Guruvayur

Mamankam was a very famous event at Thirunavaya, on the bank of Bharathappuzha . The war between the Zamorins and the Raja of Valluvanad of Thirunavaya in a way popularised Guruvayur temple. Due to the prolonged war people across the river bank started preferring Guruvayur. Even the Zamorin become a devotee and thus his subjects followed him completely . The central shrine which we see today is said to have been rebuilt in 1638 AD. Vishwabali was performed later to propitiate all the spirits, good and bad. By the end of 16th century Guruvayur had become most popular pilgrimage centre in Kerala.

In 1716 AD, the Dutch raided Guruvayur. They looted treasures , gold of the flag staff, and set fire to the Western Gopuram. It was later rebuilt in 1747 AD. In 1755AD ,the Dutch in war with the Zamorin destroyed Trikkunavay temple and the Brahmins fled from there. Later the Zamorin become the trustee of both Guruvayur and Trikkunavay, and also their Melkoyma (Sovereign protector).

In 1766 AD , Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikkode (Calicut) and then Guruvayur. He fined 10,000 fanams to spare the temple . This fine was paid but due to insecurity pilgrims receded , the supply of rice was stopped and the tenants stopped annual dues. On the request of the Malabar Governor, Shrnivasa Rao, Hyder Ali granted a Devadaya (free gift) and the temple was saved from extinction. Again in 1789 AD Tippu Sultan invaded Zamorin's province. Apprehending the destruction, the idol was hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha was taken to Ambalapuzha by Mallisseri Namboodiri and Kakkad othikkan. Tippu destroyed the smaller shrines and set fire to the Temple, but it was saved due to timely rain. Tippu lost to the Zamorin and the English in 1792 AD. The idol hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha were re-installed on September 17th , 1792. But the daily poojas and routines were seriously affected.

The Ullanad Panickers rescued and looked after the temple for good 75 years ( 1825 to 1900). Like Chempakassery Namboodiri and Deshavarma Namboodiri ,the Panickers offered everything from service to property. Thus with their help daily pooja and Utsavam (annual festival ) were once again restored.

From 1859 to 1892, the Chuttambalam,the Vilakkumatam, the Koothambalam and Sastha shrine were renovated and roofed with copper sheeting. In 1900, Sri Konthi Menon , as a manager fixed the hours of worship and led the drive to keep the temple premises clean. He set up the big bell and reconstructed Pathayapura (granary). In 1928, the Zamorin once again become the administrator of Guruvayur.

In 1931-32 , Late Kelappan (known as "Kerala Gandhi" ) led the Guruvayur Satyagraha to secure the entry of lower castes in temples. The lower castes were allowed to go only up to Thiyyarambalam, more than about half kilometer from the temple. He started a fast unto death in front of the Eastern Gopuram . He broke the fast at the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi. It did not produce any immediate result but led to the entry of Dalits in various Kerala temples.

In 1947, the Guruvayur temple was also opened for the entry of all Hindus. Later, namaskara sadya (feast ),which was only for Brahmins was scrapped and was opened to everyone irrespective of caste.

From the time immemorial, India has been a spiritually enlightened country consecrated by Rishis and temples of worship. Holy places like Kashi and Rameswaram have magnificent Temples which, besides their spiritual significance, are noted for their antiquity and historical importance. The artistic excellence and the architectural specialities of Konark and Khajuraho are so indescribable that they always attract not only the pilgrims from within the country but also swarms of tourists from abroad. But Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.

The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA.

SANCTITY OF THE IDOL

The idol of Guruvayur temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. This idol was once worshipped by Mahavishnu in Vaikunta. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma. King Suthapas and his wife who worshipped Bhrama for a child received this idol from Brahma. He advised them to start worshipping the idol. Once Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born as their child in their three re-births in three different forms and in three different situations. Thus they got the good fortune to worship the same deity in all three rebirths.They gave birth to Prasnigarbhan who gave to the world the practice of Brahmacharya Vratha(Celibacy). In their next birth, Suthapas and his wife were born as Kashyapa and Adithi . Their son in that birth was Vamana. The third rebirth was as Vasudeva and Devaki.The Lord Krishna was born as their eighth son.In the long run,the Lord Krishna himself installed this idol in Dwaraka and worshipped it.

