Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, 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.....
Guruvayurappan
According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records to establish it. In the 14th century Tamil literature 'Kokasandesam', references about a place called Kuruvayur is made....
It
is actually a part of Ekadasi festival which is conducted for 12 days and
attracts more than 2000 Carnatic
musicians. This music festival is in commemoration of Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagawathar who was a doyen of Carnatic music and an ardent devotee
of the Lord Guruvayurappan. It is
almost a replica of Saint Thyagaraja festival. Earlier
it was a three day festival but with the phenomenal rise in the number of
participants, the period was extended with artists of all types - young, old, novices,
experts, vocalists and instrumentalists are allowed to participate. The
highlights of the Utsavam is group singing of
saint Thyagaraja's Pancharatna Krithis on Dasami day by several
leading artists. The last few days'
programmmes are telecast live by All India Radio and Doordharsan
NARAYANEEYAM
DAY [13-12-09]
The
day on which Narayaneeyam was completed, 28th Vrichikam, is celebrated by
the
Devaswom as Narayaneeyam day. Discourses and debates on Narayaneeyam written by
Melpathur take place. Special functions are held at Melpathur Illapparambu also.
POONTHANAM DAY [01-03-09]
The
Poonthanam day is celebrated
on the Aswathi day of the month of Kumbham (February-March) in commemoration
of the Saint
Poonthanam, a great devotee of the Lord, who enriched
Malayalam devotional literature with his renowned
poetic composition 'Jnanapana', a philosophical work of all
times. On this day, recital of Poonthanam's works and debate takes place.
A one week literary festival is conducted at Poonthanam illam.
