Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of
the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala.
 The
walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings
and carvings.
In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum
number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal
for infants).
It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic
movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
Click here for Temple Tours in Kerala
The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief,
the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and
'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to
the shrine.
In the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated
'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham'
(pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly
brillant spectacle, when lit.
The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple,
housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of
Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus
are allowed inside the temple.
Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is
home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle
pachyderm. |
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