SANCTITY OF INSTALLATION

From Mahavishnu the sacred idol has passed through the hands of Brahma, Suthapas, Kasyapa, Vasudeva, Sree Krishna and finally at the time of Krishna's ascension to Vaikunta, he instructed Udhava to entrust Brahaspathi (the Guru of Devas) with the task of taking the idol to a suitable place where people could worship it, so as to get salvation in Kaliyuga. A deluge had closed in on Dwaraka, but Guru salvaged the idol with the help of his prime disciple, Vayu. Guru and Vayu went around the world in search of an ideal place. They met Parasurama who lead them to a lush green spot with a beautiful lotus tank where they felt the presence of Lord Siva. Lord Siva along with Parvathy welcomed them and said , "This is the same spot you are looking for,here it was,I imparted the Rudrageetham to the Prechethas" The idol was installed there. Siva with Parvathy left to the opposite bank, at Mammiyur. Siva permitted Guru and Vayu to perform the consecration rites and blessed them that henceforth this place would be known as GURUVAYUR (since the installation was done by Guru and Vayu)

Vishwakarma, the divine architect was requested to built a Temple , which he made in such a way that on the day of Vishu (Summer equinox), the sun himself makes his obeisance . His first rays on that day fall straight on the Lord's feet. The idol was installed in the solar month of Kumbha. (February - March). The ceremony was begun on the seventh asterism of Pooyam (Puozhya) and completed on the day of Anizham (Anuradha)

As the idol was once worshiped by the Lord Mahavishnu himself in Vaikunta, Guruvayur is considered to be "Bhooloka Vaikunta" - the heaven on earth.

1. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
2. The temple pond on the northern side is known as Rudratheertham. Devotees can purify themselves by taking bath here and can enter the temple preferably with wet clothes.
3. Follow the temple rules and regulations, so that all can comfortably worship the Lord.
4. Do not enter the temple wearing shirt, banyan, pyjama, lungi, chequered clothes, chapels etc. There are facilities to keep them outside the temple.
5. Co-operate with the Temple officials, who are always ready to guide and help the devotees.
6. Do not take video camera, mobile phone, radio, tape recorder etc. inside the temple wall
7. Do not take, camera inside the Nalambalam
8. Do not touch on the big altar stone (Balikkallu) by foot
9. Immediately after marriage , the couples should not enter the Nalambalam.
10. Do not spit in the temple premises
11. Do not retain babies and children for a long time within the Nalambalam.
12. The receipt for the remittance for offerings (Vazhipad) can be obtained from the booking counters on the ground floor of the oottupura. Be careful not to get deceived by fraud agents for such bookings.
13. Receipts obtained for the feeding of the poor etc. should be put inside the box for the purpose in front of the booking counter.
14. Such items as miniature human figures, replicas of hands, legs, eyes, abnormal body eruptions etc. made of gold and silver can be obtained from the temple official, who are available near the Kodimaram (Flag-staff). Keep these on the platform of the Kodimaram and offer prayers. Put the amount you wish to offer in the Bandaram (Hundi). Do not buy these items from outside, which are fakes.
15. Udayasthamana Pooja, Vilakku, Bhagavathy Chuttuvilakku, Namaskaram, Krishnanattam and offerings of the like , have to be booked in advance.
16. Ornaments and such other costly offerings can be put in the Bhandaram.
17. Enter the temple with an absolute sense of devotion.
18. Take special care of your valuables.
19. Offerings and the relevant letters should be sent to the Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom, Guruvayur - 680101, Kerala. Complete information about offerings and full address of the person making the offerings in bold capital letters should be given on the money order coupon or covering letter of DD. If these are not given, the amount sent will be put in to the Bhandaram.
20. Bank drafts or Money orders should be sent well in advance to make the offerings on the desired date.

Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in an year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Suklapaksha) has got special significance in Guruvayur. It falls in the Mandala season. The Navami (9th day) and Dasami (10th day) are also very important. Ekadasi Vilakku starts a month before the Ekadasi day as offerings by different persons, families and organisations. On Navami day, the Vilakku is lit with ghee as an offering by Kolady family. The Dasami Vilakku which used to be an offering of Zamorin Raja, is now conducted by Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. After the temple is open on this day for Nirmalya darshan ( 3.00AM ), it is closed only at 9.00 am on Dwadasi Day (12th day), thus allowing continues darshan for devotees throughout Dasami and Ekadasi Days. Until the temple entry for all Hindus in 1947, Avarnas (lower caste) were allowed to come up to Thiyyarambalam on Dasami day (in between Manjulal and Eastern Gopuram). On Dwadasi day there is a custom of offering a token amount called Dwadasi Panam in Koothambalam for the welfare of the family.

A highlight of the Ekadasi is the memorial honour for Gajarajan Kesavan . The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Kesavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. On Ekadasi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (continuous pooja) is conducted by the Devaswom itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadasi there is a grant elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also. On Ekadasi after night pooja the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival.

UTSAVAM OR ANNUAL FESTIVAL

Guruvayur, the Utsavam lasts for ten days. Beginning on the day of Pushya (the 8th asterism) in the month of Kumbham ( February-March), it ends after the Aarattu on the 10th day.

