Guruvayoor Temple
Location :
The Guruvayoor temple is one of the most sacred and important
pilgrim centers of Kerala 29 km west of Trichur.
About Guruvayoor Temple :
Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is
one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of kerala. This
is probably the only temple in the state that hosts the maximum
number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first
meal for infants).
The origin of the temple goes back to the 16th century
AD dedicated to Lord Krishna known as Guruvayoorappan or the Lord of
Guruvayoor. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma
himself at Dwarka. Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his
well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam' at this temple.
The temple is also famous for its healing powers. The walls of the
sanctum are adorned with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
This is probably the only temple in Kerala for several weddings and
annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of child.
The main attraction here is the Sri Krishna temple. The legends
said that Guru, the preceptor of the goods, and Vayu, the god of
winds, created the temple. The eastern nada is the main entrance to
the shrine. The chuttambalam or the outer enclosure has the
wajasthambam or the gold plated flag post 33.5 m high. There is also
a 7 m high dipastambham or the pillar of lamps with 13 circular
receptacles. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of
the temple and houses the main deity. The temple also has the images
of Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only
Hindus can enter the temple.
Design & Construction :
The outer enclosure has a 33.5-m tall gold-plated flag post and
there is also a 7 m high pillar of lamps, whose thirteen circular
receptacles provide a truly brilliant spectacle, when lit. The
square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple,
housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images
of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only
Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
