Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Chakkulathukavu Temple



Chakkulathu Kavu is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Durga.
The temple is located in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District,
 Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state.
Bhagawathi is one of the most popular deities in the area. Pilgrims from all over
South India visit and worship the Devi.The temple was less known even to the
 local residents and lay as a family temple of a local resident.This remained until
it was renovated a few decades before.
Located on the banks of the holy Pampa River, this temple has attracted pilgrims
 all over Kerala and became one of the most popular pilgrim centre of the state ,
thanks to the excellent promotional strategy of the temple management.
The major festival is Pongala which takes place in the temple during the month
 of Vrischikam (November/December).This is the time when the glory of the
 Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as
early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be over
crowded and the devotees arrange places for offering the pongala on both sides
of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km. Rice,
 coconut and jaggery are brought by women devotees along with round earthen
pots for cooking. The Chief Priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside
 the sanctum sanctorum. This fIre is exchanged from one oven to another.
Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple. This is the type
 of fasting and prayer which qualifies the devotee for eternal blessings of
 Chakkulathamma. This fasting starts every year from the first day of the
 Malayalam month of Dhanu till the twelfth.
The other festivals are Naree pooja, Thrikkarthaka.








Chakkulathamma


There is an eternal divinity which is the ultimate cause 
for the creation as well sustenance of this universe.                                                                                As oil in sesame seeds, water in river beds and fire in  
friction sticks, this divinity defines all that we see and  
see not, all that we know and not know   or all that we 
 hear and hear not. The concept of Goddess which in
way is a manifestation of Nature is the supreme symbol  
 of his divinity that shapes us. The Devi at Chakkulatukavu 
 temples is a benign example of the love and motherliness                                                            that Almighty showers upon any devotee who seats that   
inimitable Goddess in his heart.




Let us have a look at the temple history that dates back to almost 3000 years.
 This area where the temple stands now has been a fearful forest. Trees that
 seemed to touch the sky, serpents with hissing noises and wild animals in
barbaric freedom created and atmosphere one would shudder to think. Rays
 of the sun failed to look through the trees. Afternoons were like midnights.


Into this forest came a hunter with the idea of collecting firewood. The
hunter was not alone. He had his wife and children with him. But everything
was so sudden and unexpected. The hunter saw a serpent moving towards him.
Its hood was erect and its hissing noise was fearful. Not thinking too much the
hunter attacked the snake with his axe.
But the snake was not hurt it only slipped into the forest. An expert in the
habits of animals, the hunter knew too well that an attacked snake is dangerous
 if spared. So he followed it. Searching and searching and still he couldn’t spot
out the snake. Finally he reached a lake. It was not much difficult to observe a
 ‘Chithalputtu’. (A cover of sand made by insects).




And what was it that ornamented it like a golden chain? Yes, it was the very snake that
 he was in search of. Not a second to waste, the hunter thrust his axe again and a
gain upon the serpent. But it was like cutting in the air. Surprisingly the serpent had
disappeared.


The hunter had a touch of horror. The next second he saw that the shell upon which
 the snake coiled was broken. Water was oozing out f it. The hunter watched with
awe and wonder. Now there was ‘Akshatham’ (paddy and rice) and ‘Darbha’
(a peculiar type of grass used for pujas). Meanwhile the wife and kids of the hunter
joined him. All were spell bound at the unbelievable sight in front of them.


New surprises were to follow. There appeared in front of the hunter a hermit with
 an inexpressible glow of spirituality. The hermit continued to inform that the
very Goddess who is in herself the Mother of the Universe has been residing with
 full powers inside the shell of sand. He advised the hunter to respectfully break
 the shell. The statue or image of Goddess was within it. This Goddess was Vanadurga
whose worship was sure to shower many fold blessings.


Narada himself broke the shell and took out the statue. The hunter and his family
 bowed before it. Meanwhile the hermit had disappeared. The hunter brought flowers
 from the forest, offered garlands and prayed. That night he had a dream and it’s was
in this dream that the hunter understood that the hermit was Narada.
As the sun sent down its gentle golden rays in the next morning, many had gathered
near the hut of the hunter. They submitted many offerings to the Goddess. Henceforth
 that place turned out to be a spirituality exceptional one.


The river of time flew gently and continuously. Poojas of the temple were structured
 systematically. Members of the Illam (Brahmin House) namely Pattamana constructed
 proper temple. The idol similar to that of Sivalainga, taken out by Narada was installed
 in the Sanctum sanctorium with all the prescribed ceremonies and Poojas.