Religiously, it is the restoration of divine Chaithanya. Brahmakalasam is preceded by the Utsavam. It is aimed at the purification and energisation of the powers of the deity. It is the last of the long series of rituals of kalasam and at the end, the flag will be hoisted heralding the Utsavam.

Culturally, it consists of various processions, illumination and modest fire-works (this is a specialty of Guruvayur Utsavam that no explosives are used, unlike most of the other Kerala temples). All ten days, the place wears a festive look, streets dressed up with arches, festoons etc., houses freshly thatched and painted. Every shrine and building is tastefully decorated with lights, plantain trunks, bunches of coconut and arecanuts. Two Gopurams and the bahyankana (outer-courtyard) are elaborately decorated with illuminations and eye-catching electric displays. The lamps, deepasthambams and vilakku are all lightened.

CHEMBAI MUSIC FESTIVAL

It is actually a part of Ekadasi festival which is conducted for 12 days and attracts more than 2000 Carnatic musicians. This music festival is in commemoration of Chembai VaidyanathaBhagawathar who was a doyen of Carnatic music and an ardent devotee of the Lord Guruvayurappan. It is almost a replica of Saint Thyagaraja festival. Earlier it was a three day festival but with the phenomenal rise in the number of participants, the period was extended with artists of all types - young, old, novices, experts, vocalists and instrumentalists are allowed to participate. The highlights of the Utsavam is group singing of saint Thyagaraja's Pancharatna Krithis on Dasami day by several leading artists. The last few days' programmmes are telecast live by All India Radio and Doordharsan.

NARAYANEEYAM DAY [13-12-09]

The day on which Narayaneeyam was completed, 28th Vrichikam, is celebrated by the Devaswom as Narayaneeyam day. Discourses and debates on Narayaneeyam written by Melpathur take place. Special functions are held at Melpathur Illapparambu also.

POONTHANAM DAY [01-03-09]

The Poonthanam day is celebrated on the Aswathi day of the month of Kumbham (February-March) in commemoration of the Saint Poonthanam, a great devotee of the Lord, who enriched Malayalam devotional literature with his renowned poetic composition 'Jnanapana', a philosophical work of all times. On this day, recital of Poonthanam's works and debate takes place. A one week literary festival is conducted at Poonthanam illam.

TEMPLE ORGANISATION

The word tantra had a special meaning as applied to the temples of   Kerala. It is both a science and an art. It deals with structural and functional aspects of the temples and images, the dedication and consecration of the idol. The expert in tantra   is called Tantri.

Puzhakkara Chennas Namboodiri is the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur. The Tantra Samuchaya according to which temples rites and rituals are performed in most of the temples in Kerala was written by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri, born in 1427.When Punnathur chief submitted to the Zamorin, Chennas also joined the Zamorins' party in the Koorumatsaram and its senior most member became the Zamorins' spiritual adviser and supervisor of the temples in the empire. The Tantri lives in the tantrimadam near the temple. He offers Utsava bali (offerings to the celestial attendants) on Utsava days and takes part in all special worships during the Mandalam.

Othikkans

Derived from the Malayalam word 'oothuka'- to recite the Vedas. The othikkan is a person who chants as well as teaches the Veda. From the ancient times, Guruvayur has been having four othikkans, known from their house   names, as Pazhayam, Munnoolam, Pottakuzhi and Kakkad .They assist the Melsanthi by performing the Pantheeradi pooja (the worship when the sun's shadow measures 12 feet). The Othikkans officiate for the Tantri during the utsavam and other festivals and also when the tantri is not available due to sickness or so.

Melsanthi

The Melsanthi (Chief Priest)  is appointed for six months at a time. In Guruvayur, the Melsanthi has to observe strict brahmacharya and has to live within the temple premises. He is now appointed by the Managing Committee. Before taking the charge of the office, he has to undergo a fortnight's probation under the Tantri and Othikkans. The Tantri imparts to him, the Dhyanasloka, the litany and deity worshipped forms and   schools him in 'Moolamantra' or the secret syllables associated with deity. The Othikkans instruct him in ancient practices of the temple.

Keezhsanthis

The Keezhsanthis are the subordinate temple priests. The Melsanthi is assisted by two Keezhsanthis. They prepare everything for the daily worship and attend to the daily chores such as bringing water, making   sandal paste, cooking the nivedyam (offerings for the Lord). They also distribute the prasadam such as worshipped   flowers, sandal paste and the idol anointed oil.

He takes the Utsava vigraha on the elephant's back for seevelis. They perform the annual Chempakasseri and Desavarma sradham on behalf of the Lord. They cannot however act for the Melsanthi, neither can the Keezhsanthis touch the Moolavigraha ( the main idol). Since the return of the vigraha of the Lord ,   the duties of the Keezhsanthis are being performed by   fourteen   Namboodiri illams of Karisseri (Puzhavy) by turn, two illams (houses) performing the various services month by month.