Guruvayoor Temple

Mahatmyam

From the time immemorial, India has been a spiritually enlightened country consecrated by Rishis and temples of worship. Holy places like Kashi and Rameswaram have magnificent Temples which, besides their spiritual significance, are noted for their antiquity and historical importance. The artistic excellence and the architectural specialities of Konark and Khajuraho are so indescribable that they always attract not only the pilgrims from within the country but also swarms of tourists from abroad. But Guruvayur is a pilgrim center which has its own glory and greatness, mainly because of the divinity enshrined in the Sanctum - Sanctorum (central shrine) of the temple and the unique charm of the idol installed in it.
The presiding deity in the Garbhagraha (central shrine) is Mahavishnu, worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by Adi Sankaracharya and later written in to the Tantrasamuchaya by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantri of Guruvayur temple. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as UNNIKRISHNA or BALAKRISHNA.

Sanctity of the  Place 

Guruvayur became divine on account of the "tapas" performed by Lord Siva and later by the Prechethas (the ten sons of Pracheenabarhis and Suvarna are together called Prechethas) in the Rudratheertham - the sacred tank on the northern side of the present temple - where Lord Guruvayurappan has His Arattu (holy bath on the last day of Annual Utsavam). Siva worshipped Mahavishnu for years under the waters of the Rudratheertham ( hence the name Rudratheertham due to the presence of Rudra, Siva). Prechethas came to this place to do tapas to attain "prajapathithwam" ( king of all kings) from Lord Mahavishnu. Sensing the motive of Prechethas, Lord Siva emerged out of the Rudratheertham and revealed to them the "Rudrageetham", a hymn in praise of Mahavishnu. Siva suggested them to chant it with all their heart to get their wishes fulfilled. The Princes won the favour of Mahavishnu after rigorous tapas for 10,000 years under the waters of Rudratheertham chanting Rudrageetham.
According to the legends, in ancient days Rudratheertham ( present Arattukulam) extended up to Mammiyur and Thamarayur (about 3.00 kms) towards north and was known for its lotus flowers. Melpathur's Narayaneeyam refers to it as the lovely lake of lotus.

Sanctity of the idol

The idol of Guruvayur temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Paathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. This idol was once worshipped by Mahavishnu in Vaikunta. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma. King Suthapas and his wife who worshipped Bhrama for a child received this idol from Brahma. He advised them to 2 start worshipping the idol. Once Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born as their child in their three re-births in three different forms and in three different situations. Thus they got the good fortune to worship the same deity in all three rebirths. They gave birth to Prasnigarbhan who gave to the world the practice of Brahmacharya Vratha (Celibacy) . In their next birth, Suthapas and his wife were born as Kashyapa and Adithi . Their son in that birth was Vamana. The third rebirth was as Vasudeva and Devaki. The Lord Krishna was born as their eighth son. In the long run , the Lord Krishna himself installed this idol in Dwaraka and worshipped it.

Sanctity of installation

From Mahavishnu the sacred idol has passed through the hands of Brahma, Suthapas, Kasyapa, Vasudeva, Sree Krishna and finally at the time of Krishna's ascension to Vaikunta, he instructed Udhava to entrust Brahaspathi (the Guru of Devas) with the task of taking the idol to a suitable place where people could worship it, so as to get salvation in Kaliyuga. A deluge had closed in on Dwaraka, but Guru salvaged the idol with the help of his prime disciple, Vayu. Guru and Vayu went around the world in search of an ideal place. They met Parasurama who lead them to a lush green spot with a beautiful lotus tank where they felt the presence of Lord Siva. Lord Siva along with Parvathy welcomed them and said , "This is the same spot you are looking for, here it was, I imparted the Rudrageetham to the Prechethas" .The idol was installed there. Siva with Parvathy left to the opposite bank, at Mammiyur. Siva permitted Guru and Vayu to perform the consecration rites and blessed them that henceforth this place would be known as GURUVAYUR (since the installation was done by Guru and Vayu).
Vishwakarma, the divine architect was requested to build a Temple , which he made in such a way that on the day of Vishu (Summer equinox), the sun himself makes his obeisance . His first rays on that day fall straight on the Lord's feet. The idol was installed in the solar month of Kumbha. (February - March). The ceremony was begun on the seventh asterism of Pooyam (Puozhya) and completed on the day of Anizham (Anuradha).
As the idol was once worshiped by the Lord Mahavishnu himself in Vaikunta, Guruvayur is considered to be " Bhooloka Vaikunta " - the heaven on earth.

