About Krishna

About Krishna

Krishna, "the all-attractive one," means the original, unique Supreme Person, the source of all that exists. God has many names, and each describes a different aspect of His personality. Allah, Vishnu, Jehovah, and God refer to His roles as creator, maintainer of the universe, and Lord of all. The name Krishna suggests the most charming and beautiful qualities of the Supreme Person, as He is, and as He appears to His most dear devotees.

Krishna appears as other forms of God—avatars—to create and maintain the universe, while He simultaneously enjoys loving relationships with His countless associates in the spiritual world. He visits this material world from time to time to free His devotees from material existence and to vanquish the wicked. He performs superhuman pastimes—lifting mountains, swallowing forest fires, and killing numerous extraordinarily powerful demons—as easily as a child playing with toys.

Symbols of each item in vishukani.

Symbols of  each item  in the vishukani.

1. Idol of krishna....Godliness of the mind.

2. Mirror....your own reflection i.e. jeevatma
3. otturuli...The round universe
4, Rice....Good thoughts
5. Other cereals....earnings and Progress in life.
6. Fruits...Good results
7. Konnaflowers...The ormament of God
8. Cucumber..The fresh and clean mind
9. Gold.....Aiswaryalakshmi
10. White cloth...Symbol of white dressed Devi..
11. Coins....Dhanalaxmi
12. Book...Knowledge
13. Broken coconuts....Devotion with concentration
14.betel leaves...Mangalam & Guru dakshina
15. Kunkuman & kanmashi.. Mangalyam
16. Nilavilakku...The glowing life  in Your soul
17. Water.. the basis of living things on the earth.

Guruvayoor is a.......

Guruvayur is a pilgrimage town in the southwest Indian state of Kerala. It’s known for centuries-old, 

red-roofed Guruvayur Temple, where Hindu devotees make offerings of fruit, spices or coins, often equivalent to their own weight. 

Nearby, Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple contains shrines to the deities Vishnu and Shiva. South of town, St. 

Thomas Church is believed to have been established by the apostle St. Thomas in 52 AD.

PIN: 680101

HISTORY OF GURUVAYOOR TEMPLE

HISTORY

The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. By then it had become the most famous center of pilgrimage in Kerala mainly due to the five devotees who propagated the glory - Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Kururamma and the Prince Manadevan (Zamorin).   

In 1716 AD The Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.In 1766 AD  Haider Ali captured Calicut and Guruvayoor, but spared the temple for a reason of 10000 Ferams which was paid by Vatakkepat Variyar.The general insecurity prevailing; the flow of pilgrims and the annual payment of tenants ceased. Haider Ali however gave a 'Devadaya' (free gift) to the temple in 1780 AD., on the recommendation of the Governer of Malabar, Srinivasa Rao and thus saved the temple from total extinction. 

In 1789, Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali's son and successor descended on the scene to defeat the Zamorin and to convert Hindus to Islam. Fearing destruction of the image, the Mulavigraha (Main deity) was hidden underground and the Utsavavigraha (processional deity) was taken to Ambalapuzha. Tipu set fire to and plundered the temple. But a timely rain and an incorporeal voice averted a major catastrophe. After the English drove out Tipu, both the vigrahas (deities) were reinstalled. From 1875 to 1900, the Ullanad Panikars came in and offered their free secures to the lord apart from contributing from their family estates. [Like the earlier devotees Chempakasseri Nambudiri & Desavarma Nambudiri who had donated everything they had, to the lord]. 

In 1841, the Govt. of Madras restored the Devadaya appropriated by Tipu Sultan. Slowly & steadily the temple became prosperous. All the portions were rebuilt renovated and ornamented. At the turn of the 20th century various reforms have seen in the temple under the administration of its manager Sri Konti Menon. In 1928, the Zamorin once again became responsible for the administration of the temple.

In 1931-32, a Sathyagraha was launched under the leadership of Kerala Gandhi, i.e., Kelappan, a prominent group leader of Kerala, to secure the entry of untouchables in to the temple. All this resulted in the Travancore Temple Entry proclamation in 1936, and similar measures in British Malabar in 1946 & Cochin in 1947. Since then every Hindu is permitted to have a darshan of the Lord outside the sanctum sanctorum (Sree kovil). Yet the offering of Namaskara sadhya (feast) exclusively to Brahmins in the Uttupura (dining hall) continued. Finally this custom was also sapped. From 1st Jan 1982, the Devaswam itself feeds 500 – 1000 pilgrims, with Prasadam (Prasada Oottu). Devotees too can make an offering of any amount for free feeding. 

On 30th November 1970, after the 6th day of the annual Ekadasi festival, a disastrous fire broke out in the temple Hindus, Muslims & Christians fought the fire shoulder to shoulder. Despite 5 hours of the raging fire, the Srikovil, the vigraha of Guruvayoorappan, and the subshrines of Ganesha, Ayyappa and Devi, and the flag staff remained intact.

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About Guruvayoor

Guruvayoor, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayoorappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world.

Guruvayoor is a thriving township in Trichur district of Kerala state in the South of India, its scenic beauty and serenity are breath taking. Guruvayoorappan is the chief diety here - The God which hears the prayers of its pilgrims. Guruvayoorappan is adorned with the holy tulasi (Basil) garland, and pearl necklace the Lord here appears in all radiance to bless the devotees.

Festivals in Gouruvayoor Temple

Festivals
Ulsavam (Festival):
This is conducted in the month of Kumbha (Feb-March) and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high heralds the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. On the next 6 days, there are elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (Offering of oblation at various altar). There are various cultural programs like dance, music, religious discusses are held at Melpathur Auditorium (outside the temple) on all these days. On the 8th day, ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) or oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants. A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. After that the Lord's Thidambu is takan to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting the Lord’s name to purge them of their sins. Then ucha Pooja (i.e, noon worship –this takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, the Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.

Vishu:
The Malayali New Year day, Vishu, falls on the 1st of Medam month (mid-April). As the belief goes, one’s fortunes for the year depends on the auspiciousness of the objects that one sees first at dawn on this day. Accordingly a kani (omen) consisting of konna flowers , raw rice, gold, betel leaves and nuts, yellow cucumber and coins, are so arranged in front of the family deity in the previous night itself, so that one sees them at first glimpse on waking up in the morning. Seeing the kani at Guruvayoor is considered very auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight, blindfold themselves and set their eyes on the Kani and the glorious deity as the doors are as usual opened for the dharshan at 3 a.m.

Vaishka:
The lunar month from the day following the new moon of Metam (April-May) to the following new moon. The observance of austerities or ‘Vratha’ during this month is considered especially sacred to Vishnu.

Ashtami Rohini:
In the month of Chingam (July-Aug), under the Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Lord Krishna’s birth i.e. Janmashtami. A very special day in all Sree Krishna temples, Guruvayoor Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and vilakku), devotees flock in with appam (Cakes of rice paste and jaggery) considered the most favourite food of the Lord on that day.


Kuchela’s Day: This is observed on the first Wednesday of Dhanu (December-January). Kuchela was a poverty-stricken Brahmin and a childhood friend of Lord Krishna. One day, he went to seek Krishna’s help, at the instance of his life. He carried with him a small gift of beaten rice to offer his friend. On reaching Dwaraka, he was not only welcomed warmly by Krishna, and made to feel at home, but was also asked what he had brought for him.