The History of Guruvayur Temple:
The Guruvayur Temple, located in Guruvayur town of Thrissur District in Kerala, is one of the most revered and ancient Hindu temples in South India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in the form of Lord Guruvayurappan. The history of the temple dates back several centuries.
According to legend, the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan worshipped in the temple was originally installed by Lord Brahma himself. It is believed that the idol was passed down through generations and was eventually worshipped by Lord Krishna during his incarnation. The temple gained prominence during the reign of the Zamorin rulers of Calicut in the 14th century.
Over the years, the temple witnessed various renovations and expansions. It was rebuilt several times after being damaged by fires and invasions. The present structure of the temple, constructed in the traditional Kerala architectural style, was rebuilt in the 16th century.
Main Attractions of Guruvayur Temple:
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1. Lord Guruvayurappan Idol: The main attraction of Guruvayur Temple is the beautiful idol of Lord Guruvayurappan, carved out of a unique mixture called "Panchaloha" (five metals). The idol stands around four feet tall and is adorned with jewels and ornaments. Devotees believe that a glimpse of the idol brings immense blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
2. Elephant Sanctuary: Guruvayur Temple is renowned for its Elephant Sanctuary, which houses a significant number of elephants. These majestic creatures are considered sacred and play an integral role in the temple rituals and processions. Visitors can witness the daily feeding and bathing rituals of the elephants, providing a unique and captivating experience.
3. Krishnattam: The temple is known for the performance of Krishnattam, a traditional dance-drama that depicts the various episodes from Lord Krishna's life. Krishnattam is performed in the temple premises and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The vibrant costumes, elaborate makeup, and synchronized movements of the artists make it a visual spectacle.
4. Guruvayur Devaswom Museum: The temple complex houses a museum that exhibits a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and historical objects related to the temple's history and culture. The museum offers insights into the temple's rich heritage and attracts art and history enthusiasts.
Pooja Timings at Guruvayur Temple:
The Guruvayur Temple follows a strict schedule of daily rituals and poojas. The main poojas conducted at the temple include:
1. Nirmalyam: 3:00 AM
2. Abhishekam: 3:30 AM to 4:15 AM
3. Alankaram: 4:15 AM to 4:30 AM
4. Usha Pooja: 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM
5. Ethirettu Pooja: 7:15 AM to 9:00 AM
6. Ucha Pooja: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
7. Seeveli: 4:30 PM to 4:45 PM
8. Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
9. Athazha Pooja: 7:30 PM to 8:15 PM
10. Athazha Nivedyam: 8:15 PM to 8:45 PM
11. Athazha Seeveli: 8:45 PM to 9:00 PM
12. Thrippuka: 9:00 PM
Note: The timings may vary during festivals and special occasions.