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.

Zamorins period

Mamankam was a very famous event at Thirunavaya, on the bank of Bharathappuzha . The war between the Zamorins and the Raja of Valluvanad of Thirunavaya in a way popularised Guruvayur temple. Due to the prolonged war people across the river bank started preferring Guruvayur. Even the Zamorin become a devotee and thus his subjects followed him completely . The central shrine which we see today is said to have been rebuilt in 1638 AD. Vishwabali was performed later to propitiate all the spirits, good and bad. By the end of 16th century Guruvayur had become most popular pilgrimage centre in Kerala.
In 1716 AD, the Dutch raided Guruvayur. They looted treasures , gold of the flag staff, and set fire to the Western Gopuram. It was later rebuilt in 1747 AD. In 1755AD ,the Dutch in war with the Zamorin destroyed Trikkunavay temple and the Brahmins fled from there. Later the Zamorin become the trustee of both Guruvayur and Trikkunavay, and also their Melkoyma (Sovereign protector).
In 1766 AD , Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Kozhikkode (Calicut) and then Guruvayur. He fined 10,000 fanams to spare the temple . This fine was paid but due to insecurity pilgrims receded , the supply of rice was stopped and the tenants stopped annual dues. On the request of the Malabar Governor, Shrnivasa Rao, Hyder Ali granted a Devadaya (free gift) and the temple was saved from extinction. Again in 1789 AD Tippu Sultan invaded Zamorin's province. Apprehending the destruction, the idol was hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha was taken to Ambalapuzha by Mallisseri Namboodiri and Kakkad othikkan. Tippu destroyed the smaller shrines and set fire to the Temple, but it was saved due to timely rain. Tippu lost to the Zamorin and the English in 1792 AD. The idol hidden underground and the Utsava vigraha were re-installed on September 17th , 1792. But the daily poojas and routines were seriously affected.
The Ullanad Panickers rescued and looked after the temple for good 75 years ( 1825 to 1900). Like Chempakassery Namboodiri and Deshavarma Namboodiri ,the Panickers offered everything from service to property. Thus with their help daily pooja and Utsavam (annual festival ) were once again restored.
From 1859 to 1892, the Chuttambalam,the Vilakkumatam, the Koothambalam and Sastha shrine were renovated and roofed with copper sheeting. In 1900, Sri Konthi Menon , as a manager fixed the hours of worship and led the drive to keep the temple premises clean. He set up the big bell and reconstructed Pathayapura (granary). In 1928, the Zamorin once again become the administrator of Guruvayur.
In 1931-32 , Late Kelappan (known as "Kerala Gandhi" ) led the Guruvayur Satyagraha to secure the entry of lower castes in temples. The lower castes were allowed to go only up to Thiyyarambalam, more than about half kilometer from the temple. He started a fast unto death in front of the Eastern Gopuram . He broke the fast at the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi. It did not produce any immediate result but led to the entry of Dalits in various Kerala temples .
In 1947, the Guruvayur temple was also opened for the entry of all Hindus. Later, namaskara sadya (feast ),which was only for Brahmins was scrapped and was opened to everyone irrespective of caste.  

