. The first rays on that day fall straight on the Lord's feet. As Guru and Vayu together founded the temple, the place came to be called 'Guruvayupura' in accordance with Lord Shiva's wish. Later the name was shortened to Guruvayoor.
Architecture Of Temple:-
Guruvayur temple is a typical example for Kerala's temple Vastuvidya (ancient treatises on architecture). It is faced towards the East with two Gopurams, one at East (Kizhakkenada) and other at West (Padinjarenada).
The entire area between these Gopurams is roofed with tiles and known as Anapanthal. At the centre of this is a square shaped pillared hall called Nalambalam, the outer wall of which is fixed with a gallery of oil lamps. At the south side of the Nalambalam, there is a sub shrine of Sasta or Lord Ayyappan.
At the north-east side of this shrine is the Koothambalam , where, in olden times, dance performances were held. In the front and the east side of Nalambalam , the Belikkal and Deepastambas - Pillar of lights are located. There are a number of such light pillars in the temple. The Deepastambas ,at each Gopurams ,are of special interest.
The eastern side Deepastambam is 24 feet in height and has thirteen circular receptacles to hold the wicks. Of the other two at West Gopuram, one is in the shape of a tree. Dwijasthamba - It is a flag-staff ,around 70 feet height, fully covered with gold.
The square shaped Sree Kovil has two stairs and three rooms inside. The inner most room is known as Garbhagriha (The idol of Lord Krishna is placed here). Here, the two doors and the roof are covered by Gold. All the articles inside the Garbhagriha are in Gold.
The outer room is called Mukhamandapam. The wall of Sree Kovil is decorated with ancient (17th century) murals. In front of the Sree Kovil is the Namaskara Mandapam, square in shape and with a pyramidal roof. Surrounding this is a pillared square hall called Nalambalam or Chuttambalam. A gallery of oil lamps is fixed on the wall of Nalambalam. In the north-eastern side of the Sree Kovil is the temple well called Manikinar. In the North side of the temple, a sub shrine of Devi, 'Edathirithi Kavu' is situated.
The Oottupura, the place for prasadauttu is also located in the north side Here, the daily lunch is arranged for the devotees .Next to it is the temple tank Rudratheertha which is located near the north side of the temple.
Guruvayur Temple tank (pond):-
The temple tank (pond) on the northern side of the temple is called Rudratheertham. The legend say that for thousands of years, Lord Shiva and his family worshipped Lord Vishnu on the southern bank of this pond, the current location of the temple, and as Shiva is also known by the name 'Rudra', the pond came to be known as Rudratheertham.
It is said that in the ancient days, the pond extended up to Mammiyur and Thamarayur (about 3 km away from the Temple) and was known for its ever blooming magical lotus flowers. Pracetas (the ten sons of mythical King Prajinabarhis and his Queen Suvarna) came to this place to do undergo a tapasya to become "the king of all kings" with the help of god Vishnu. Sensing the motive of the Pracetas, Siva emerged from the sacred tank and revealed to them the "Rudragitam", a hymn in praise of Vishnu. Siva suggested them to chant the hymn with all their heart to get their wishes fulfilled. The princes won the favour of Vishnu after rigorous tapasya for 10,000 years on the banks of the tank after bathing on it by chanting the hymns.
Dress code for Guruvayur Temple:-
Strict dress code exists for devotees who wish to enter the temple. Men are to wear Mundu around their waist with a small piece of cloth (Veshthi). Boys are allowed to wear shorts, but they are also prohibited from wearing a shirt. Girls and women are not supposed to wear any trouser like dresses or short skirts. Women are expected to wear Sari and young girls are to wear long skirt and blouses.
Places around Guruvayur:-
Mammiyyoor Mahadeva Temple: –
Punnathur Kotta :-
Chavakkad Beach: –
5 Kms,One of the serene and undisturbed beaches of Kerala.
Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple :-
Thrissur, 23 Kms, one of the ancient temples of Lord Krishna. The world famous Thrissur Puram commences and ends at this temple.
