Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir History For Hindus, the Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is of utmost religious significance. It is one of Hinduism's most sacred sanctuaries and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Temple has a long and illustrious history. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to have given his celestial spouse, Goddess Parvati, the secret to immortality there in the Amarnath Cave. Legend has it that Lord Shiva chose to give this secret knowledge to her in this remote cave high in the Himalayas. The cave was hidden and inaccessible for many years before being rediscovered in the 18th century by a Muslim shepherd by the name of Buta Malik. According to the mythology, Buta Malik was handed a bag of coal by a sadhu (holy man), who ordered him to wait until he reached home before open it. Buta Malik discovered the coal had turned into gold when he opened the bag. He was so overwhelmed by this miracle
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| Guruvayur Temple, Kerala |
Guruvayur Temple, located in the state of Kerala in India, is one of the country's most famous and ancient temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in his child form as Lord Guruvayurappan. The temple has a rich and fascinating history that dates back several centuries.
According to legends, the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan was originally worshipped by Lord Brahma himself. The idol was then passed on to Lord Vishnu, who installed it in Dwaraka. After the city of Dwaraka was submerged in the sea, the idol was retrieved by Lord Brihaspati and given to Lord Parasurama, who installed it at Guruvayur.
The temple was initially a small shrine, but over the years, it was expanded and renovated by several rulers and patrons. The temple as it exists today was built by the Zamorin of Calicut in the 16th century. The temple complex comprises of several structures, including the main sanctum sanctorum, the inner courtyard, and the outer courtyard.
The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan, which is made of a rare black stone known as Patala Anjana. The idol is believed to have divine powers and is worshipped with great devotion by thousands of devotees who visit the temple every day.
The temple is also famous for its unique rituals and traditions. One of the most significant rituals is the 'Neyvilakku' ceremony, which involves lighting lamps made of ghee in front of the idol. The temple also has a famous elephant sanctuary, which houses several elephants that are trained to participate in the temple festivals.
In conclusion, Guruvayur Temple is not just a religious center but also a cultural and historical landmark. The temple's rich history and traditions have made it a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike. The temple is a symbol of the state's cultural heritage and is evidence of the enduring power of faith and devotion.
Festivals of Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is known for its vibrant festivals that are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by devotees from all over the world. The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, but the most important and famous festival is the Guruvayur Utsavam.
The Guruvayur Utsavam is a ten-day festival that is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). The festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony, also known as Kodiyettam, which marks the beginning of the festival. The temple flag is hoisted on the festival's first day, and it remains hoisted for the next ten days.
The highlight of the festival is the grand procession called 'Ezhunnallathu,' which takes place on the eighth day of the festival. The procession features the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan carried on a decorated elephant, accompanied by several other elephants, percussion instruments, and devotees.
The procession starts from the temple and goes around the temple complex, covering a distance of several kilometers. Devotees gather along the procession route to catch a glimpse of the idol and seek the blessings of Lord Guruvayurappan.
Another significant ritual of the festival is the 'Thiruvabharanam' procession, which takes place on the ninth day of the festival. Thiruvabharanam refers to the sacred ornaments of Lord Guruvayurappan, which are taken in a procession from the nearby town of Thrissur to the temple. The procession is accompanied by tight security, and the ornaments are displayed for the devotees to see.
The festival also features several cultural programs, including classical dance performances, music concerts, and traditional processions. Devotees can also participate in the temple rituals and offer their prayers to Lord Guruvayurappan.
In conclusion, the Guruvayur Utsavam is a grand celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and the devotion of its people. The festival attracts thousands of devotees worldwide and is a testament to the enduring power of faith and spirituality.
Things to know before visiting Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Guruvayur Temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in Kerala, attracting thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad. If you are planning to visit the temple, here are some things you should know:
Dress Code: The temple has a strict dress code for both men and women. Men are required to wear a traditional mundu or dhoti and can go shirtless, while women are required to wear sarees or traditional dresses with a blouse. Children are allowed to wear any decent dress. Shorts, jeans, and other Western clothing are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. However, you can take photographs of the temple's exterior and the elephant enclosure outside the temple.
Temple Timings: Guruvayur Temple is open from early morning until late at night, and devotees can visit the temple during the morning and evening darshan timings. The temple timings may vary during festival days and special occasions.
Offerings and Donations: Devotees can offer prayers and offerings to the temple's deity. The temple also accepts donations for the maintenance and upkeep of the temple complex.
Security: The temple has tight security measures in place, and devotees are required to undergo a security check before entering the temple premises. It is advisable to carry only necessary items and avoid carrying valuables and large bags.
In conclusion, visiting Guruvayur Temple is a unique and spiritually enriching experience. By following the temple's dress code and rules and regulations, you can ensure a peaceful and respectful visit to the temple.
How to reach Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Guruvayur Temple is located in the town of Guruvayur in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Here are the different ways to reach the temple:
By Air: The nearest airport to Guruvayur Temple is the Cochin International Airport, which is around 80 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Guruvayur.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Guruvayur is the Guruvayur Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the railway station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple.
By Bus: Guruvayur is well-connected by road to all major cities in Kerala. Several private and government buses operate from nearby cities like Kochi, Thrissur, and Palakkad to Guruvayur. You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach Guruvayur.
By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi from nearby cities like Kochi or Thrissur to reach Guruvayur. Several taxi operators offer one-way and round-trip services to the temple.
Once you reach Guruvayur, the temple is easily accessible by foot or by auto-rickshaw. The temple is located in the heart of the town, and there are several accommodation options available for devotees who wish to stay close to the temple. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season or festival days.
Contact details of Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Guruvayur Temple Administration Office
East Nada, Guruvayur
Thrissur District
Kerala – 680101, India,
Phone: +91-487-2556335, +91-487-2556347
Email: guruvayurdevaswom@gmail.com
Temple Timings:
Morning: 3:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Evening: 4:30 PM - 9:15 PM
The temple timings are subject to change during festivals and special occasions, so it's advisable to check the temple's official website or contact the temple administration office before planning your visit.
The nearby tourist destination of Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Guruvayur Temple is located in the town of Guruvayur in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Here are some nearby tourist destinations that you can explore during your visit to Guruvayur:
Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary: Located just 3 km from Guruvayur, the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary is home to over 50 elephants. You can take a tour of the sanctuary and watch the elephants being fed and bathed.
Chavakkad Beach: Chavakkad Beach is located around 5 km from Guruvayur and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is lined with coconut trees and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Thrissur: Thrissur is a bustling city located around 30 km from Guruvayur and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Some popular attractions in Thrissur include the Vadakkumnathan Temple, the Kerala Kalamandalam, and the Thrissur Zoo.
Athirapally Falls: The Athirapally Falls are located around 60 km from Guruvayur and are one of the most popular waterfalls in Kerala. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer stunning views.
Kochi: Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a major city located around 80 km from Guruvayur. Kochi is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. Some popular attractions in Kochi include the Mattancherry Palace, the Fort Kochi Beach, and the Chinese Fishing Nets.
In conclusion, Guruvayur Temple is located in a region with several other tourist destinations you can explore during your visit. From elephant sanctuaries to waterfalls, there is something for everyone in and around Guruvayur.
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