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  • Mon. Dec 9th, 2024

Guruvayur Temple

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The Prime Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Kerala, offered prayers at Sreekrishna Temple, Guruvayur, recently.

About Guruvayur Temple:

  • Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, also known as the Dwarka of the South, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the young form of Lord Krishna.
  • It is located in the small town of Guruvayur, in the Thrissur District of Kerala.
  • The earliest temple records date back to the 17th century, but other literary texts and legends indicate that the temple may be around 5000 years old.
  • Features:
    • Lord Krishna, or Guruvayoorappan, is the chief deity of this temple.
    • The temple is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style.
    • The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 C.E. 
    • Structures like the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepasthambham (pillar of lights) are situated on the temple premises.
    • The wall of the sanctum sanctorum is decked with ancient 17th-century murals.
    • Another famous sight here is the Dwajasthambam. It is a flagstaff, around 70 feet tall, fully covered with gold.  
    • One of the most popular offerings at Guruvayoor temple is Thulabharam, where devotees are weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery, and coconuts equivalent to their weight on a giant pair of scales.
    • The temple is also noted for being home to a large population of captive male Asian elephants.
      • The Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary, where 56 elephants live, is very close to the temple.

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