Guruvavayur temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Guruvayurappan a form of Krishna, located in the Guruvayurin Kerala. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is often referred as Bhuloka Vaikuntha.
The main symbol is a four- armed standing Vishnu holding a lotus with a tulasi garland the discus sudarshan the mace Kaumodaki and the conch Panchajanya. This picture depicts the shape of Vishnu as it was revaled to Vasudeva and devaki, the parents of Krishna, shortly after his birth. Adi Shankara eatrablished rituals for worship and chennas Narayanan Nambudiri later formally codified them in the Tantric method an interreligious spiritual movement that emerged in mediaeval India. The heirlooms tantric of the Guruvayur Temple are the Chennas Nambudiris.
The temple has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is believed to have been established in the 16th century. According to legend, the idol of Lord Krishna worshipped in the temple was originally worshipped by Lord Brahma himself.
The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It has a square-shaped sanctum sanctorum with a tall gopuram (entrance tower) at the entrance. The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
The main deity of the temple is Guruvayurappan, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The idol is made of a rare black stone known as Patala Anjana. The deity is depicted as a small child holding a flute and adorned with jewels. Devotees believe that worshipping Guruvayurappan brings prosperity and fulfillment of desires.
Also Read: Know the history of an iconic pilgrimage in Hinduism
The temple has a strict set of rituals and traditions that are followed every day. The deity is worshipped with various offerings and rituals, including the famous 'Nivedyam' (offerings) such as Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge). The temple also hosts numerous festivals, the most important of which is the Guruvayur Ekadasi, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November-December).
Guruvayur Temple holds significant religious and cultural importance for devotees of Lord Krishna and remains a cherished destination for pilgrims and tourists visiting Kerala.
Also Read: Mathura: The Birthplace Of Lord Krishna