Pattamana Illam still stands near at the temple. Members of this family have always
 been especially dearer to the goddess. Damodaran Nambudiri is the Chief Priest. His
 childhood days vibrate with powerful reflections of the kindness and blessings of
Chakkulathamma.
Everyday there was the “Therali Nyvedyam” (a special sweet preparation of rice and
jaggery covered with plantain leaves). During his childhood days Damodaran Nambudiri
 used to ask for this Nyvedyam to his father. On days when Therali was not available
the father told his son at asks the Goddess for Therali and fruits. The innocent child
pleaded the Goddess to give him sweet and fruits. Who has really realized the extreme
benevolence of the Goddess who in herself is the mother of all living beings! As the child
was repeatedly crying for the eatables there was a sound from inside the sanctum
 sanctorum.
 Somebody seemed to mention that fruits will soon reach the temple. Wonder of Wonders!
 Some devotees were seen approaching the temple with basketful of fruits. So intimate was
 the love of Chakkulathamma to children. This love becomes renowned that parents used to
 visit the temple with their children. Missing children were soon regained through prayers.
 Diseases were wonderfully cured. Worship of Chakkulathamma sharpens the intellect
of children; The Goddess was adored by all as the phenomenal “The Mother who answers”.


Many places near the temple have derived their original names from the history of the temple
. For instance, the water in the historical pond of the temple had the sweetness of jaggery.
 ‘Chakkarkulam’ became shortened in the long run and came to be known as Chakkulam. ‘
Neeru’ in Malayalam means water. Water was absorbed into the sand shell which contained
 the idol. So the place around the temple came to be called as ‘Neerattupuram’. ‘Puram
means place and the word denotes the place which carried and contained the holy water.


The temple was renovated in 1981. The illuminating idol of Vana Durga with the holy
eight hands is installed near the original idol. Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka,
Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas are installed as ‘Upa Devas’.







Official Website is www.chakkulathukavutemple.org




Major Vazhipads


Ganapathy Homam                                  15.00
Archana                                                       05.00
Pushpanjali                                                30.00
Raktha Pushpanjali                                   40.00
Navagraha Pooja                                      10.00
Choroonu (Anna Prasanam)                     15.00
Kadumpayasam                                          25.00
Abhisheka Oil                                             05.00
Kudumba Archana                                    10.00
Lalitha Sahasranam Pooja                         50.00
Mrithyunjaya Pooja                                50.00
Pithru Pooja                                              15.00
Bhagavathy Seva                                    100.00
Kumkuma Pooja                                     100.00
Chen Guruthi                                            250.00
Valiya Karim Guruthi                             750.00
Erratta Guruthi                                          500.00
Valiya Pooja                                              500.00
Chowa Pooja                                             350.00
Karma Pooja                                              400.00
Pithru Pooja                                              500.00
Anjana Guruthi                                         350.00
Nirapara                                                      25.00
Neeranjanam                                            15.00
Shatru Samhara Pooja                           100.00
Thrimaduram                                            05.00
Thulabharama                                            10.00


Advance Booking Poojas Charge


Asthra Draviya Ganapathi Homam           250.00
Ganapathi Homam (with Karuka)                    25.00
One day Pooja                                              1501.00
Oru Nerathe Pooja                                      1001.00
Muzhukappu (Devi)                                      250.00
Karthika Pooja                                             1500.00
Adianthra Pooja                                          2001.00
Palpayasam                                                  20.00
Aranazhi Payasam                                        450.00
Kalasham                                                    150.00
Noorum Paalum                                        100.00
Manjaneerattu                                            2001.00
Kalabha Abhishekham                               7001.00
Kumkuma Abhishekham                           7001.00
Thiruvabharanam Charthi Pooja                  501.00
Oru Divasatha Vayana                                 650.00
Udayasthamana Pooja                                 5001.00
Sakthi Pooja                                                  1501.00
Chuttu Vilakku                                              4001.00
Uthasva Pooja                                               5001.00
Pithru Sakthi Pooja                                       650.00



                                         Contact Details




ADDRESS

Manikuttan Namboothiri


ADMINISTRATOR


CHAKKULATHUKAVU SREE BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE
NEERETTUPURAM P.O

THIRUVALLA, KERALA, INDIA

TEL: 0477-2213550, 9447104242


Email: amma@chakkulathukavutemple.org





                                                                      Major Festivals


Pongala

This is the phenomenally renowned festival that takes place in the temple during the month of ‘Vrischikam’ (November/December). This is the time when the glory of the Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be overcrowded and the devotees arrange place for offering the Pongal on both sides of the mains streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km.


