Guruvayur
History & Culture
Rewarded with the huge apellation of the 'Dwarka of the South' Guruvayur
happens to be an important pilgrimage centre in the southern part of the
Indian peninsula. Guruvayoor lies in the state of Tamil Nadu and is held in
high esteem by people all over the country. Tourists to the state find it
almost mandatory to visit the place. The visit also gives an insight into
the historical and cultural aspects of the state. The 14th century Tamil
literature 'Kokasandesam' refers to the place as Kuruvayur. Kuruvai in
ancient Dravidic means sea and Kuruvayur implies village on the coast.
According to legend, King Sutapas and his wife, who were childless, offered
prayers to Lord Brahma. The lord gifted them with an idol that has now been
installed at Guruvayur to worship. Later, lord Vishnu appeared before them and
promised to take birth as their child. Consequently, Lord Krishna was born to
them as their son.
The Guruvayur Temple ropes in a great number of devotees from all around.
The architecture of this temple is unlike most of the other South Indian
temples. The architecture is grand and magnanimous but represents the style
of traditional Kerala houses. There are four gateways in the temple leading
to the main Gopuram which has a sloping terracotta roof built in Mangalore
tiles. The temple also boasts 36 majestic elephants that have been kept at
the Punnathur Fort, 4 km north of the Guruvayur Temple.
History relates that it were the Brahmins who first came to settle at
Kodungalloor. They began to arrive here during the reign of Chandra Gupta
Maurya (321 - 297 BC). Guruvayur served as the subordinate shrine of
Trikkunavay as it was put an end to by the Dutch in the year 1755. The
Guruvayur Temple came into the limelight through Melpathur's Narayaneeyam.
And late when Poonthanam, Kururamma and Villwamangalam set forth and
popularised the concept of Unnikrishna, more and more devotees began to
flock to the site.
Guruvayoor has a rich cultural aspect to it. The ancient history and the
deep rooted traditions have resulted in a culture that is truly fascinating.
From one corner of the place to the other, Guruvayoor can be seen pulsating
with Hindu culture that could acquaint you with the implications of Hindu
religion and mythology. Partaking in the religious festivals here is the
best option to get to the essence of the sacred city of Guruvayur. Ekadasi
is one of the most important festivals that reminds us of the Mandalam
Period. The festival spanned for a month. The festival of Guruvayur Ekadasi
commemorates the day when Lord Krishna revealed the Gita to Arjuna.
Udayasthamana Pooja is a ritual that continues from sunrise to sunset. Apart
from the routine poojas, this pooja consists of 15 special rituals. Chembai
Sangeethotsavam forms a part of the Ekadesi celebrations. It is a Carnatic
music festival that continues for 11 days reminding us of Sri Chembai
Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar. Aarattu is another important festival during which
the Lord's Thidambu to the temple pond. Ashtami Rohini falls in the
Malayalam month of Chingam. Devotees and pilgrims flock to the temple in
huge numbers to seek blessing and to offer garlands and appam (cakes of rice
paste and jaggery) which is said to be the most likeable food of the lord on
that auspicious day.
Guruvayur is window to the Tamil traditions and cultures. To have an
insightful experience of the customs and traditions of the state, a visit to
Guruvayur is a must for tourists. And while you return, you will observe for
yourself that the trip was more than a pilgrimage and an experience to
remember all your life.
