The visit
to this Sree Krishna alias Sree Guruvayurappan Temple at Guruvayur was a part
of the Malai Nadu Divya Desams visit from 10th to 14th June
2025, organized by Mantra Yatra (website). Thanks to Mr. Balaji Davey and
his team of Mantra Yatra for the excellent arrangement and personal care.
This Maha Vishnu Hindu temple is
dedicated to Sree Guruvayurappan of Guruvayur.
Moolavar: Sree
Krishna
Some of the salient
features of this temple are….
The temple faces
east, and Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are in front of the east side entrance. The temple
tank is on the north side. The temple may be accessed from all 4
directions.
ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum
is square in shape with prati bandha adhistanam. The adhistanam consists of
jagathy, vrudha kumudam, and pattikai. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The
pilasters consist of kalasam, kudam, lotus petals, mandi, palakai, and pothyal.
The koshtas are empty. Mural paintings are around the sanctum sanctorum walls.
The mandapam pillars have the bas reliefs of Vinayagar, Hanuman, Ananda
Sayana Ranganathar, and Vishnu & Shiva-related sculptures.
The south side
mandapa pillars have the stucco images of Maha Vishnu’s avatars, Saints,
Saraswati, etc.
HISTORY AND
INSCRIPTIONS
The Guruvayur Temple's
History is as tumultuous as the life story of Lord Krishna Himself. Over the
centuries, the temple has witnessed numerous power struggles and legal battles.
Initially, the Guruvayur temple was under the control of the Thirukannamathilakam
Temple. The ownership was vested in seven families, known as “Ooralars”
(trustees), including the Mallissery family. Eventually, only the Mallissery
family remained as the sole trustee.
In the late 14th
century, as the Zamorin of Calicut (The ruler of Calicut - Kozhikode) began
expanding southwards, the rulers of Punnathur surrendered the Chavakkad region
to the Zamorin. Consequently, the temple’s external supervisory rights (“Puram
Koima”) were transferred to the Zamorin. The temple faced its first major attack
in 1712 when Dutch forces plundered it. The Kodimaram (Dwajasthambam/flagstaff), made of gold, and the treasure stored in the temple’s sanctum were looted. The
western gopuram (tower) was set on fire. However, the damage was quickly
repaired using revenue generated during the Ekadashi festival.
In 1755, the Dutch
army captured Thirukannamathilakam but was ousted the following year by the
Zamorin. In the 18th century, Mysore ruler Hyder Ali planned to attack the
temple. Vadakkeppat Variyar offered 10,000 coins to Hyder Ali, persuading him
to retreat. However, Tipu Sultan’s campaigns posed another threat. In 1789, the
main idol was hidden in a well for protection, while the utsava murti
(processional idol) was carried to Ambalappuzha by Mallissery and Kakad
Othikkan families.
When British rule
began, the Zamorin strengthened their claim over the temple’s administration.
This led to prolonged legal battles with the Mallissery family, lasting over a
century. In 1822, the Zamorin was declared a co-trustee. By 1854, a formal
agreement confirmed the Zamorin’s role in the administration. Legal disputes
continued, and in 1915, the British-implemented “Court of Wards” took over the
Zamorin’s estate, including the temple, for 12 years. A British officer named
A.J. Thorne was appointed as the administrator during this period.
In 1927, the Madras
Religious Endowments Act was introduced, granting administrative rights to the
Zamorin. The Mallissery family contested this in court. By 1930, the
administration was revised to include both the Zamorin and the Mallissery
family. A devastating fire in 1970 destroyed much of the temple. In 1971, the
Kerala government took over the temple’s administration. The current governance
structure was established under the amended Guruvayur Devaswom Act of 1978.
Ref
The temple’s website:
https://guruvayurtemple.org/
LEGENDS
As per the legend and
mythology, the temple was consecrated by Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu (the wind
god), hence the name “Guruvayur.” The idol of Lord Krishna worshipped here is
believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna Himself in Dwaraka. After
Dwaraka’s submersion, the idol was brought to Kerala by Guru and Vayu and
installed at Guruvayur.
POOJAS AND
CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular
poojas, special poojas are conducted on the Ekadasi festival, Thiruvoonam, Vishu,
Krishna Jayanthi, Janmashtami, Kumbham Utsavam, etc.
The Seiveli starts at
21.30 hrs and ends around 23.30 hrs, which is a spectacular event that
shouldn’t be missed.
The special darshan
ticket is Rs 1000. Senior Citizens are allowed in a separate “Q” from 04.30
hrs to 06.00 hrs in the morning and 16.30 hrs to 18.00 hrs in the evening.
Krishnanattam, a
captivating traditional dance-drama, is performed at Guruvayur Temple as a
divine offering to Lord Krishna. Rooted in ancient Kerala art forms, it
narrates episodes from the Krishna Leela, depicting the life and exploits of
Lord Krishna through mesmerizing music, vibrant costumes, and expressive
gestures. Introduced by King Manavedan in the 17th century, this art form is a
unique blend of devotion and artistry.
TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be
kept open from 03.00 hrs to 13.30 and from 16.30 hrs to 21.15 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS
The reception numbers 0487255635
and 04872556538 may be contacted for further details.
Email: contact.gdonline@gmail.com
HOW TO REACH
The temple at
Guruvayur is about 1.7 km from Guruvayur Railway Station, 28 km from Thrissur,
31.7 km from Thirumittakode Anchumoorthy Temple, 49 km from Thirunavaya
Navamukundan Temple, and 110 km from Kozhikode.
The nearest Railway
Station is Guruvayur.
LOCATION OF THE
TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA
---
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