Kerala - Guruvayur.
There are some places in our country, by mentioning the very name of them will evoke inexplicable ecstacy of reverence in mind, One of them certainly is Guruvayur in Kerala. We visited this holy abode of Sri Krishna some time back. It happened so the day we drove into Sri Guruvayur Kshetram, it was an Ekadasi Day, considered auspicious day for Sri Krishna. My wife who was observing stict fasting on Ekadasi days for years felt thrilled that she was at Guruvaur Kshetram on an Ekadasi day to have the Dharshan of the Lord, this time. Incidentally one of the most important festivals in this Temple celebrated on Vrischika - Sukla paksha Ekadasi, known as Guruvayur Ekadasi. (Nov-Dec).
By the time we reached Guruvayur it was 7.30 PM. We were able to get comfortable accommodation in "Panchajanyan Rest House" run by Dewosvam.
After having a wash we rushed to the Temple to stand in the queue for the Darshan of the Lord after the evening pooja. We had gone to this holy place two times before. Last time we were lucky to have "Udayasthamana Puja" - the dawn to dusk puja to the Guruvayurappan. We were told this most coveted and dearest of all the pujas of the Lord has been booked upto the year 2047 ! We were in the queue for about 45 minutes before we were able to enter the Srikovil. This gave me time to view the surroundings in detail. Srikovil is surrounded by outer walls of wodden trellies with array of about 8,000 brass lamps, which are lit on special occassions. The 60 feet golden plated Dwajastambam (flag post) stands majestically before the main entrace Two Deepastambams of 24 feet tall with 13 discs of lamps adorn both sides of Flag post.
When we entered the main entrance of the Srikovil, we passed through two large platforms on both sides. Fifty six years back when I visited this temple for the first time I had seen Brahmins reciting holy scriptures sitting on these platforms. It was claimed that the famous Melaputhur Narayana Bhattadri composed Narayaneeyam stting on the southern part of this platform.
As we moved further we came to the "Namaskara Mantapam" in front of the Srikovil. Here itself we had the first Darshan of the Lord of Guruvayur in traditional form of Sri Maha Vishnu, with four arms holding Sankha, Chakra, Gada, Padmam fully decorated with flowers and jewellery. Enhanced by soft light of surrounding numerous oil lamps lit around, it was a devine sight to the devout. In the midst of continuos chanting of the name of the Lord by the devotees slowly wading towards the Srikovil entrance to have a few seconds of Darshan of sri Guruvayurappan, in my mind I felt I am alone with Him taking his blessings. Before Him we close our eyes to take the moment of ecstacy fully inside. This indeed a spiritual experience that cannot be defined by any of our senses.
The moorthy is made of "Pathalanjana Shila" considered extemely sacred and the puja vessals are made of Gold.
The outer walls of square shaped Srikoil in embellished with Murals. When we came out of the Srikoivil by the northen doorway to the Prakaram, we saw the six Elephants tied there. Behind them Prasadams were distributed in the counters.
Early next morning my wife rushed to the Temple to have Nirmalya Dashan, we followed her after 5.oo AM to have Lords Dashan. It was an experience that will stay with us forever.
Devoswam is running four Rest houses for the stay of pilgrims. They are very comfortable and the rates are reasonable. Apart from these there are a number of Good Hotels available in Guruvayur. The Temple offers free lunch to the devotees. The Brahmana Samooham on the main Nada opposite the Temple,provides good food (Lunch only) free . You have to register before hand for this. Otherwise there are good restaurants in the Town.
The Temple is always crowded, but very clean and neat. All devotees can have Darshan without confusion.
Regards,
Brahmanyan.
