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....
Guruvayur, the Utsavam lasts for ten days. Beginning on the day of
Pushya (the 8th asterism) in the month of Kumbham ( February-March), it ends
after the Aarattu on the 10th day.
Religiously, it is the restoration of
divine Chaithanya. Brahmakalasam is preceded by the Utsavam. It is aimed
at the purification and energisation of the powers of the deity. It is
the last of the long series of rituals of kalasam and at the end, the
flag will be hoisted heralding the Utsavam.
Culturally, it consists of various processions,
illumination and modest fire-works (this is a specialty of Guruvayur Utsavam
that no explosives are used, unlike most of the other Kerala
temples). All ten days, the
place wears a festive look, streets dressed up with arches, festoons
etc., houses freshly thatched and painted. Every shrine and building is tastefully decorated with lights, plantain trunks, bunches of coconut
and arecanuts. Two Gopurams and the bahyankana (outer-courtyard) are
elaborately decorated with illuminations and eye-catching electric
displays. The lamps, deepasthambams and vilakku are all lightened.
Religiously, it is the restoration of
divine Chaithanya. Brahmakalasam is preceded by the Utsavam. It is aimed
at the purification and energisation of the powers of the deity. It is
the last of the long series of rituals of kalasam and at the end, the
flag will be hoisted heralding the Utsavam.