The fire and renovation

On November 30,1970,a massive fire broke out in the temple. It begin from the western chuttambalam and raged all around for five hours, but the Sreekovil , the Vigraha, sub-shrines of Ganapathy , Sastha , Bhagavathy and flag-staff remained unaffected. People from all walks of life, irrespective of age , caste, creed and religion fought the fire to set a glorious example. Later, the temple was once again built to the glory of the Lord.
This shocking incidence of fire took place on 29th November during the season of Ekadasivilakku . On this day Vilakku was celebrated on a grand scale and all the lamps in the Vilakkumatam were lighted. After the Seeveli procession, the function came to an end and the gates of Gopuram were closed. Around 1.00 am, somebody in the immediate neighborhood near the western chuttambalam saw a blaze from within the Temple. Roused by the news, the whole lot of people, irrespective of caste, colour or creed rushed to the Temple and joined in fighting the fire with water and sand. Later, the fire force units of Ponnani,Trichur and FACT arrived and started fighting the fire which seems to have started from the western Vilakkumatam. It was brought under control by 5.30 am.
Seeing the uncontrollable fire , the authorities had already removed the valuables from the Sreekovil. The Ganapathy idol, Sastha idol and the main idol of Lord Guruvayurappan were shifted to the Koothambalam and then to a more safer place, the residence of the Tantri. The fire gutted the whole of chuttambalam, the entire Vilakkumatam on the west, south and north sides. The Chuttambalam was only 3 yards off, but still the fierce fire did not touch even the dry flower garlands, which hung on the corner of the Sreekovil.
Two committees were formed to undertake the renovation work. One committee was headed by the Devaswom Minister, Govt. of Kerala and another technical committee to advice on the renovation work. It had eminent engineers, astrologers and the Tantri as the members. The committee arrived at some general decisions.

• To attract more devotees, all possible alterations to remove inconveniences which are permitted according to tantric principles.
• To increase the moving space for worshippers by reducing the height of Chuttambalam basement. To provide granite pillars instead of wooden.
• To put granite wall against the Vilakkumatam.
• To provide a passage around the Ganapathy shrine to eliminate congestion.
• To reconstruct the Ganapathy temple in granite.
• To put a granite engraved "Ananthasayanam" in place of the old "Ananthasayanam" (Mahavishnu lying over serpent) painting which was lost in fire.
• To widen the gates at the north and east entrances.
• To reduce the size of the Nivedyathara at the south of the Mandapam.

Eminent astrologers of Kerala were requested to attend the meeting and decide about the Lord's approval for above mentioned changes. Except the widening of two doors everything else were approved. The foundation stone for the renovation was laid by His Holiness Jagatguru Kanchi Kamakoti Matadhipathy Jayendra Saraswathy Swamikal. The ten round pillars in the two Vathilmatam were magnificently carved. The eastern pillar on the southern Vathilmatam, at the foot of which Melpathur meditated and wrote the Narayaneeyam was not removed. After the great fire, the Vilakkumatam, for the first time, was lighted on the Vishu day,14th April, 1973.

