GURUVAYUR

Guruvayur is located 29 kms north west of Thrissur. The National highway passing through Kunnamkulam is 8 kms away from Guruvayur. Guruvayur has also got a railway station connected to Thrissur. Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms away and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away.

Guruvayurappan Temple

This temple is the most famous land mark at Guruvayur.

Story 1 - Lord Siva/Rudra performed “tapas” and worshipped Mahavishnu for years under the waters of the sacred tank on the northern side of the temple and hence the name Rudratheertham. In the ancient days Rudratheertham (present Arattukulam) extended up to Mammiyur and Thamarayur (about 3.00 kms) and was known for its lotus flowers.
Story 2 - Prechethas (the ten sons of Pracheenabarhis and Suvarna) came to this place to do tapas to attain "prajapathithwam" (king of all kings) from Lord Mahavishnu. Sensing the motive of Prechethas, Lord Siva emerged out of the Rudratheertham and revealed to them the "Rudrageetham", a hymn in praise of Mahavishnu. Siva suggested them to chant it with all their heart to get their wishes fulfilled. The Princes won the favour of Mahavishnu after rigorous tapas for 10,000 years under the waters of Rudratheertham chanting Rudrageetham
Story 3 - This idol was once worshipped by Mahavishnu in Vaikunta. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma. King Suthapas and his wife who worshipped Bhrama for a child received this idol from Brahma who advised them to start worshipping the idol. Once Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born as their child in their three re-births in three different forms and in three different situations. Thus they got the good fortune to worship the same deity in all three rebirths. They gave birth to Prasnigarbhan who gave to the world the practice of Brahmacharya Vratha (Celibacy). In their next birth, Suthapas and his wife were born as Kashyapa and Adithi . Their son in that birth was Vamana. The third rebirth was as Vasudeva and Devaki. The Lord Krishna was born as their eighth son. In the long run, the Lord Krishna himself installed this idol in Dwaraka and worshipped it.
Story 4 - At the time of Lord Krishna's ascension to Vaikunta, his devotee Udhava became sad thinking how he will live without the Lord. Then Lord Shree Krishna gave Udava his idol and instructed him to entrust Brahaspathi (the Guru of Devas) with the task of taking the idol to a suitable place where people could worship it, so as to get salvation in Kaliyuga. A deluge had closed in on Dwaraka, but Guru salvaged the idol floating in the water, with the help of his prime disciple, Vayu. Guru and Vayu went around the world in search of an ideal place. They met Parasurama in Kerala, who was himself worried because of the widespread serious ailments amongst the people of the area. Sage Narada had earlier told Parasurama that installing the idol of Lord Krishna at Dwaraka in Kerala and regularly worshipping it would rid the people of Kerala of all their ailments. So, Parasurama was happy to see the idol he was searching for appear before him and lead Guru and Vayu to a lush green spot with a beautiful lotus tank where they felt the presence of Lord Siva. Lord Siva along with Parvathy welcomed them and said , "This is the same spot you are looking for, here it was, I imparted the Rudrageetham to the Prechethas". The idol was installed there. Siva with Parvathy left to the opposite bank, at Mammiyur. Siva permitted Guru 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 and Vayu). It is in memory of this that worships in Guruvayur will be complete and accomplished only with a worship of Mammiyur Siva also.

Vishwakarma, the divine architect finally built this 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 the Lord's feet. The idol was installed in the solar month of Kumbha (February - March). The ceremony was begun on the seventh asterism of Pooyam (Puozhya) and completed on the day of Anizham (Anuradha).

Story 5 - Once Sankaracharya was on his aerial journey to Shringeri. While above Guruvayur he smiled at the pompness and vividity of the procession of Sreebhootha Bali or Seeveli (feeding celestial attendants) and tried to pass the temple without making any obeisance to the Lord. Suddenly he came crashing down and the procession stopped there at the northwest corner. He soon recovered and saw the Lord in all his royalty. Realizing the cause of his fall, Sankaracharya prostrated before the Lord and tried to win the Lord's favour by chanting 8 slokas in praise of Govinda, known as Govinda Ashtakam and also the Bhajagovindam. The small opening in the roof over the North-West courtyard is in commemoration of this event. Sankaracharya is believed to have instituted the Mandala Vilakku (lighting of lamps for 41days) with a view to increase the sanctity and chaithanya of the temple.

