A big pilgrim draw, Guruvayoor is known as Kasi of South. Round
the year devotees throng to worship Guruvayoorappan, little Krishna, the reigning
deity.
The 16 th century poet Narayana Bhattathiri, fallen with rheumatic pain sought
relief from Guruvayrappan. He composed Narayaneeyam. He recovered from disease
then after the temple got an aura as a place with healing powers.
A popular venue for marriages as well as annaprasna, when a child first gets
solid food. Hindus consider entering matrimonial life in the presence of Lord
Vishnu as lucky. In a day's most auspicious time the temple witnesses dozens
of marriages.
The most famous offering of the temple is thulabharam, where a devotee presents
to the deity their own body weight, the product can be anything such as banana
or rice depending on devotees' pocket.For entering into the temple, women must
wear sari and men dhoti without shirt. Pants , jeans are forbidden.
The Vishnu idol, made of a rare stone 'Patala Anjanam' is supposed to have healing
qualities, especially for rheumatism. With a Shank (conch), Chakra (wheel),
Gada (mace), Pankajam (lotus) in its four arms and radiant smile on lips, the
idol is bewitchingly beautiful.
Entering the portals of the temple, one is overwhelmed by the prevailing atmosphere
of piety and devotion. Exquisite architectural pattern and paintings around
the Sreekovil depicting stories of pranks of little Krishna stand testimony
for the art of a period. The Mandapam facing the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum)
is resplendent with beautiful carvings.
Another attraction in the temple is the elephant camp at Punnathore Kota 5 km
away from the temple. As many as 50 elephants are being nurtured here many of
which were brought as offerings of rich devotees of Guruvayoorappan. Anayoottu,
feeding elephant is a major attraction here. 'Koothambalam', a stage for performing
dances and Krishnattasala, where Krishnattom used to be staged are other attractions
of the temple town. Week-long Ekadisi festival begins in December first week.
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