Old political organisation

Before the British occupation, Guruvayur was a temple state. As a state it had a well defined government, law and order maintenance, army and judicial jurisdiction. As a colony of Trikkunavay , Guruvayur had certain obligations too. It had to receive the permission of the parent temple to celebrate the Annual Utsavam (festival ).
The Sovereign Lord - As a temple state, its sovereignty resided in the Lord himself. All deeds and documents were drawn up in his name. The last item in the daily routine before temple closure is the reading of the Trithola ( the sacred palm leaf ), which details the day's expenditure. The Lord has also a private account of his own. All the remuneration, unused properties etc. were credited to the Lord's account. The annual Utsavam corresponds to the annual birthday celebrations of a sovereign king. The Lord thus holds dual office - As an owner of own land of temple of Trikkunavay but also as a tenant of the temples which comes under it.
OOraalars - The Lord handled the functions his state through the committee of ooraalars (or uralans) . This committee consisted only of members elected by the yogam or assembly. Later it became hereditary. In the 17th century, there were only seven families and they were all ooraalars. Possibly committee of ooraalars consisted seven members representing seven illams of Chomana, Mallisseri, Jnelliyur, Trithala, Tathamangalam, Pillanazhi and Arimpur. Of these Mallisseri alone is extent.
Yogam - It consist of the heads of all the Namboodiri families of Guruvayur, around 72 . When the urayma became hereditary , yogam lost the selection right as well as examination of previous accounts. Yogam used to meet to consider budget and arrangements for annual festivals and poojas. It also looked after extraordinary rites of Viswabali after the renovation and consecration of the idol, attending major repairs in temples as well as hearing of the complaints and rendering the judgments.
The Meledam - As the parent settlement and apex of the order, Trikkunavay exercised a nominal control over the affairs of Guruvayur. Its consent was required for the annual festival , special worships like mandala pooja , Viswabali , renovation, installation and consecration etc. Normally its chief accountant, Kantiyur Pattar used to come with permission and supervised the ceremonies of Guruvayur.
Kantiyur Pattar - 'Pattar' in Tamil means learned Brahmin or may be taken from Pattola karyakkar (ministry of accounts). Kantiyur is a village near Mavelikkara. It is not known how Kantiyur Pattar became the hereditary accountant of Trikkunavay. The Kantiyur Pattar was one of the dignitaries who accompanied the Arattu procession. In 19th century, one Kantiyur Pattar , who was accompanying the procession was murdered. In memory of this event, an Athani was set up here and the Utsava procession comes to halt at this point and silence is made for a minute. A member of the Kantiyur family comes forward and bowing before the lord reads a palm leaf, "Namukku sankatam tirnnu" (I am consoled). After this the procession resumes in its usual style.
Pura koyma - Koyma is derived from 'ko' (means king) or 'kol' (means rod), wielder of the rod . In every big temple there were two koymas, Pura and Aka koyma. The purakoyma was concerned with all external matters like the protection of the temple and its property and the execution of the decisions of the yogam and ooraalars.
The Zamurins - When Punnathur became subject to the Zamurins, the latter became the Melkoyma (presiding Lord). Zamurins later became the protector of Trikkunavay and in 1757, he succeeded to become the owner of all the keezhedams of Trikkunavay including Guruvayur.
The Vanneri Nambidi - The Vanneri Nambidi was Punnathur's representative on the spot. His family seat was at Vanneri or Valiyankode. Later the family divided into two branches, the Kizhakke (Eastern) and Patinjare (Western) Vanneri. Kizhakke Nambidi was the elder branch and resided permanently at Guruvayur. He accompanied the Lord to Aarattukulam for Arattu and back to the temple as 'akampadi' (escort). He was the final authority.

Old Administration

The superior staff in the administration were called Kovil adhikarikal, and lower staff as Kovil karmikal. The members of the staff were either given a monthly remuneration or assigned lands.

Aka koyma

The Aka koyma had to see that all the poojas and routine were performed at the proper time. He was the koyma or the supreme authority in the akam inside the temple (temple matters as far as administration is concerned). He had his own room called koyma room inside the nalambalam.

Samudaya manusham (representative of the samudayam)

representative of the samudayam, consisting of the yogam and ooraalars. He was the chief executive, who does work in the name of Lord, as ordered by the uralar. As a servant he wasn't appointed from the Guruvayur Namboodiries. In ancient times, he was appointed by the uralar, subject to yogam approval. He used to get keys of Bandaram (cash box) with itangazhi (small 13 measures). Since 1757, the Zamurins started appointing him and Mallisseri instructing.

Variyar

The official with whom people come in direct contact was the Variyar . They received offerings and made arrangements for performing them and were known as Pana-pravarthikkaran. The reading of daily Trithola (daily accounts) at night was done by them. Three families of Chowallur, Vadakkeppat and Tiruvankatam performed these functions every ten days in turn. They were called pathukar (ten day men).

