Guruvayur Temple:
A record 416 marriages were solemnised at Guruvayur Temple on a single day recently.
- Guruvayur Temple, also known as the Dwarka of the South, is a Hindu temple located in the small town of Guruvayur, in the Thrissur District of Kerala.
- It is dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a beloved form of Lord Vishnu worshipped as Baby Krishna.
- It is ascertained that the main presiding deity is 5,000 years old.\In fact, the word ‘’Kuruvayur’’ has been mentioned in the Tamil literature called ‘’Kokasandesam’’ in the 14th century CE.
- However, the earliest recorded history of the Guruvayur temple can be traced back to the 17th century C.E.
- The present structure was rebuilt in the year 1638 C.E.
- In 1716 AD, the Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.
- In terms of devotees every day, it is the fourth biggest shrine in India.
- It is renowned for its traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, characterized by its gabled roof, wooden carvings, and intricate sculptures.
- Structures like the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepastambam (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 Dwajasthamba. It is a flagstaff, around 70 feet tall, fully covered with gold.
- The Thulabharam is one of the most popular offerings at Guruvayur Temple. In this ritual, devotees are weighed against jaggery, coconuts, sugar, or bananas on a giant set of scales.
- This quantity is then given to the Lord as an offering.
- The temple is also noted for being home to a large population of captive male Asian elephants.
- The Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary is very close to the temple.
