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....
Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to
the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in an year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Suklapaksha)
has got special significance in Guruvayur. It falls in the
Mandala season.
The Navami (9th day) and Dasami (10th day) are also very important. Ekadasi Vilakku starts a
month before the
Ekadasi day as offerings by different persons, families and
organisations. On Navami day, the Vilakku is lit with ghee as an
offering by
Kolady family. The Dasami Vilakku which used to be an offering of Zamorin
Raja, is now conducted by Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. After the
temple is open on this day for Nirmalya darshan ( 3.00AM ), it is closed
only at 9.00 am on Dwadasi Day (12th day), thus allowing continues
darshan for devotees throughout Dasami and Ekadasi Days. Until the temple entry for all Hindus in
1947, Avarnas (lower caste) were allowed to come up to Thiyyarambalam on Dasami day
(in between Manjulal and
Eastern Gopuram). On Dwadasi day there is a custom of offering a token amount called
Dwadasi Panam in Koothambalam for the welfare of the family.
A
highlight of the Ekadasi is the memorial
honour for Gajarajan Kesavan . The Karanavar
or head of the
elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Kesavan in front of
Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay
obeisance. On Ekadasi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (continuous pooja) is
conducted by the Devaswom itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadasi
there is
a grant elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also.
On Ekadasi after night pooja the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with
elephant
procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the
festival.
