Guruvayur which is also known as Guruvayoor or
Gurupavanapuri, is a municipal town in Thrissur District, of Kerala State in
India. It is renowned for its famous Guruvayur Shree Krishna temple and it is
the fourth biggest temple in terms of the devotee who attends the prayer house
every day.
Spiritual chords are played perfectly and its mere glimpse
would inch all your thirst for an eternity. Such an appearance, such a vibe,
true radiant of holy ambiance is perfected with integral designs and the
atmosphere which connects the soul with divinity marches on the gate of Guruvayur.
It does not matter whether you stay far from the core of
civilization or you are familiar to an urban settlement whenever the word Guruvayur
is pitched, all you remember is the persistent deity that sits inside the doors
of Guruvayur.
History
Guruvayur dates it history back from an era of Chandragupta
Maurya and as per the legends the idol was established 5000 years ago. History
of Guryavur is associated with Kuruvayur.
Kuruvayur, it’s a place and it has its reference in Tamil
literature 'Kokasandesam'. In 16th century many reference made it
clear that there was a place called Kurvayur and even in ancient Dravidic phase
they have refered Kuruvai which means sea.
According to eminent historian Professor K. V. Krishna Iyer, the Brahmins had begun to come and settle at Kodungallur during the period of Chandra Gupta Maurya.
Guruvayur which is subordinate shrine of Trikkunavay Shiva
temple and was destroyed by Dutch in 1755 and in documentary of Guruvayur,
Trikkunavay is mentioned as same as Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned
in the Dutch and British records.
Even the story of Pandyan King may refer to Azhavars, but
they are all silent in their writing about Guruvayur. It was only through
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri's Narayaniyam the temple got into limelight.
Festivals
Ulsavam
One of the most
celebrated festivals of this temple which last for 10 days and it is usually
celebrated between the month of February and March. On the first day, an
elephant race is held and till the next six days you will witness procession of
elephants which are accompanied by various cultural programs like dance, music,
religious discusses which are held at Melpathur Auditorium. And it is on the 8th
day when oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants and on the 9th
which is commonly known as Pallivetta or the hunting expedition and finally the
Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple
flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.
Vishnu
It is believed that seeing Kani at Guruvaryur is very
propitious and to consider the same fact many devotees gather here during the
month of April and as per the Kani, devotee decorates their family deity with
konna flowers, raw rice, gold, betel leaves and nuts, yellow cucumber and coins
before the breaking of dawn and it is believed, one who sees it first his
fortune would turn the page.
Ashtami Rohini:
This festival is held during the month of July and August to
celebrate the birthday of lord Krishna and on this day devotee flocks in with
appam and surrender it in front of the deity of Lord Krishna.
How to Reach
By road
Guruvayoor is well connected with the other parts of the
country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam
which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayoor.
By Air
Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from
Guruvayoor and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. From here one can hire
private cab or taxi to reach Guruvayoor temple.
By rail
Guruvayoor has got a railway station towards the east of the
temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur.
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