Story 6 - Lord Dattatreya is said to have first explained the Mahima of Lord Guruvayurappan to King Janamejaya, son of King Parikshit. As his father was killed by Takshaka, the king of serpants, with the intention of taking revenge Janamejaya killed thousands of snakes by performing the Sarpayagyam. Due to the curses of these snakes Janamejaya got afflicted with many incurable diseases. At this time Lord Dattatreya appeared before him, explained the Mahima of Lord Guruvayurappan and asked him to go to Guruvayur and worship the Lord to get rid of the problems. Accordingly, Janamejaya worshipped Lord Guruvayurappan at Guruvayur and then Lord Shiva at Mammiyur and became rid of his ailments.

History - It is estimated that Guruvayur must have come into existence before 52 AD.

Due to the war between the Zamorins and the Raja of Valluvanad of Thirunavaya people across the Bharathapuzha river bank started preferring Guruvayur. Even the Zamorin become a devotee and thus his subjects followed him completely. The central shrine which we see today is said to have been rebuilt in 1638 AD.

In 1716 AD, the Dutch raided Guruvayur. They looted treasures, gold of the flag staff, and set fire to the Western Gopuram. It was later rebuilt in 1747 AD.

In 1766 AD, Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikkode (Calicut) and then Guruvayur. He fined 10,000 fanams to spare the temple. This fine was paid but due to insecurity pilgrims receded, the supply of rice was stopped and the tenants stopped annual dues. On the request of the Malabar Governor, Shrnivasa Rao, Hyder Ali granted a Devadaya (free gift) and the temple was saved from extinction.

In 1789 AD Tippu Sultan invaded Zamorin's province. Apprehending the destruction, the idol was hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha was taken to Ambalapuzha by Mallisseri Namboodiri and Kakkad othikkan. Tippu destroyed the smaller shrines and set fire to the Temple, but it was saved due to timely rain. Tippu lost to the Zamorin and the English in 1792 AD. The idol hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha were re-installed on September 17th, 1792. But the daily poojas and routines were seriously affected.

The Ullanad Panickers rescued and looked after the temple for good 75 years (1825 to 1900) and with their help daily pooja and Utsavam (annual festival) were once again restored.

Temple - The idol in this temple is said to be more than 5000 years old. The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Balagopalan (Lord Krishna in the form of a child), worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple.

The idol of Guruvayur temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. As the idol was once worshiped by the Lord Mahavishnu himself in Vaikunta, Guruvayur is considered to be " Bhooloka Vaikunta " - the heaven on earth. The deity is in the traditionally orthodox form of Mahavishnu, with all the compliments - four arms each carrying sankh (conch), chakra (wheel), gadha (club) and padmam (lotus).

There are two more idols one of silver and the other of gold of which the silver idol is more older. These are used for the seeveli and other processions.Generally the gold idol is used and the silver idol which is more older is taken out only for Arattu and on a few special occasions.
Guruvayur temple 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. Dwajasthamba, the flag-staff is around 70 feet height, fully covered with gold.

The square shaped Sree Kovil has two stairs and three rooms inside with copper sheet roofing plated with gold. 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 depicting sequences from puranic tales and Krishnaleela. There is amorous and erotic accent in the murals. The old doors of Sreekovil are replaced with a new set secured with gold plated bars and embellished with golden bells. There are 101 bells, all made of silver and plated with gold. Sopanam, the steps leading to the Sreekovil, are made of stone with carvings and designs of excellent craftsmanship.

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-Eastern side of the temple, just outside bahyankana, on the bank of Rudratheertham. 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.

