Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple – Thrissur
March 26, 2010 by admin
Filed under Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple - Thrissur, Pilgrimmage
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple – Thrissur
Guruvayoor most famously known as the “Dwarka of South” is one of the greatest Krishna shrines in India. It is Kerala’s biggest shrine and South India’s second largest revenue earning temple. The divine architecture of Guruvayoor adds feathers to the cap. Two legendry writers like Melapathur Narayana Bhattathirippad who wrote “Narayaneeyam” and Poothanam who wrote “Jnanappana” helped in gaining prominence to this shrine. As we reach near the temple, we can smell the perfumed air, hear the holy mantras and can see lakhs and lakhs of devotees waiting to have a glimpse of Guruvayoorappan (Lord Sree Krishna). In front of the temple, there is a 34 metre long gold – plated ‘dwajasthambha’ (flag- staff).
Guruvayoor has two main religious celebrations. The first is the observance of Vrischikam Ekadasi, which falls in November. It is believed to be the day when Lord Krishna imparted knowledge to Arjuna. The highlight of this festival is the procession of elephants, ritualistically taken to the nearby Parthasarathy Temple where the chief elephant places a wreath on the elephant who served the Lord for many decades. The annual festival or utsavam, held in February – March, lasts for 10 religious days. It is celebrated with processions, illumination and fireworks. A 12 – day music concert is held in the memory of Chembra Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
But at Guruvayoor everyday is a festive day, because the poojas and rituals are very elaborate. Idols are taken around the temple in the mornings and nights escorted by elephants. Krishnanattam, a folk art is performed here every night. All these add to the grandeur and aura of this great temple.
Devotees offer a wide range of offerings from simple archana (offering flowers) to expensive Udayastamana pooja (sunrise and sunset poojas). Chuttuvilakku and Bhagavati Chuttuvilakku are also offered to the God. One of the most popular and expensive offering is the Thulabharam, where a devotee is weighed against bananas, jaggery, sugar and coconuts equivalent to his weight.
How to reach:
• The nearest airport is Cochin International airport (80 kms) and Kozhikode airport (100 kms).
• The temple is well connected by road. From Thrissur it takes only half an hour to reach the temple. There are K.S.R.T.C bus facilities.
• Guruvayoor also has a railway station, which is connected to the Chennai – Mangalore line.