The Guruvayoor Temple is at a distance of 29 km to the west of Trichur. It one of the most venerated and significant pilgrim centers of Kerala. The Guruvayoor Temple Tour will enlighten you about religious beliefs and traditions of the people of Kerala. The origin of the temple goes back to 16th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. It is believed that Lord Brahma himself worshiped this very idol at Dwarka. The temple also enshrines the idols of Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy.
According to legends, the temple at Dwarka, dedicated to Lord Krishna was destroyed when the holy city of Dwarka got submerged under the sea. Guru, the Preceptor of the Gods and Vayu, the God of the Winds were handed over the task of finding an equally sacred site for the construction of a new temple. When the two finally selected a place, it came to known as Guruvayoor and the deity as the Guruvayoorappan.
On Guruvayoor Temple Tour, you will come across a 33.5 m high gold-plated 'dhwajastambham' or flag-mast in the 'chuttambalam' or the outer enclosure of the temple. The 7 m high 'dipastambham' or pillar of lamps has 13 circular receptacles, which presents a brilliant sight when the diyas are lit the evenings. The entrance to the inner sanctum is right after this point. The inner sanctum has ten delicately sculpted pillars on the two raised platforms, one on either side of the aisle. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of the temple and houses the main deity. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri, the devoted 'bhakta' of Guruvayoorappan, composed his well-known 'Narayaneeyam', the great Sanskrit poetical work of 1036 shlokas about the praise of the Lord. The temple is also famous for its healing powers. Only Hindus can enter the temple.
This is probably the only temple in Kerala where wedding ceremonies and annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of child are also held.
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