The first thing that one sees while entering Guruvayur from east is the huge banyan tree with the gigantic Garuda at its foot. This is called Manjulal, the banyan tree of Manjula. A solemn devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan, Manjula, a warrier girl by birth, used to bring every night a garland, which the Melsanthi used to the place on the idol. One day she came so late that the temple was closed when she reached the foot of this banyan tree. Utterly depressed, she stood there, blind with tears. Poonthanam who was returning form the temple, happened to see her and, having knowing about her predicament, consoled her and asked her to stop crying. "Guruvayoorappan sees your heart, place the garland at the foot of this banyan tree, as if you place it on the trippadi (Sopanam) and he will accept it." Manjula did as she was told, prayed with all her heart and returned. Next day dawned with a miracle. After Nirmalyadarsanam, the Melsanthi was removing the garlands of the previous night. He found that he could not, with all his attempts, take away from the idol a particular garland. The devotees came for Nirmalyadarsanam, stood there amazed. Poonthanam also was present there. The incident of the previous night flashed through his mind immediately he shouted; “If it is Manjulas garland, let it also come away", and down fell the garland at once. The whole atmosphere became thrilling with the devout shouting Hare krishna and each rushed forward to take a flower from Manjula’s garland and also worship the banyan tree at the foot of which the lord himself was present to receive Manjula’s offering. From that day onwards, the banyan tree started being called Manjulal.

Upadevatas - Lord Ganapathy’s shrine is situated within the Nalambalam itself, at the south-western corner. Initially this shrine was situated in such a way that the devotees could not go around. But after renovation sufficient passage has been provided around this shrine.

At the southern side of the temple, outside the Nalambalam and just inside the pradikshinavazhy is the shrine of Sastha. This is the only shrine outside the Nalambalam. The idol made of dark granite is about a meter in height. There is a huge granite stone in front of the shrine, placed in an inclined position, for breaking coconuts. A small deepasthambam is there in front of the shrine.

The shrine of Edatharikathu Bhagavathy is in a separate compound with a small passage separating it with the main temple. The name Edatharikathu Kavu has come on account of its proximity to the main deity. The popular belief is that the presiding deity is Vana Durga and so no roof is provided for the Sreekovil. This shrine is said to be older than the main deity. Azhal is the important offering here and like other temples of Goddess, there is a permanent oracle (Velichappad). Thalapoli is the important festival and usually unmarried girls alone will take the thalam. Two Thalapolies are celebrated here during the month of Dhanu.

The shrine of Office Ganapathy is situated at the East nada inside the old Devaswom office compound. There is no roof for this shrine. The image here is considered to be very powerful and many people pray here to fulfill their wishes. Unlike other Ganapathy idols, this idol has its tusk towards the left side. Daily pooja is conducted here. People break coconuts in front of the shrine as an offering. Another main offering here is 'Ganapathy pooja' which can be done on any day and in the month of Karkidakam, it is the most auspicious.