Manganchira Vishnu Temple:-
The presiding deity is Sree Krishna. The temple is in Peruvallur, in the Annakara village, about 9 kms from Guruvayur. It is in the Peruvallur-Trichur road. Ashtami Rohini is the important festival.
Narayanamkulangara Bhagavathy Temple:-
This shrine in Mammiyur amsom was closely associated with the extinct Jamelliyur illam.The family enjoyed the right of offering the paddy when the procession headed for Guruvayur for the meena pooram, till the pooram celebration was stopped due to Tipu's invasion. Pana ( songs) in praise of the goddess with the Thalapoli on the last night of first 10 days of Makaram is still celebrated. Navarathri , Nira , Puthari, and mandala pooja are also celebrated. Vishu vela is celebrated on the day following Vishu.
Thamarayur Ayyappa Vishnu Temples:-
There is a big shrine dedicated to Ayyappa which belong to the Thamarayur illam, situated 2.5 Km north of the Guruvayur. The Vishnu temple is known as Sreekandapuram Vishnu temple. These are on the way to Punnathur Kotta. Pooram is celebrated here on the 1st day of Makaram every year.
Anjura Ayyappankavu:-
The shrine is located at Mundur, 16kms away from Guruvayur, on the Guruvayur -Thrissur route. The presiding deity here is Ayyappa. It is believed that on the Thiruvathira (Sixth asterism) day in the month of Kumbham (February - March) every year, Lord Ayyappa used to come to Guruvayur for Arattu which has stopped with the invasion of Tippu. Now there is only Niramala (adorning the whole Sreekovil with flower garland) on the first nine days of Makaram and on the tenth day both Niramala and Utsavam are celebrated by the Devaswom.
Veramanur Temple:-
Vermanur is situated at Parakkulam near Kunissery in Palakkad district.Parakkulam literally means the tank of rocks and the temple is on the eastern bank of the tank. It might have been either made over to Guruvayur Devaswom by the Zamorins or purchased by Guruvayur from him. The deity here is Shiva . Shivarathri and Pradhishta Dinam (foundation day), Nira, Puthari are important festivals.
Thalakkottukara Siva Temple:-
It is in Kunnamkulam 8 kms away from Guruvayur on the Thrissur road.The deity is Shiva. There are two shrines within the same Chuttambalam. One is Swayambhu and in the other is the Linga . Both are worshipped by the same priest. Thiruvathira, Shivarathri and Pradhishta Dinam are the main festivals.
NenminiI Balarama And Ayyappa Temples:-
Nenmini is about 4 kms from Guruvayur towards the east of Guruvayur temple. There are two small temples separated by 500 meters. The main deities here are Balarama and Ayyappa. These temple were under Nenmini mana which were later handed over to Devaswom In the Balarama temple every year Ashtami Rohini , Pradhishta Dinam and Vrishchika pooja are celebrated. Vrishchika pooja is celebrated from 1st to 12th of Vrishchikam every year. In the Ayyappa temple Pradhishta Dinam is Celebrated on Makayiram of Meenam month.
Kaveed Bhagavathy Temple:-
This is one among the famous 108 Durga temples in Kerala. Bhagavathy is the main deity. It is situated at Kaveed, 6 kms from Guruvayur, near to Punnathur Kotta. Prathishta Dinam is celebrated here. Karkkidaka Pooja is another important event which is celebrated for 12 days.
