|
|
Guruvayur
Guruvayoor located 29 kilometers from Thrissur city, is the
most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The world
famous Shree Krishna Temple is located here.
This historic temple is believed to have existed prior to 16th
century AD. According to legends the temple is the creation
of 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 the tall 33.5 m high gold
plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham
(pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide
a truly gorgeous 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, Lord
Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed
inside the temple.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan
or the Lord of Guruvayur. It is at this temple that Melpathur
Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional
poem 'Narayaneeyam'. It is believed that the idol is said to
have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka.
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', where the temple
elephants are kept and looked after. It is an interesting site
to visit as one gets to see at close quarters so many tuskers
together.
|
|
