Guruvayur Festival of Kerala

Place or community

Guruvayur Festival is celebrated with much pomp and zeal in Guruvayur temple in Kerala. It is a festival celebrated by the Hindus.

Month

Ulsavam is conducted in the month of Kumbha, i.e., in February or March and lasts for 10 days.

Temple Description

Guruvayur known as the Dwarka of the South attracts thousands of pilgrims each year. The main attraction is the Guruvayur temple, the holy abode of 'Guruvayurappan' or Srikrishna.

It has one of the greatest Krishna shrines of India. Situated 33km north of Thrissur, the temple is built in typical Kerala style with gateways, repeated mandapas, sreekovil, subsidiary shrines around a circumbulatory courtyard. The temple has two gopurams or gateways one on the east and the other in the west. The Eastern 'gopuram' or Kizhakkenada also known as Bhooloka Vaikuntam, is the main entrance to the shrine. The main shrine is adorned with exquisite 17th century paintings portraying stories from the life of Krishna. The gold plated flag post Dwajasthambam stands in front of the Chutambalam. The central hall or Nalambalam is decorated with oil lamps on its walls. Sreekovil or the main shrine is inside the Chutambalam or outer enclosure. The idol of Vishnu is made up of a particular stone called 'patala anjanam'.

There are also shrines to Durga (Edathidettukkaavu Bhagawati) in the north, Ganapathi and Lord Ayyappan on the south side of Chutambalam here.

Legend behind the temple

It was believed that the idol of the Sri Krishna temple was worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwarka. However, after Lord Krishna left for his heavenly abode and Dwarka was to be submerged, it became important to find an equally holy place for the idol. The job was entrusted to 'Guru', the preceptor of the Devas and 'Vayu', the Lord of the winds to find a holy spot. After a long journey they reached Kerala and met Parasurama, legendary creator of Kerala who led them to a place near a beautiful lake. The lake was full of lotuses and Shiva and Parvati were waiting near Rudratirtha, the temple tank to welcome them. The idol was placed in this spot which came to be known as Guruvauurappan, or the Lord of Guruvayur since it was installed by Guru and Vayu.

Festival

Some of the festivals celebrated at Guruvayur temple are Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Mandalam, Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini, Kuchela's Day, Chembai music festival and Narayaneeyam day. Ulsavam is the main festival of Guruvayur temple. Ulsavam takes place in the month of February and March and is a 10 day long festival. The festival begins with the hoisting of the flag on Dwajastambham and an elephant race. Pilgrims can witness the procession of the elephants throughout six continuous days. Various cultural programs are also held during this time. Oblations are offered on the 8th day to the Lord’s lieutenants during Utsavabali. It symbolizes the destruction of desire and anger from our lives. Many devotees take a dip in the temple pond to wash off their sins. The Lord after 11 days returns to his holy place and the flag is also lowered at the end of the festival.