Guruvayur Temple

According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records to establish it. In the 14th century Tamil literature 'Kokasandesam', references about a place called Kuruvayur is made. As early as 16th century (50 years after the Narayaneeyam was composed) many references are seen about Kuruvayur. In ancient Dravidic, Kuruvai means sea, hence the village on the coast may be called Kuruvayur.

But according to Prof. K V Krishna Iyer (eminent historian), the Brahmins had begun to come and settle at Kodungalloor during the period of Chandra Gupta Maurya ( 321-297 BC). Trikkunavay in the Guruvayur documents is the same as Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned in the Dutch and British records. And this place was in between Guruvayur and Kodungalloor. Guruvayur was Trikkunavay's subordinate shrine since they were destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. That way Guruvayur must have come into existence before 52 AD. The story of Pandyan King building a shrine here may be a reference to the Azhavars , but they are all silent in their writing about Guruvayur.

It was Melpathur's Narayaneeyam through which the Temple got publicity. The concept of Unnikrishna popularised by Poonthanam , Kururamma , and Villwamangalam brought more and more devotees to Guruvayur.The Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) is designed in 2 layers with copper sheet roofing plated with gold. 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). The Moolavigraha (main idol) is made of Pathalanjana Shila and is considered extremely sacred.

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. There is a repletion of traditional mural paintings on all the three sides, 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 attractive craftsmanship.Ankana- It is the inner courtyard around the Sreekovil (central shrine) and its passage is flanked by vathilmatam.

Vathilmatam- The two platforms on both sides of the Eastern entrance to the Sreekovil are called Vathilmatam.Melpathur meditated andcomposed his magnum opus Narayaneeyam sitting here on theeastern pillar on the southern Vathilmatam. The northern side was initially being used by the paradesaBrahmins and the southern side by the KeralaBrahmins for daily orisons.

Namaskara Mandapam-The mandapam is situated right in the center of the chuttambalam or Nalambalam and just right in front of the Sreekovil. The roof is supported by four granite pillars. The mandapam is plated with 100 kg copper and 25 kg gold

Nalambalam (Chutambalam ) - The roofed structure around the ankana is the Nalambalam. Before the 1970 fire, there was a chuttambalam (separate passage around Sreekovil between the Vathilmatam and the Vilakkumatam). Now all are made under single roof and one cannot find the chuttambalam in some places like the Ganapathy shrine. The southern side is divided in to five parts.

Titappalli is the place where the offerings to the Lord are prepared.

Patakkalam- where the pata (cooked rice) offered to the Lord is being distributed.

Turakka Ara, literally the unopened chamber, which is an under ground cell where the reserve cash, gold and silver are believed to be hidden in ancient days. It remains closed witha huge granite stone. It is widely believed that this contains rare and precious stones including the mythological "Syamanthakam". Legend has it that the treasures inside the chamber are closely guarded by innumerable serpents.

Saraswathi Ara- where the palm leaf manuscripts are kept for worship during the Navarathri festival. Now it is shifted to the Koothambalam.

Ganapathy shrine- Where the Ganapathy is worshipped.

Western Chuttambalam- In between the Ganapathyshrine and the store room the temple priests prepare sandal paste and Variyar make garlands.

Northern Chuttambalam is towards the east of store room. It consists ofa small open hall, the chottara, where the temple servants keep the choru (cooked rice).

Chottara (Velichanna)- earlier coconut oil room [ now shifted]

Nrithapura the northern part of chottarafrom where saint Villwamangalam had the darshan of Unnikrishna dancing.

Mulayara is the place where the pots filled with earth and ritually sown with different seeds and worshipped before the beginning of the Annual Utsavam every year.

Koyma Ara, the office of the Akakoymas (in the old administrative setup), whose charge is to see that the poojas of the day areconductedproperly.

Sacred well- There is a deep well to the south of Nrithapura. Nowhere in the neighborhood, there is such clear and cool water. The water in the well maintains its level throughout the year. This water is used for the daily poojas and abhishekam inside Sreekovil.Bhahyankanam is the outer courtyard where the procession for the Seeveli takes place. It is open both on the south and the west. The northern courtyard was in the past covered by a tiled roof ( now by a concrete roof ) with a small opening near its western end for acharyabhivandanam , in commemoration of Sankaracharya`s forced landing . Beyond the Sastha shrine and the opening on the courtyard from the opposite side are the store rooms , the quarters for the temple priests , the Patinjare Gopuram , also the aduppukalam ( big kitchen) , where the rice and other items for the feasts are prepared. 