Puthiyadathu Pisharodi

Pisharodi is a truncated form of Patarar tiruvati. Originally, the Patarar Tiruvati was the name of a Jain deity. After the ascendancy of Hinduism over Jainism , the tiruvati's status deteriorated from a Aka Koyma to kazhakakkaran (sweeping the ankana, cleaning the vessels, making garlands etc.). The Puthiyadathu Pisharodi were the kazhakakkaran of Edatharikathu Kavu (Devi temple). Earlier they were also temple criers.

Chronicle of events

The idol installed here at Guruvayur temple considered to be 5000 years old and lot of legends associated with it.
1030 - Sreekovil and Mandapam renovated.

1058 - Koothambalam and Nalambalam reconstructed.

12thcentury - Western Gopuram constructed.

14thcentury - Tantra Samuchaya written by Chennas Narayanan Namboodiri.

14thcentury - Mentions of Kuruvayur in Tamil literature and Kokasandesam.

1587 - Narayaneeyam composed

1637 - Temple records available in Kolezhuthu script

1638 - The central shrine rebuilt.

1716 - Dutch raided Guruvayur and set fire to the Western Gopuram.

1747 - Western Gopuram rebuilt by Panikkaveettil Ittirayicha Menon, Karyasthan.

1756 - Dutch attacked and desecrated Trikkunavay ( Trikkana Mathilakam) to which Guruvayur was a Keezhedam (Subordinate temple)

1757 - Dutch again attacked Trikkunavay temple and the Devaswom dissolved.

1757 - Zamorin became the supervising trustee with Mallisseri as the co-trustee of Guruvayur.

1766 - Hyder Ali attacked Guruvayur.

1780 - "Devadaya" from Hyder Ali through Madras Governor Shri. Srinivasa Rao.

1789 - Tippu Sultan attacked Guruvayur - Utsavavigraha shifted to Ambalappuzha and Moolavigraha to a safe underground place.

1792 - September 17 - Reinstallation of the Moolavigraha after the victory of Zamorins over Tippu with the help of British.

1825 - 1892- Temple under the supervision of Court.

1836 - Installation of Deepasthambam in front of the gate way.

1841 - Government of Madras restored Devadaya appropriated by Tippu Sultan.

1842 - The Eastern Gopuram rebuilt.

1859 - Central shrine and mandapam covered with copper sheeting. A permanent flagstaff with bell metal covering set up.

1889 - Dispute started between trustees . Even temple closed for over a week.

1892 - Chuttambalam, Vilakkumatam, Koothambalam and Sastha Shrine were renovated and roofed with copper sheets.

1893 - Compromise was arrived between trustees.

1900 - Big bell was set up and reconstructed the Pathayapura (granary).

1910 - Deepasthambam at Eastern Gopuram installed by Shri Chettur Sankaran Nair.

1915 - A court of wards assumed the management of Zamorin's Estate including Guruvayur temple.

1922 - January 4th Nadayiruthal of elephant "Kesavan".

1927 - Zamorins got back the administrative powers from the Court of Wards.

1930 - A clear administrative scheme was framed by the High court of Madras with the Zamorin once again as the head.

1931 - Guruvayur Satyagraham started.

1932 - Temple remained closed for 12 days without pooja, because of Guruvayur Satyagraham.

1946 - Temple entry for all Hindus.

1952 - January 30 - Flagstaff completely enclosed with gold.

1964 - Sree Krishna College started.

1970 November 30 - Huge fire devastated the Temple.

1971 March 9 - Guruvayur Devaswom Act. Replaced the 1930 Scheme enacted by the Hon'ble High Court of Madras. The Kerala Government takes charge of the temple administration.

1973 - The honor "Gajarajan" awarded to Kesavan on his Shashtiabda poorthi (60thbirth day).

