Interesting Facts About Guruvayur Temple in Kerala

There are many beautiful temples in South India and some among them can even claim to be the richest in the world. Others boast amazing architecture or a rich history. Kerala, especially, has many temples which are very significant for Hindu devotees. One of these is the Guruvayur temple. The pride of Thrissur district, Guruvayur attracts hordes of visitors who believe in the power of its reigning deity, Guruvayurappan, a form of Lord Vishnu. Devotees from all parts of India visit the temple which is much in demand as a venue for Hindu weddings. Let’s learn some interesting facts about the temple.

Factoid 1

As Vishnu is the presiding deity, the temple is also called Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple. This form of Lord Vishnu has four arms. One holds the conch Panchajanya, another has the discus, Sudarshana Chakra, the third one carries the mace Kaumodaki and the fourth one has a lotus along with a Tulsi garland. 

Factoid 2

Guruvayurappan is the form of Krishna or Lord Vishnu seen by Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki when he was born. Hence, Guruvayoor is also called the Dwaraka of South India. Dwaraka is an ancient city in north India where Krishna was born.

Factoid 3

Guruvayur temple has a chief priest called Melshanti who is present full-time to conduct daily prayers and rituals. The priest opens the sanctum sanctorum early in the morning and observes a fast till the noon prayer rituals are over.

Factoid 4

Guruvayur temple is among the most ancient temples in India. The oldest temple records go back to the17th century. However, other sources suggest that the temple might be around 5000 years old. 

Factoid 5

There is a very strict dress code for devotees planning to visit the Guruvayur temple. Men who wish to enter the temple have to wear a costume called a ‘mundu’ which is tied around the waist. Boys must wear shorts. Males cannot cover the upper body, but they can drape a small piece of cloth called ‘veshti’. Women had to wear saris but recently, the rules were relaxed slightly so salwar kameez too can be worn.

Factoid 6

The temple owns a herd of around 56 elephants. They reside in the Punnathur Kotta elephant yard which houses the most number of male captive Asian elephants.

Factoid 7

Non- Hindus cannot enter the temple.

Factoid 8

The pooja routines were created by Adi Shankaracharya and later incorporated in the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri, who was born in 1427. The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary priests or Tantris of the temple.

Factoid 9

The temple became well-known after Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed the Narayaneeyam Stotram eulogizing the Lord, after which he was cured of his illness.