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| Entrance, Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala.www.allindiatours.com |
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| The Vilakkumatham- series of oil-lamps. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala en.wikipedia. org |
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| Temple tank-Rudratheertham.Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala.en.wikipedia. org |
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| Interior of the temple, cental mandabam or courtyard.Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala.www.bhasuriinn.com |
Although the daily pooja protocols are being carried out in accordance with the norms framed by the great Adi Sankara, Tantric tradition was also followed. Now, Vedic tradition is followed without any deviation according to temple priests. Here the Pandits or Tantris make no compromise on their conduct of daily pooja to the deity. The chief priest - Melsanthi carries out his pooja ritual duties with utmost dedication from 2 AM till the conclusion of noon worship - 12. 30 PM without taking even a drop of water. Here the tantris or temple priests are mostly hereditary and for generations taking care of poojas, temple rituals, etc.,
Like other temples in Kerala, here there are very strict dress regulations for the devotees to be followed. Adult males must wear Vesti and no dress above the waist except Angavasthiram, a long piece of light cloth similar to a long towel. Boys are allowed to wear shorts and not shirt. As for girls and women, they need to wear sari and young girls a long skirt with blouse. Short skirts and trousers are not allowed inside the temple. However, nowadays Salwar Kameez is allowed. In the evening, there is a special separate queue for senior citizens who come here in large numbers.
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| Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala.www.hotelsinsouth.com |
The main entrance and other parts are beautifully built, in particular, the entrance has a typical, impressive Kerala style of architecture with gradually sloping roof. The inner part of the temple, the big mantabam (Hall) before the shrine, is mostly made of solid teak wood with tiled roof. It is said to have been rebuilt in 1638 AD. "Viswabali" was performed later to propitiate all the spirits - good and bad. The Vilakkumatham - the serial brass oil lamps fixed all around on the outer wall of the main shrine adds beauty to this shrine. Further, they look owe-inspiring in the late evening till night when all lamps are lit. The entire mantabam is charged with devotional ecstasy and spiritual happiness. The temple has numerous mural paintings dating back to 17th century.
The roof above the sanctum and the two doors of the temple are covered with gold plates. Another feature of interest is gold-plated Dhwaja Sthambam or flag post 33 feet tall adorns the eastern side of the temple. Thanks to the contributions made by the visiting devotees with which the temple authorities make useful facilities for the devotees. Like all temples, the Dhwaja Sthambam is placed before the main shrine facing the presiding deity as per temple agama rules. A 22 feet tall pillar of lamps known as Deepa Stambham has 13 circular receptacles on top of each other that look breath - taking in the evening when lit.
Sri Krishna temple of Guruvayur has the honor of owning the largest number of elephants in India, most of which are donated by the ardent devotees, who were blessed with favors by Lord Guruvayurappa. The temple also runs an elephant camp, at Punnathurkotta, 2 km from here. The temple elephants actively participate in all festivals and rituals associated with this temple.
It is no wonder that the Guruvayurappan temple with its colorful festivals and age-old tradition is considered as one of the important pilgrimage centers for the Hindus. Thousands of people visit this holy place every day and, on the week-ends. the crowds are just overwhelming.
A visit to this unique and enchanting temple will get you happiness, mitigate your down-to-earth problems and give peace of mind. Once you trust Him, hereon Sri Guruvayurappan will guide you in every phase of your challenging life.
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