1974 October 31 - The temple renovation after fire completed.

1978 March 2 - A regular bill passed in the Kerala Assembly with some modification to the existing Guruvayur Devaswom Act - 1971.

Guruvayur satyagraham

The famous Guruvayur Satyagraham was started by the Gandhians in 1934, led by Late Shri. K Kelappan. They advocated the need for throwing open the temple for worship by all Hindus including the Dalits on an equal footing.
It was the platform near Manjulal where they started the struggle. This gave national attraction to Guruvayur temple. In the early thirties as a second stage of their campaigns, Shri. Kelappan started a fast un-to death. Late Shri. A K Gopalan, was the volunteer captain of the movement. But soon Mahatma Gandhi intervened and the fast was called off. The temple remained closed for 12 days and poojas were suspended. It took another 15 years for the objectives of the movement to be realised and the right to temple entry declared.
An impressive obelisk was erected right at the center of the Devaswom Satram to commemorate the Satyagraham of 1931. The plaque on the obelisk carries a tribute to the memory of this great historical event and a homage to its hero, Sri. K. Kelappan.

History of lord Maraprabhu

HISTORY OF LORD MARAPRABHU

An idol of Lord Maraprbhu is situated at south side of the temple in the Sreevalsam compound.

The Moolamantra Of Lord Maraprabhu (The Primal Chant)

“Brahmanda Sarwaswavum Jeddhare vazhikkumee Mara Amara Prabhuve Pranamikkam”.
[Brahmnad – the whole universe, Sarwaswam – All, Jeddhare – womb, Vahikkume – carrier, Mara Amara – Mortal and Immortal]

Meaning
I worship the Lord Maraprabhu who carries the cosmic universe in his womb.

Note
Even the yogis and Devathas wonder what could Maraprabhu bear in the heart and the head!

CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF MARAPRABHU

Thousands of Artists worked hard for months together to complete this holy idol, which is constructed in terracotta.
Thousands of different types of herbs were used in the thanthric construction of this idol, which is 52 feet tall.
The idol Lord Mraprabhu is the material embodiment of all the medicinal herbs all over the world. Lord Maraprabhu is the whole and complete symbol of the eternal potentialities of medicinal herbs.This idol sculptured in the traditional terracotta style, is also a symbol of the bond between man and clay.