Gopurams - There are two storied Gopurams at the eastern and western entrances which house some of the rare frescos of the 16th century. These mural paintings are distinct from those found in other temples in their theme and style. Some of the paintings were damaged in the course of time and due to the fire in 1970 , and were then repainted.

Vilakkumatam 
The massive array of metal lamps round the Sreekovil on the outer walls of the Nalambalam. Around 8000 brass metal lamps fixed on the wooden trellis, around the temple are lighted on the festival and special days or by an offering.Gopuram and the balickalpura is called Nadappura . 'Aanappanthal' is the northern portion of nadappura. It acquired the name from its giant size. (aana means elephant and panthal means pavilion). Here annaprasam , thulabharam etc. are being conducted . Formerly marriages were conducted under it but now marriages are shifted to the Kalyana Mandapam

Dhwajasthambam or the flag-staff rises amidst the eastern bahyankana which has a tiled roof. Dhwajasthambam is encased in plated gold at a height of 600feet. Flag is hoisted to mark the beginning of the Annual Utsavam and will be there till the Arattu day.

Valiya mani - Situated south of Kizhakke Gopuram and near the south east corner of the bahyankana, is the valiya mani (big bell), announcing the time by its hourly chiming.

Koothambalam - It is the stage or the theatre for presenting the Chakiyar koothu . Koothambalam is located in the front and to the right of the presiding deity. The pillars and the ceilings of it are profusely engraved , painted and lavishly embellished with ornamental filigrees and fittings.

Deepasthambams - Just in front of the temple there is a huge tower of light, it has thirteen discs including basement and is 24 feet in height. There are four Deepasthambams made of brass, inside the temple. One at northern wing was smashed by theGajarajan Kesavan. The eastern tower, Kizhakke Gopuram (eastern tower) is 33 feet and Patinjhare Gopuram (western tower) is 27 feet in height.Rudratheertham - This is the tank behind the oottupura where the Lord has His annual Arattu. Siva is said to have washed and worshipped the deity when the idol was brought by Guru and Vayu for installation to Guruvayur.

Kovilakam - Towards the south from the Kizhakke Gopuram is Kovilakam, the place where Prince Manavedan had been residing during the days of composition of Krishna Geethi . This has been demolished and Sreevalsam rest house have come-up.

Athani - On the northern bank of the Rudratheertham is an Athani (porters' rest), in memory of a Kantiyur Pattar, a trusted servant of the temple who got murdered on an Utsava day. As a mark of respect, Lord's Arattu procession stops here for a minute.

Tantrimadam - On the north-east bank of Rudratheertham in the Inner-ring road is the tantrimadam or the official residence of the Tantri.

Kizhakke Nada - There were many residences on the right side of the street.The Pazhaya othikkans madam, the residence of the Thiyyarambalam priests, Mallisseri Malika and Chondath Malika on the Kizhakee nada are no more now. Till the temple entry of 1947, Thiyyas and other avarnas (lower cast people) were permitted to approach only up to Thiyyarambalam. About a furlong and a half from the Thiyyarambalam is Manjulal (the banyan tree). This is the starting point of the elephant race which precedes Kodiyettam (hosting of the flag) for the Annual Utsavam.From the time immemorial, India has been a spiritually enlightened country consecrated by Rishis and temples of worship. Holy places like Kashi and Rameswaram have magnificent Temples which, besides their spiritual significance, are noted for their antiquity and historical importance. The artistic excellence and the architectural specialities of Konark and Khajuraho are so indescribable that they always attract not only the pilgrims from within the country but also swarms of tourists from abroad. But Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.

The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, 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 people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA.

Guruvayur was once a sub-shrine of the Trikkunavay Shiva Temple. The Shiva Temple was destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri’s Narayaniyam, composed in the 16th century popularized the existence of the Guruvayur Temple around the world. The present structure of the Temple is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638.