Naree Pooja

Hindu tradition had always bestowed reverence and acceptance to Indian womanhood. It often reminded humanity that a woman who is respected is the cause for prosperity whereas a woman is dishonoured is exactly like fire and can annihilate everything. We had even women who rose themselves to the pinnacle of spirituality and gave new dimensions to our culture.




The First Friday

The first Friday of every Malayalam month marks a spiritually significant day for the Temple.  Devotees who observe rigorous fasting and penance reach the shrine on  
 this day. The number of persons who gather themselves to have a visit of the Mother on this day  are literally countless. Special spiritual functions are also conducted on this day. The small idol of the God which is usually placed inside the sanctum sanctorum beside the main idol is carried in procession and brought to the specially arranged place for prayer.


Thrikkarthika

Thrikkarthika that falls on the malayalam month of Vrischika is an important day of the Temple. This day became famous after a surprising incident that took place in 1851. A Friday of 1981.3.30 am in the early morning. Some devotees had gathered to have the “Nirmalya Darsanam”. Everyone was amazed to see rings of perfumed smoke all around. Rare glow of light was seen in front of the temple. No body could discern what was happening. As the priest opened the temple, everyone was spell bound. All the lamps inside were alive with a unique touch of brilliance.


Kalamezhuthu

This ritual has both the influence as well as tremendous mental sense of awakening. The divine of the goddess is drawn in an elaborate size using differently coloured poweders. 
Nirapara
All the prosperities of this universe are a blessing that comes from the mother. After all, nature is one with the Goddess and whatever we receive is Her boon. Money, agriculture, handicrafts and everything prosper through her silent sanction. This belief prompts the devotees to offer helpful of paddy in the ‘Para’ or rational vessel to the Goddess



ATTUKAL DEVI TEMPLE



The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma. Vishnumaya took the incarnation of Bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era namely Kaliyuga.
According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva. The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the Temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.

The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The offering of Pongala is a special temple practice prevalent in the southern part of Kerala and some parts of Tamilnadu. It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. The entire area of about 5 kilometre radius around temple with premises of houses of people of all caste, creed and religion, open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices etc. emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala rituals for lakhs of women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside. The ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk and the enormous crowd, which gathers in Thiruvananthapuram on this auspicious day is reminiscent of the Kumbhamela Festival of North India.

Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple






       
 Location Of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.
The temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.
Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets. Now Haripad is a well-developed town with enough civic infrastructure like shopping complexes, hotels & lodges, educational institutions and hospitals.
The ancient Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in Haripad, which is
     

one of the renowned Subrahmanya temples of Kerala and a testimonial to the glory of the great Kerala temple architecture, is located on the way to the Mannarassala temple.
Proper signboards are available from the N.H.47 to the temple. Since the temple is very renowned, accessibility to the temple may not be a problem for the devotees. Various cabs and auto rickshaws are available near the Haripad bus station and Railway station to reach Mannarassala at nominal fare. Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus and train.




How To Reach Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple




                    Nearest Airports
Location Of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

Thiruvananthapuram
International Airport      - Distance 121 kms.

Nedumbassery International Airport - Distance - 132 kms. 
                    Nearest Railway Stations

Haripad Railway Station - 2 kms
Mavelikkara Railway Station - 10 kms
Kayamkulam Railway Station - 11 kms
Bus Stations 
Haripad Bus Station  - 2 kms


Kayamkulam Bus Station - 8 Kms








   Legends Of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple
The Thani tree in Manarasala temple
                                                        

In the light of experience, many devotees who have experienced and heard about the miraculous powers of the serpents and the presiding deities here, tell many stories about Mannarasala temple.
                 The divine serpents at Mannarasala Temple

It is not a rare thing to see the same serpent appear in the same location for a number of days in the temple premises. On the steps of the gatehouse, on the hedgerows, among the creepers; those who perform 
bhajanam in the temple can stand very close at any time and pray.
                    Yellow snakes Of Mannarasala Temple

On one occasion, about six decades ago, a fierce yellow serpent started dancing on the eastern bank of the holy pond near the Appooppan Kavu carrying an evil snake in its mouth. Then it vomited the evil snake and released it. The serpent raised its hood either out of fear or out of a desire of revenge. The fierce snake with a sense of humour swallowed that cobra again. The late Valia Amma came to know about it. She came to the spot with tears in her eyes and spoke a few words. The serpent did not budge. This drama lasted for half an hour. Amma became sad. With the chanting of manthras, she prayed for the release of the cobra. No more delay, the serpent left the cobra, bent down its head and went straight into the Appooppan Kavu, as if nothing had happened. The nature of the yellow snakes of Appoppan Kavu is beyond description, and is wonderful.
                    The story of a Tahsildar who opened the cellar

When Sri Chitra Thirunal was ruling over Travancore; the destruction caused by World War II was spreading all over the country, the people were oppressed by poverty; there was famine everywhere. Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer was the Diwan, a man of great intellect and formidable prowess. Orders were issued to take over foodstuff from any household, even if they are in the custody of the great ones, and to introduce rationing.
The Tahsildar of Karthikappally at that time was a Tamil Brahmin; a native of Haripad; his house was very close to his office; a gentleman who knew exactly the income of each individual and family in the locality. He was waiting for an opportunity to please the Diwanji. He got ready to display his skill to the maximum. Among the list of landlords the Mannarasala Illam was included. One day very early in the morning the Tahsildar and his associates came to the Illam along with a batch of policemen. They took away every grain of rice and paddy, even what was meant for Nivedyam. Everything was heaped in the courtyard. He was disappointed at not being able to collect as much rice and paddy as he had expected and it made him indiscrete. He knew very well that no one would enter the Nilavara. He issued orders to open the doors of Nilavara on the suspicion that foodstuff had been illegally stocked there, without heeding to the requests of the family members not to open the Nilavara. No one came forward to do so, including the accompanied policemen. The infuriated Tahsildar under a false sense of prestige opened the cellar. But he could not enter inside and had to retreat. (No great delay; he lost his eyesight and his family which had been rich was reduced to penury and destroyed. He was completely broken and had to sell off whatever left; and had to leave the place forever ).
The officers came with their men to take away the rice that had been heaped in the courtyard. On the top of that heap, a serpent was seen; and the policemen were frightened. They approached the head of the family for help. He advised them to take away everything leaving behind what was meant for nivedyam in the temple. They were ready to do so; and the serpent slowly crept away and disappeared into the jungle nearby.
                    Tale of a trespasser into Nilavara

There is a tale that has been well-known from ancient times depicting about the consequences for trying to enter the Nilavara, except by the Great Mothers from time to time.
A few days after Anantha the ‘Muthassan’ disappeared in the Nilavara, his younger brother had the desire to meet his brother. When he insisted obstinately, the mother said “ Then, enter the Nilavara and close your left eye and look at the south-west corner with your right eye…”” The son followed it and saw a brilliant light. The eye that saw it lost the power of sight!
It is interpreted that the main characters in this tale, the Mother and the younger brother could have been the Valia Amma and son of a later generation, and that it may perhaps have happened. A young boy of the family may have felt the desire to see the “Muthassan”, and the Mother may have yielded to the unlimited obstinacy of the son. That mother by divine insight must have realized that he might lose eyesight because of the halo of light; hence she may have advised him to close one eye and look with the other eye. And in this way he might have lost the sight of one of his eyes because of the flaming brightness of the light.
                    The mother and the serpent-child

Legends say that Anantha, was born as a five hooded serpent-child to Vasudeva and Sreedevi of the Illam. Once the aims of his incarnation were fulfilled, he informed his mother that he would remain in the Nailavara in Samadhi forever, blessing the devotees. 
The Mother who was so full of affection could not put up with that separation. Human weakness pained the Holy Mother. She rushed into the cellar herself; there shone only a halo of light… The Lord had his hermitess Mother as the one and only centre of confidence in this world. The beloved son consoled the Mother.
Only the Mother was granted the opportunity and authority to see the Lord face to face; he gave his full consent to be satisfied with the Mother’s offering of worship just once a year. (Still Nurum Palum is offered only once in a year, the day next to Sivaratri by the Great Mother). He also revealed the secret truth that the worship in the cellar need be offered only by the Mother and the worship offered in the temple will reach him without any loss of time, with the same force. Thus he gave his beloved mother the unusual permission to offer worship in the temple as well as the rare opportunity ever granted to an antarjanam (women) priestess.

Former Valia Amma

Timings Of Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple





Mornings: 5 AM   to 12.00 PM   (Sundays until 1.00 PM)


Evenings: 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM











 Offerings In Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple














Mannarasala is a place where prayers have been granted, where Serpent-worship has been sanctified for ages.

We don't have to worry about what can be dedicated to propitiate the Lord Nagaraja and the serpent gods. You may offer anything according to your capacity, such as things which will make the serpents happy (articles that can be used in Abhisheka and Alankara; incense, flowers, lamp etc., which can be used for worship.)
Those who suffer from incurable diseases, those possessed by fear as a result of the anger of serpents and thereby find life unendurable - all of them come here to stay and pray (bhajanam) and go back with their wishes fulfilled. There are some special ritual practices and regulations for this bhajana.
In recent times, the fame of this temple has been spread far and wide for the prayers answered for having child to couples. The 'Uruli Kamazhthal' offering with devotion and prayers, has helped numerous devotees to have children, who come to this temple.


  Main Offerings In Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja temple



For wealth and prosperity A pot filled with gold or a gold pot filled with other things.
For education, prosperity and fameSilk grains, divine ornaments.
For recovering healthSalt
For protection from poisonTurmeric
For curing diseasesPepper, mustard, green peas etc.
For protection from damageSerpent cave made of gold etc., images of serpents' eggs, tree, earth etc.,
For long life Melted butter (ghee)
For getting whatever one wantsMilk, ripe kadalai fruit, nilavarapayasam.
For having childA vessel named Uruli made of brass, bronze etc. for   performing 'Nurum Palum'.
 

 Other Important offerings In Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple

1. Sarpabali * - Rs. 15,001/-
2. Nurum Palu** - Rs.172/-
3. Naurum Palu* - Rs.101/-
4. Muzhukkappu* - Rs.751/-
5. Enna Abhizhekam(oil) - Rs.10/-
6. Dhara* - Rs.10/-
7. Neyyabhizhekam (ghee) - Rs. 25/-
8. Tender coconut abhizhekam- Rs. 5/-
9. Palabhizhekam - Rs.10/-
10. Sahasranamarchana - Rs.10/-
11. Mrithyunjayarchana - Rs.15/-
12. Ashtotharasatham Archana -Rs.5/-
13. Archana - Rs.3/-
14. Palumapazhavum Nivedyam -Rs.5/-
15. Malar Nivedyam - Rs.3/-
16. Kadalippazha Nivedyam -Rs.5/-
17. Nilavara Payasam - Rs.20/-
18. Payasam - Rs.5/-
19. Palpayasam* - Rs.15/-
20. Appam * - Rs.25/-
21. EnnaVilakku - Rs.5/-
22. Neyyu Villakku - Rs.10/-
23. Mala - Rs.3/-
24. Uruli kamazhthu - Rs.25/-
25. Urulinivarppu - Rs.25/-
26. Urulinadakku veypu - Rs.25/-
27. Annaprasam - Rs.9/-
28. Thulabharam - Rs.10/-
29. Sarppaprathima Nadakku Veypu -Rs. 7.50/-
30. One day puja* - Rs.751/-
31. Ganapathi Homam* - Rs.25/-
32. Bhagavathiseva* - Rs.251/-
33. Wedding* - Rs.65/-
34. Thrimadhuram - Rs.3/-
35. Chathussatha Nivedyam* - Rs. 2501/-
                   

  





  •  
** It is mandatory to produce 'prashnacharthu' (directions from experts) for performing the Nurum Palum for sarppahimsa and eliminating sarppasthanam.
  •  
It is mandatory to book in advance for the offerings with the star mark *.
  •  
It is advised to source pooja materials like salt, turmeric, puttu (abode of serpents), Sarppavigraham, Uruli etc. from the outlet of Devaswom.
  •  
Sarppavigraham, Mutta ( egg), Puttu etc. should be made only of any four metals like Gold, Silver, Iron or brass.

                    

  D.D./ or Money Order should for any offering should be addressed as -
                   THE MANAGER
Mannarassala Temple
Mannarassala P.O.
Harippad,
Kerala
India
Pin : 690550.

 Phone Number of Mannarasala Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple Is 
                                       :::   +91-0479-2413214











View Larger Map


***********************************************************************************

All the data available here was collected from reliable sources even though these are subjected to change.
For conformation please contact the temple officials directly in the above given phone number.

Guruvayoor Temple



LOCATION
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. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the western ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler.




HOW TO REACH GURUVAYUR
By road
Guruvayur is well connected with the other parts of the country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayur. The private bus stand is towards the east of the temple, near Manjulal (the banyan tree). It is half an hour drive by car from Thrissur and busses ply every 5 minutes from Thrissur to Guruvayur. 





Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs bus services from all major locations of the state and  few inter-state services. The bus stand is 500 meters to the west of the temple. Both KSRTC and private busses offer interstate services to all major South Indian cities like Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchandoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Uduppi, Mookambika etc.
By railGuruvayur has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. It has got computerised ticket booking facility and tickets can be booked to any locations from here. One from the Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular buss services are available from there to Guruvayur. Those from the Madras/Trivandrum side can get down at Thrissur.
By air
Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayur and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. All major international flight services are operated from these airports.







HISTORY OF GURUVAYUR
EARLY HISTORY
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. As early as 16th century (50 years after the 
Narayaneeyam was composed) many references 
are seen about Kuruvayur. In ancient Dravidic, 
Kuruvai means sea, hence the village on the coast 
may be called Kuruvayur.
But according to Prof. K V Krishna Iyer 
(eminent historian), the Brahmins had begun to 
come and settle at Kodungalloor during the period 
of Chandra Gupta Maurya ( 321-297 BC). Trikkunavay
 in the Guruvayur documents is the same as 
Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned in the 
Dutch and British records. And this place was in
 between Guruvayur and Kodungalloor. Guruvayur 
was Trikkunavay's subordinate shrine since they were
 destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. That way Guruvayur
 must have come into existence before 52 AD. The 
story of Pandyan King building a shrine here may be 
a reference to the Azhavars , but they are all 
silent in their writing about Guruvayur.
It was Melpathur's Narayaneeyam through which
 the Temple got publicity. The concept of Unnikrishna
 popularised by Poonthanam ,Kururamma , and 
Villwamangalam brought more and more 
devotees to Guruvayur.



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE DAILY POOJAS IN THE TEMPLE


THE TEMPLE OPENS AT 3.00 AM
3.00am to 3.30amNirmalyam
3.20am to 3.30amOilabhishekam,
Vakacharthu,
Sankhabhishekam
3.30am to 4.15amMalar Nivedyam, Alankaram
4.15am to 4.30amUsha Nivedyam
4.30am to 6.15amEthirettu pooja followed by
 Usha pooja
7.15am to 9.00amSeeveli,Palabhishekam,
Navakabhishekam,
Pantheeradi Nivedyam,
and Pooja
11.30am to 12.30pmUcha pooja (the noon pooja)
TEMPLE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30PM

AND 4.30PM AND REOPENS AT 4.30 PM
4.30pm to 5.00pmSeeveli
6.00pm to 6.45pmDeeparadhana
7.30pm to 7.45pmAthazha pooja Nivedyam
7.45pm to 8.15pmAthazha pooja
8.45pm to 9.00pmAthazha seeveli
9.00pm to 9.15pmThrippuka, Olavayana
9.15pm
The Sreekovil will be closed.
 On the day of Special Illuminations
 called "Vilakku" the Thripuka
 is performed after that.
 The Sreekovil will be
closed after Thripuka.
Then the Krishnanattam,
a colourful traditional
dance-drama on Lord Krishna's
 life is enacted inside the
Temple on specified days.

*The timings given are approximate. It may vary if there is Udayasthamana pooja or on certain special occasions.

   





        Contacting Temple


      








DEVASWOM OFFICE
Please dial any of the below mentioned P.B.X. Telephone Numbers
(prefix code +91 487 if needed)
255 6335, 255 6799, 255 6347, 255 6365, 255 6538, 255 6670 or 255 6672
Fax Number +91 487 255 4844
Now dial the required extension number
Reception100
Chairman Office200
Rest room202
Conference Hall201
Administrator Office220
Rest room222
Chief Finance and Accounts officer245
Assistant Audit Officers252
C.A. to Administrator221
Deputy Administrator (Admin)250
Deputy Administrator (Finance)240
Deputy Administrator (S and P)230
Asst Manager (Office)251
Asst Manager (Finance)241
Asst Manager (A/cs I)244
Asst Manager (A/cs II)242
Asst Manager (Audit)243
Asst Manager (Maramath)257
Asst Manager (Live stock)272
Asst Manager (Thapal)253
Asst Manager (Purchase)233
Asst Manager (R&T Suite)235
Devaswom Inspector234
Cashier246
Fair Copy Section254
Record Room256
Computer Cell247         



The Official Website of the Temple is



www.guruvayurdevaswom.org