The Keezhedams

NARAYANAMKULANGARA THAMARAYUR ANJUR VERMANUR MANGANCHIRA

THALAKKOTTUKARA PUNNATHUR NENMINI KAVEED POONTHANAM

NARAYANAMKULANGARA BHAGAVATHY
This shrine in Mammiyur amsom was closely associated with the extinct Jamelliyur illam.The family enjoyed the right of offering the paddy when the procession headed for Guruvayur for the meena pooram, till the pooram celebration was stopped due to Tipu's invasion. Pana ( songs) in praise of the goddess with the Thalapoli on the last night of first 10 days of Makaram is still celebrated. Navarathri , Nira , Puthari, and mandala pooja are also celebrated. Vishu vela is celebrated on the day following Vishu.
THAMARAYUR AYYAPPA VISHNU TEMPLES
There is a big shrine dedicated to Ayyappa which belong to the Thamarayur illam, situated 2.5 Km north of the  Guruvayur. The Vishnu temple is known as Sreekandapuram Vishnu temple. These are on the way to Punnathur Kotta. Pooram is celebrated here on the 1st day of Makaram every year.
ANJUR AYYAPPANKAVU
The shrine is located at Mundur, 16kms away from Guruvayur, on the Guruvayur - Thrissur route. The presiding deity here is Ayyappa. It is believed that on the Thiruvathira (Sixth asterism) day in the month of Kumbham (February - March) every year, Lord Ayyappa used to come to Guruvayur for Arattu which has stopped with the invasion of Tippu. Now there is only Niramala (adorning the whole Sreekovil with 26 flower garland) on the first nine days of Makaram and on the tenth day both Niramala and Utsavam are celebrated by the Devaswom.
VERMANUR
Vermanur is situated at Parakkulam near Kunissery in Palakkad district. Parakkulam literally means the tank of rocks and the temple is on the eastern bank of the tank. It might have been either made over to Guruvayur Devaswom by the Zamurins or purchased by Guruvayur from him. The deity here is Shiva . Shivarathri and Prathishta Dinam (foundation day), Nira, Puthari are important festivals.
MANGANCHIRA VISHNU TEMPLE
The presiding deity is Sree Krishna. The temple is in Peruvallur, in the Annakara village, about 9 kms from Guruvayur. It is in the Peruvallur-Trichur road. Ashtami Rohini is the important festival.
THALAKKOTTUKARA SIVA TEMPLE
It is in Kunnamkulam 8 kms away from Guruvayur on the Thrissur road. The deity is Shiva. There are two shrines within the same Chuttambalam. One is Swayambhu and in the other is the Linga. The same priest worships both. Thiruvathira, Shivarathri and Prathishta Dinam are the main festivals.
PUNNATHUR SIVA AND BHAGAVATHY TEMPLES
These two temples are situated 3.5 kms away from Guruvayur in a place called Punnathur. Punnathur was earlier the administrative center of the Punnathur Rajas, which was later purchased by the Devaswom in 1975. These two temples and about 10 acres of landed properties were taken from the receiver, Trichur Sub-Court. The main deities are Siva and Bhagavathy. The Siva temple is also called the Thekke Ambalam and the Bhagavathy Temple is called the Pathirikottu Kavu. In the Bhagavathy temple, Navarathri Utsavam is celebrated.
KAVEED BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE
This is one among the famous 108 Durga temples in Kerala. Bhagavathy is the main deity. It is situated at Kaveed, 6 kms from Guruvayur, near to Punnathur Kotta. Prathishta Dinam is celebrated here. Karkkidaka Pooja is another important event which is celebrated for 12 days.
POONTHANAM VISHNU TEMPLE
It is situated on the Perinthalmanna - Nilamboor route , 60 kms away from Guruvayur at Poonthanam. Vishnu is the main deity here. But it is more famous for another deity of Lord Krishna, which was once worshipped by the great poet Poonthanam himself. The successors of Poonthanam Namboodiri gave this property to Guruvayur Devaswom. The Poonthanam Day and Navarathri are the main festivals. On the Poonthanam day, special cultural programmes and literary seminars are arranged in the Poonthanam illam. Another deity which is worshiped in the illam is the image of Thirumandamkunnu Bhagavathy.
NENMINI BALARAMA AND AYYAPPA TEMPLES
Nenmini is about 4 kms from Guruvayur towards the east of Guruvayur temple. There are two small temples separated by 500 meters. The main deities here are Balarama and Ayyappa. These temple were under Nenmini mana which were later handed over to Devaswom..