Temple timings:-
3.00am to 1.00pm and 4.30pm to 8.30 pm
03.00am to 03.20am - Nirmalya darshanam for devotees
03.20am to 03.30am - Thylabhishekam,vaakacharthu,shankhabhishekam
03.30am to 04.15am - Malar nivedyam,alankaram
04.15am to 04.30am - Ushas nivedyam
04.30am to 06.15am - Ethirettupooja and Usha pooja
06.15am to 07.00am - Siveli
07.00am to 09.00am - palabhishekam,Navakabhishakam,pantheeradi nivedhyam ,pooja
11.30am to 12.30pm - Uchapooja (noon pooja)
04.30pm to 05.00pm - Shiveli
06.15pm to 06.45pm - Deeparadhana
07.30pm to 07.45pm - Athazhapooja nivedhyam
07.45pm to 08.15pm - Athazhapooja
08.45pm to 09.00pm - Athazha shiveli
09.00pm to 10.00pm - Chuttuvilakku and thrippuka, then the sreekovil remains closed.
* The timings given are approximate. It may vary if there is Udayasthamana pooja or on certain special occasions.
Guruvayur Festivals:-
Ashtami Rohini:-
In the month of Chingam (July-Aug), under the Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Lord Krishna’s birth i.e. Janmashtami.
A very special day in all Sree Krishna temples, Guruvayur Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and lamps), devotees flock in with cakes of rice paste and jaggery considered the most favourite food of the Lord on that day.
Aarattu.
Lord’s Thidambu is taken to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras.
The Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur is amongst the popular Krishna temples in India. The town itself got its name from Guru (the teacher of the Gods) and Vayu (the God of Wind). The name Guruvayur translates as 'the land of Guru and Vayu' and the temple is believed to have been created by the two divine powers.
The place is popularly called the Dwarka of South India and is also known as Bhooloka Vaikunta' which means the holy abode of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site of South India and devotees of Lord Krishna keep visiting the place for the Lord's blessings.
Ekadasi:-
The most important festival during the Mandalam period, lasting for a month. It was on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day that Lord Krishna revealed the Gita to Arjuna.
Chembai Sangeetholsavam.
This carnatic music festival is held for 11 days in the memory of Sri Chembai Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar, as part of the Ekadasi celebrations.
Utsavabali:-
This festival is conducted in the month of Kumbha, i.e., in February or March and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high marks the beginning of the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held.
The next 6 days, devotees can witness elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (offering of oblation at various altars). Besides this there are also various cultural programs. On the 8th day, during ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants. A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life.
After that the Lord’s idol is takan to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting the Lord’s name to wash off their sins. Then noon Pooja (which takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, the Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.
Puthari:-
It means new rice. It is a formal beginning of the use of rice from the new harvest season for offering in the temple. Puthari payasam is offered to Lord; it takes place in the month of Chingam.
Vaishakha:-
The Vaishakha is the lunar month starting from new moon of Medam (April-May). The Vaishakha vratham (fast) is auspicious and sacred to Vishnu. The vratham can be followed in the routine of morning ablutions , feeding the poor, keeping fast, taking prasadams from the offerings to the Lord and participating in the divine discourses. The third day of this month - Akshaya-thrithiya - birth day of Balarama, is the most auspicious. Palpayasam is the main offering and feast is also arranged during the entire Vaishakha month.
Vishnu:-
The first day of Medam ( mid April) is the new year day for Malayalees. People believe that the fortunes for the next year depend on the nature of the objects one sees in the morning of Vishu. For this purpose, Kani (an omen) with articles like yellow flowers, rice, betel nuts, golden coins etc. is displayed in front of the deity. Thousands prefer to see Kani at Guruvayur on Vishu morning. Crowds stay overnight inside the courtyard of temple, which is specially permitted on this day. They close their eyes and set their eyes on the Kani and deity, as the doors are opened at 2.30 am for darshan.
Kuchela Dinam:-
The first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu (December) is celebrated as Kuchela Dinam. It is based on the belief that it was on this day that Kuchela, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna offered Avil (parched rice) to him and in return attained eternal bliss and material property . Avil offering is considered auspicious on this day.
samkrama:-
The Samkrama Sandhyas, a very auspicious occasion for worship of the Lord, is observed by the devotees on the eve of each Malayalam month in the spirit of intense devotion and piety. Thousands of people stream in to the temple for a darshan of the Lord at the time of Deeparadhana. Spiritual discourses and various cultural programmes befitting Hindu faith are held at Melpathur Auditorium.
