Guruvayur Temple

This idol of Vishnu, with four arms carrying the conch, the discus, the mace and the lotus, and adorned with a thulasi garland and pearl necklaces, is made of a particular stone called 'patala anjanam'. The walls of the main shrine are filled with beautiful 17th century paintings depicting the stories from the life of Krishna and the roof and the two doors inside are covered by gold. In the eastern side in front of the Chutambalam stands the tall 33.5 mt high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post) and adjacent to it is a 7mt high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps) whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The western gopuram (Padinjarenada) is flanked by two dipastambhams. There are also shrines to Durga (Edathidettukkaavu Bhagawati) in the north, Ganapathi and Lord Ayyappan on the south side of Chutambalam here. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
The worship protocol at the temple said to have been established by Adi Sankaracharya, the great religious leader. The sanctum opens at 3 am and closes at 10pm. Except for a break between 1300 and 1600 when it is closed, a continuous series of pujas, rites and processions are performed till the temple closes at 10pm. The temple opens for the 'Nirmalyam' darshan to the melodious strains of the 'Nadaswaram' and the devoted chanting of 'Naryana, Naryana'.  In this most auspicious 'darshan', the Lord is still adorned with the flowers and garlands of the previous day. The idol is then ritually bathed and dressed to represent Balagopala or Krishna as a child, the most popular form invoked by the devotees here. The important 'uchcha' pooja takes place at midday. During the 'diparadhana' the elaborately bedecked idol glows in the warm light of the temple lamps. The deity is well known for its healing power and several offerings are made to the deity here. They range from the simple 'archana' which is an offering of flowers, to the expensive and elaborate 'udayastamana' pooja. One of the most popular offerings is 'Thulabharam'-a ceremony in which the devotee is weighed against bananas, sugar, jaggery, coconuts etc., the article weighed being gifted to the temple. 

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