Temple Customs

• Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
• The temple pond on the northern side is known as Rudratheertham. Devotees can purify themselves by taking bath here and can enter the temple preferably with wet clothes.
• Follow the temple rules and regulations, so that all can comfortably worship the Lord.
• Do not enter the temple wearing shirt, banyan, pyjama, lungi, chequered clothes, chapels etc. There are facilities to keep them outside the temple.
• Do not enter the temple wearing shirt, banyan, pyjama, lungi, chequered clothes, chapels etc. There are facilities to keep them outside the temple.
• Do not take video camera, mobile phone, radio, tape recorder etc. inside the temple wall.
• Do not touch on the big altar stone (Balikkallu) by foot.
• Immediately after marriage, the couples should not enter the Nalambalam.
• Do not spit in the temple premises.
• Do not retain babies and children for a long time within the Nalambalam.
• The receipt for the remittance for offerings (Vazhipad) can be obtained from the booking counters on the ground floor of the oottupura. Be careful not to get deceived by fraud agents for such bookings.
• Receipts obtained for the feeding of the poor etc. should be put inside the box for the purpose in front of the booking counter.
• Such items as miniature human figures, replicas of hands, legs, eyes, abnormal body eruptions etc. made of gold and silver can be obtained from the temple official, who are available near the Kodimaram (Flag-staff. Put the amount you wish to offer in the Bandaram (Hundi).
• Udayasthamana Pooja, Chuttuvilakku, Bhagavathy Chuttuvilakku, Namaskaram, Krishnanattam and offerings of the like, have to be booked in advance.
• Ornaments and such other costly offerings can be put in the Bhandaram.
• Enter the temple with an absolute sense of devotion.
• Take special care of your valuables.
• Offerings and the relevant letters should be sent to the Administrator, Guruvayur Devaswom, Guruvayur - 680101, Kerala. Complete information about offerings and full address of the person making the offerings in bold capital letters should be given on the money order coupon or covering letter of DD. If these are not given, the amount sent will be put in to the Bhandaram.
• Bank drafts or Money orders should be sent well in advance to make the offerings on the desired date. 

Present Administrative Organisation

The Administrative office is functioning in the Sreepadmam building from 1997. In the present set-up there is no yogam. The ancient families all except Mallisseri have become extinct. On 9th March 1971, the Government of Kerala introduced an Act , known as the Guruvayur Devaswom Act, replacing the Trusteeship by a Managing Committee, nominated by the Hindu Ministers in the State Cabinet.
The day-to-day administration is to be looked after by an Administrator appointed by the Government. The Managing Committee include, the Zamorin Raja, the Mallisseri Namboodiri and the Tantri of the temple among others.
Due to the High Court's directive that the Act should be revamped, the 1971 Act was replaced by 1978 Act. According to 1978 Act, the Managing Committee consists of 9 members - The Zamurin Raja, Mallisseri Namboodiri, the Tantri, a representative of the employees of the Devaswom and five more persons of whom one shall be a Scheduled Caste member. The six non-traditional members are appointed by the Hindu ministers of Kerala Government of which one will be the Chairman of the Managing Committee. The committee selects an Administrator from the panel of names given by the Government. The Administrator should not be below the rank of Deputy collector. The Administrator acts as the Secretary of the Managing Committee and the Chief Executive of the Devaswom.

Key facilities

Parking

Devaswom has provided parking facility on the East Nada and South Nada for the convenience of the devotees. The compound in front of the Kousthubham Rest House is given for parking at a nominal rate at East Nada. On the South Nada, the parking area of the Pay and Use toilet near the Panchajanyam Rest House is also provided for parking of vehicles.

Comfort Station

On the eastern side of the temple tank there is a comfort station which is functioning round the clock here. Pilgrims who arrive at odd hours and those who do not find or require immediate lodging/accommodation, can keep their luggage at a nominal fee.They can use the lavatories and bathrooms. Also there are lavatories on the north and south corners away from the Eastern Gopuram and  Pay and Use Toilets at South Nada near Panchajanyam Rest House for the use of pilgrims. Special facilities for keeping the foot-wear and other articles are provided near the east and west side of the temple.

Medical Facilities

Devaswom has a medical center and an Ayurvedic hospital providing free checkup (except laboratory) and medicine.

Medical Centre and Ayurvedic Hospital

There is a medical center to the south of the temple which provides medical treatment at a nominal cost. This is a 75 bedded hospital with facilities like ECG, X-ray etc.
The Ayurvedic Hospital near the KSRTC Bus stand named after Shri.Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri. (Melpathur Memorial Ayurvedic Hospital) gives free treatment.
The Devaswom spends about Rs.30 lakhs for the medicines every year apart from other expenses.

Food

Devaswom is conducting free Prasada Oottu in the oottupura inside the temple for the devotees every day. It starts at 10.30 am in the morning. Two canteens are functioning in the Ruest houses - Kousthubham and Panchajanyam.