Utsavam:-
Guruvayur, the Utsavam lasts for ten days. Beginning on the day of Pushya (the 8th asterism) in the month of Kumbham ( February-March), it ends after the Aarattu on the 10th day.Religiously, it is the restoration of divine Chaithanya. Brahmakalasam is preceded by the Utsavam. It is aimed at the purification and energisation of the powers of the deity. It is the last of the long series of rituals of kalasam and at the end, the flag will be hoisted heralding the Utsavam.
Culturally, it consists of various processions, illumination and modest fire-works (this is a specialty of Guruvayur Utsavam that no explosives are used, unlike most of the other Kerala temples). All ten days, the place wears a festive look, streets dressed up with arches, festoons etc., houses freshly thatched and painted. Every shrine and building is tastefully decorated with lights, plantain trunks, bunches of coconut and arecanuts. Two Gopurams and the bahyankana (outer-courtyard) are elaborately decorated with illuminations and eye-catching electric displays. The lamps, deepasthambams and vilakku are all lightened.
Mandala Pooja:-
Mandala pooja begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. This is a period of 41 days for the pilgrimage to the shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. Most of the devotees who go to Sabarimala also visit Guruvayur.
At Guruvayur, there will be special abhishekam with panchagavya (mixture of five products of cow - milk, curd, ghee, urine and cow dung) on all days. Many devotees visit the shrine to partake of it, since it is believed to burn up all inner impurities. Chakkiyar Koothu takes place after lunch. Krishnanattam may be performed after Athazha pooja . Mandalam comes to end with Kalabhaattam (pouring mixture of sandal paste, saffron, camphor and rose water) on the deity. This special offering is made only once in a year and it is the hereditary privilege of the Zamorin Rajas.
Besides, the three seevelis during mandalam will be conducted with three elephants and they take five rounds around the temple. The famous Guruvayur Ekadasi festival, Melpathur statue installation day, Narayaneeyam day and Kuchela day also occur during Mandalam, thus making it the busiest season at Guruvayur. During this season, special arrangements are made for 'kettunira' and 'malayidal' in front of the Sastha shrine inside the temple.
Saraswathi Pooja:-
Of the 9 days of the Navarathri festival, the last three days are specially sacred for goddess Saraswathy who presides over the world of learning and fine arts. Children are initiated into learning on the last day known as Vidyarambham day. The training in Krishnanattam, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, (traditional martial art-form of Kerala) etc. generally begins on this day.
Thiruvonam:-
On the Uthradam day of the month of Chingam (August- September), thousands of devotees bring "Kazhcha kulas" (bunches of Banana) as offering to the Lord. These bananas are given to all the elephants of Guruvayur Devaswom on the same day or next day. On Thiruvonam day, free Onam feast with Pazhaprathaman is given to thousands of devotees.
How to reach:-
By Rail:-
Guruvayur Railway Station is on the east of the temple which is connected to the Chennai – Mangalore main line at Thrissur. Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest major railway station about 29 km from Guruvayoor.
By Road:-
Guruvayoor is well connected with other parts of the country by road transport. Both KSRTC and private bus services offers interstate bus services to almost all major cities in south India including Palani, Madurai, Mookambika, Ooty, Coimbatore, Dindigul, Salem, Mysore, Chennai, Mangalore, and Udupi. National Highway 17 (NH 17) passes through Kunnamkulam about 8 km away from Guruvayur.
By Air:-
Kochi International Airport (NedumbasseryAirpot) is the nearest airport, which is about 80 km from Guruvayur. Calicut International Airport (Karipur Airport) is another nearest airport around 100 km from Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