It is believed that the central shrine (Sreekovil) and the Mandapam are as old as 1030 AD. The western gopuram was constructed in the 12th century. The Dutch raided Guruvayur in 1716 and the western gopuram was set afire. Guruvayur was subjected to further assaults by Hyder Ali in 1766 and by Tipu Sultan in 1789. In 1789, the Utsavavugraha (Utsava Moorthi) was shifted to Ambalapuzzha and the Moolavigraha to a safe underground sanctum. The Moolavigraha was re-installed and worship resumed after the victory of the Zamorins over Tipu Sultan with the help of the British Army.

The legend associated with the Temple can be referenced to the Narada Purana. Lord Vishnu once appeared before Lord Brahma to grant salvation to him and his creations. On Lord Brahma’s request, he presented him with an idol of and made by himself. Some centuries later, Lord Brahma gifted this idol to King Sutapas and his wife Prasni, who were doing penance for a child. Lord Vishnu appeared to the King and his wife and stated that he will be born to them for their next four births. He also blessed them by stating that the idol will bless them in each of these births.

Lord Vishnu was born as Prasngarbha to King Sutapas and Queen Prasni in the Satya Yuga. In Treta Yuga, he was born as Vamana to Kashyapa (Sutapas) and Aditi (Prasni). Later, Lord Vishnu was born as Lord Rama to King Dashratha (Sutapas) and Kaushalya (Prasni). In the Dwapara Yuga, he took the form of Lord Krishna to Vasudeva and Devaki who were the reincarnation of Sutapas and Prasni again.

When Lord Krishna decided to forego the Earth and ascend to heaven, he decided to give the idol to Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu, so that it could escape the destruction of Dwarka. Brihaspati and Vayu went southwards in search of a place to consecrate and worship the idol. They were enchanted by the sight of the huge Rudratheertham and on a visit there, met Sage Parashurama. The three together met Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the banks of the Theertham and were eventually convinced by the greatness of the place by Lord Shiva himself. They decided to build a shrine there and consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna at the site. They entailed the services of Vishwakarma (Architect of the Devas) who built a grand temple within minutes.

Significance of Guruvayur Temple

It is believed that the form of Lord Krishna worshiped here is the form of Lord Vishnu in which he appeared to Vasudev and Devaki during the birth of Lord Krishna. Hence, the child form of Lord Krishna is worshiped here.

The main idol of the deity is made of the “Patala Anjanama” stone. The unique stone is believed to possess healing properties. Every day, the water used for Abhishekam (bathing of the idol) is distributed to the devotees for healing purposes.

The Temple has several synonyms like “Bhooloka Vaikunta” meaning “Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. It is also called as the “Dwarka of the South”.

It is believed that Lord Shiva performed penance or Tapasya in the Rudratheertham (Rudra is associated with Lord Shiva and hence, the name of the tank). In ancient days, the Rudratheertham was believed to be much larger than the present form and was supposed to be filled with Lotuses.

The Krishnanattam is a unique service held at Guruvayur on all days except Tuesdays. The art form is a depiction of events in the eight stages of Lord Krishna’s life. The devotees can view the performances in the evening at the Mandapam as well as perform the seva to fulfill their personal wishes.

All the articles in the Garbhagriha, including the doors and the roof, are made out of gold.

The Temple is well known for providing a healing touch to people suffering from major diseases like Leprosy and Tuberculosis.