Prayers - Ulsavam (Festival) is conducted in the month of Kumbha (Feb-March) and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the Dwajastambham heralds the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. On the next 6 days, there are elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (Offering of oblation at various altar). There are various cultural programs like dance, music, religious discusses are held at Melpathur Auditorium (outside the temple) on all these days. On the 8th day, ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) or 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. After that the Lord's Thidambu is taken to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Then ucha Pooja (i.e, noon worship –this 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.
Tale 1 - Once Guruvayur was a Keezhedam (subordinate temple) of Thrikanamathilakam (Trikkunavay). The festival of Trikkunavay used to finish two days before the beginning of Guruvayur Utsavam. The elephants used to come from Trikkunavay for the Guruvayur utsavam. Once they refused to send their elephants to Guruvayur for not making payment in time. The elephants were chained but they broke the chain and ran to Guruvayur without the mahouts on that night. From that day onwards the elephants used to leave Trikkunavay on Punarvasu to reach Guruvayur in time for the festival. Trikkunavay was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. To keep the reminiscence of this unusual event, the elephant race (aanayottam) is conducted every year and this marks the beginning of the Guruvayur Utsavam. The elephants run from Manjulal, (the banyan tree half a kilometer away from the eastern entrance to the temple) enter the temple, take 7 rounds and touch the flagstaff in the end. The first elephant to touch the flagstaff will be given special treatment inside the temple on the days of Utsavam and will get the privilege of carrying the Lord's thidambu for the procession.
Tale 2 - On Arattu day, the Utsava vigraha is taken out and tender coconut water abhishekam is done. An Ezhava family called Tampuran Patikkal brings these tender coconuts for this important rite. The legend behind this practice is that once, on the Arattu day, one Keezhsanthi went to a Kittai of Tampuran Patikkal and asked for some tender coconut to quench his thirst. Kittai was a bit slow to get the coconut and the Keezhsanthi went away in a hurry. As soon as he left, the coconuts began to fall from the trees, on their own, one after the other. The Kittai got shocked on seeing this, he took a head load full of 25 coconuts and ran to the temple. He met one of the uralars or trustees of the temple and described the whole incident. On enquiring it was found that neither of the two Keezhsanthis had gone that way. It was evident that the Keezhsanthi was none other than the Lord himself and that He wanted the fun of an abhishekam with tender coconut water. Thus started this rite of tender coconut water abhishekam on the Arattu day. The privilege of bringing the tender-coconuts was conferred on the descendants of that family.
The Malayali New Year day, Vishu, falls on the 1st of Medam month (mid-April). Seeing the kani at Guruvayur is considered very auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight, blindfold themselves and set their eyes on the Kani and the glorious deity as the doors are as usual opened for the dharshan at 3 a.m.
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. On this day, niramala and appam are offered to the Lord.

Other important festivals: Mandalam, Guruvayur Ekadasi (when Lord Krishna is said to have revealed the Holy Bhagavadgeeta to Arjuna), Chembai music festival, Kuchela's Day, Samkramam, Vaisakha, Puthari, Thiruvonam, Poonthanam Day & Narayaneeyam day.

It is also believed that during Guruvayur Ekadasi, Lord Indra comes here along with Kamadhenu to pray for forgiveness for his sin of trying to drown Gokul village with rains; the village was saved from the rain by the Lord when he held the Govardhan hill on his little finger.

Guruvayur temple is famous for two renowned classical literary works: Narayaneeyam by Melpathoor Narayana Bhattathiri and Jnanappana by Poonthanam, both (late) authors being ardent devotees of Guruvayurappan. While Narayaneeyam is a brisk walk through of the Dasaavatharam (10 incarnations of Mahavishnu) in Sanskrit, Jnanappana is in native Malayalam, observing the naked truths of life and preaching the do's and dont's.

Tale 3 - Bhattathiri was affected with rheumatism and searched for a remedy. Ezhuthachan, a well known Malayalam poet and Sanskrit scholar told him - "meen thottu koottuka" (start with fish). Bhattathiri took it in the proper sense decided to present the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu starting with the fish, as narrated in the Bhagavatham in a series of Dasakas (Groups of ten slokas). He reached Guruvayur and started composing one dasaka a day in the presence of the Lord. The refrain in last sloka of every dasaka is a prayer to him to remove the ailments and sufferings. He composed his work in one hundred dasakas on the Kali day. Thus Narayaneeyam was completed after which he recovered fully and regained happiness.

Special offerings to the Lord include Udayasthamana Pooja, Krishnanattam Kali (staged inside the temple between 10.00 pm and 3.00 am), Thulabharam (offering articles equal to one's own weight), etc.

Nirmalya darshanam, the first darshan of the Lord when the temple doors open in the morning is considered very auspicious here.

Seeveli is held in the morning and evening after which the temple is closed. During Seeveli, the Lord is taken around the temple in a procession with elephants and bali is offered to the Upadevatas in his presence.

The temple is a major venue for Hindu marriages in Kerala every day, sometimes upto 100 marriages per day. Annaprashanam, the first feeding of rice to babies, is also held every day.
Timings - 3.am to 9.15 PM. The temple remains closed between 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm.