 Guruvayoor
Temple
Guruvayoor, where the famous
Sri Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim
centers of kerala.The
walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
In
Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages
and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants). It was also the
hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry
rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
 The
historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple
was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'.
The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.
In
the 'Chuttambalam' (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m
tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham'
(pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brilliant
spectacle, when lit.
The
square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the
main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sri Ayyappa
and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Punnathoorkotta,
which is at a distance of 2 kms. from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants,
offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.
Significance
: Most Important Hindu Pilgrim Centre in Kerala
Location : 29
Kms North-West Of Thrissur, Kerala
Sabrimala
Temple
Sabarimala
is a renowned pilgrim center crowning the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This
holy shrine here is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The
Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance in order to
meet Rama. As the legend goes, touched by her devotion and faith, Lord Rama lovingly
ate the half-eaten 'ber' (kind of berries) that she offered. In her simplicity,
she had preferred to taste them first to ensure that they were sweet and tasty.
The
main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste,
creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing
traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.
Festival : The Sabarimala
Temple festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Ayyapan who is revered by all
in India. There are two main pujas called the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti
Puja, which are celebrated from November to Middle of January in Kerala, during
which time the devotees perform austerities and penance. Devotees wear black 'dhotis'
and are bare-chested as they prepare for the pilgrimage to Sabarimala. The temple
is at the top of the Neeli hills and the
devotees have to climb the treacherous route carrying their meager provision in
a bundle called 'Iru Mudi' meaning in 'two folds'.
Location
: The sanctum sanctorum
nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western
Ghats.
How to reach : Transportation is available upto Pamba,
from where one has to travel a distance of 5 kms on foot. Devotees undertake rigorous
penance, ritualistic vows and fasts before they visit the temple. The Vishwanatha
Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual
chariot temple is a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at
Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.
Kalpathy
Temple The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is
situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual
'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sri Viswanantha
Swamy temple lasts for seven days.
On the last
three days, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through
the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.
The
festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and
flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord.
Teeming
crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged
to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.
Significance : Houses The Oldest Shiva Temple
Fairs
& Festivals : The Annual Chariot Festival
Location
: 3kms From Palakkad
Thriprayar
Temple
Thriprayar Temple,
located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama.
The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting
sight. The temple festival is held in November / December and includes a parade
of 17 elephants.
During
the Onam festival in the months of August / September, there is a snake boat race.
There are regular buses to Thriprayar from the Shakthan Thamburan bus stand.
Fairs
& Festivals : The Eleven-Day Annual Festival.
Location
: South Of Thrissur, Kerala
Attraction : Snake Boat Race
Deity : Bharatha, Brother Of Lord Rama. |