Festivals celebrated at Guruvayur Temple

• Ekadasi – The auspicious day is the major festival celebrated in Guruvayur. It is believed that this is the day when Lord Krishna enlightens Arjuna with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The festival lasts for a month. The Ekadasi or the eleventh day is celebrated in the month of Vrischika or November. On the day of Navami, Deepams lit with Ghee are offered to the Lord by the Kolady family followed by the Deepams on Dasami offered by the Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. On Ekadasi, the Ekadasi Vilakku (Deepam) with Elephant procession takes place signaling the end of the festivities.
• Chembai Sangeethotsavam – This is a unique cultural festival celebrated to honor Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, a legendary Carnatic Musician and an ardent Krishna devotee in Guruvayur. The music festival is celebrated for 11 days during which artists, whether old or young, amateur or professionals participate and dedicate their compositions to Lord Krishna. They are provided free accommodation and food by the Temple Administration.
• The Temple Utsavam – The grand festival is celebrated in the month of February – March and lasts for 10 days. The first day marks the raising of the flag atop the Dhwajasthambam as an invitation to the Gods and Goddesses to attend the festival. An Elephant race is held on the first day that attracts visitors from far and away. For the next 6 days, processions of the Lord is taken around on the backs of the elephants. Every day, a morning Pooja is held followed by several cultural programs and religious discourses. The Utsavabali is celebrated on the eighth day. The devotees are treated to a feast. The ninth day is celebrated as Palivetta which signifies the destruction of evils in our life such as Kama (Lust) and Krodha (Anger). After that, the idol of the deity is taken to the Temple pond where thousands of devotees take a dip dedicated to him. The Lord is returned to the shrine after going around the temple for eleven times. The Temple flag is lowered, signaling an end of the festival.
• Vishu – The day is celebrated as the Malayali New Year and occurs in mid-April. It is a belief that the one’s fortunes depend on what one sees first thing on an auspicious morning. Offerings like Rice, flowers, gold, betel leaves, nuts, coins and yellow cucumber are arranged in front of the Lord on the previous night itself. Devotees stay overnight blindfolded and facing the deity. When the shrine is opened, they throng to see the auspicious sight of the Lord and bless themselves with the good omen.
• Janmashtami – The joyous occasion of the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and fare. The whole temple is decorated with flowers and lamps. Special Poojas are performed throughout the day. Offerings of Appam are made to the Lord by thousands of devotees who flock to the Temple to have a glimpse of the God on this auspicious day.

Besides these festivals, Onam, Deepavali, Navarathri, and Kuchela Dinam are also celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Temple

Guruvayur Temple Sevas

• Udayasthamana Pooja – This unique Pooja is a ritual where 15 special Poojas are performed throughout the day (Udaya for Sunrise and Astha for Sunset) for the deity in the name of the devotee. The rituals begin at dawn and proceeds in succession till dusk after which the devotee and other attendees are given Prasadam of the Pooja.
• Annaprasanam – This is a ceremony where an infant is given rice as food for the first time since his or her birth. Arrangements are made for the devotees and the child with cooked rice, payasam (rice pudding) and plantain. The food is spread onto a banana leaf and then fed to the infant among holy chants signifying the beginning of a nutritionally healthy life ahead.
• Prasadaootu – This Seva is also known popularly as Annadanam. Devotees can donate any amount and it will be used to feed thousands of pilgrims every day at the Temple Dining Hall.
• Tulabharam – The devotee is weighed against offerings like banana, sugar, water, rice or gold in a Tula or a balance. The equivalent weight is then offered to the Temple. Non-Hindus are also allowed to perform the ceremony.
• Elephant donation and Anayoottu – The devotees can also donate elephants to the Temple. Currently, 40 such elephants are housed in Punnatthur Kota. Anayoottu is the feeding of these elephants. Devotees can also feed these elephants every day at the Temple at 10 AM.
• Bhagavathi Azhal – As per the devotee’s requirement, ten or twenty wicks of oil lamps are kept on a banana leaf and presented in front of the shrine of Bhagavathi.
• Krishnanattam – The unique dance performance called as Krishnanattam is the representation of important incidents in Lord Krishna’s life. The art form was introduced by Prince Manavedan in 1654. The performance uses colorful masks inspired by local art forms and traditional instruments like Sudha Madhalam, Edakka, Gong, and Conch. The devotees can offer these performances for the fulfillment of their particular desire. The eight episodes are – Avatharam (for birth of a child), Kaliyamardana (antidote to poisoning), Rasakreeda (happy unmarried life), Kamsavadha (eliminate enemies), Swayamvara (matrimonial issues), Banayudha (fulfillment of wishes), Vividha Vodha (fight against poverty and increase agricultural yield) and Swargarohana (peace of departed souls).
• Angapradakshina – This ritual involves circumambulating the Temple pradakshina with his or her eyes closed and chanting the Lord’s name.The Legend says that when the temple of Dwarka was submerged under the sea, Guru and Vayu were assigned the job to discover an equally holy place for a fresh temple. Ultimately, when they discovered the site, the place came to be known as Guruvayur and the deity, Guruvayurappan. The main idol is said to have got installed by Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu, by the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. 
  
  The oldest mention of Guruvayur is traceable in 'Kokasandesam', a fourteenth century Tamil work. In this scripture, it is stated as Kuruvayur. Guruvayoor has scores of references in the works of 16th century. The temple actually got famous with Melpathur's 'Narayaniyam'. At this abode of Lord, maximum number of marriages is observed every year.