{"id":2297,"date":"2020-06-11T01:49:52","date_gmt":"2020-06-11T01:49:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/?p=2297"},"modified":"2026-06-28T08:33:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T08:33:22","slug":"guruvayur-the-heaven-on-earth-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/?p=2297","title":{"rendered":"Guruvayur, the Heaven on Earth"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\n\r\n
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  1. \u201c<\/strong>There shines in holy temple of Guruvayur what at first appears to be an image but in reality, the Truth-Consciousness and Bliss, the Brahman, the Supreme, the incomparable, the incomprehensible, limitless, the ultimate end which all the scriptures, Vedas and human seek.\u00a0 Blessed indeed is the humanity that such a divine Supreme exists among them as the image of Sri Krishna\u201d(Sandranandava…Narayaneeyam, Canto 1 Verse 1) \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \u201cNarayaneeyam\u201d, which hails the glory of \u00a0Guruvayurappa, begins with the above verse. Blessed indeed is one who is able to set foot to this holy land of Guruvayur, known as the \u00a0\u2018Heaven on Earth\u2019 (Boologa Vaikunta<\/em>).\u00a0 As he steps in through the tower gate and reaches the precincts, he hears \u00a0the sound of bells ringing, devotional music being rendered, mantra being chanted, sacred names, \u201cNarayana\u201d, \u201cNarayana\u201d being recited and he is transcended to a new world of divinity.\u00a0 Being in the queue that moves forward at a very slow pace, he anxiously looks forward to that great moment when he would be before Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 He has no other thought now except that of Guruvayurappa. \u00a0Normally, preparing for a happy event or remain in expectation of a great event gives more happiness than the event itself.\u00a0 The devotee is also happy at the prospect of seeing his favourite God, Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 Reciting the sacred names of the Lord, he moves forward and reaches the second gate.\u00a0 \u00a0Now, like a lightening that suddenly appears in the horizon and goes, he gets the glimpse of the Lord from a little distance, in between the two heads of the devotees in front. The recitation of Narayana mantra reaches a crescendo.\u00a0 \u00a0At last, when he stands just in front of sanctum sanctorum and see Krishna in his magnificence, whose chest, ears and head adorned with ornaments, the body with garlands made of flowers of pleasant perfume and colours and waist draped in yellow attire, he is overwhelmed beyond words.\u00a0 After the worship, he moves sideways so that others can also share the same experience.\u00a0 He returns with a sense of great spiritual fulfilment, the experience that he would cherish in his heart for ever.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    According to legend, the image of Maha Vishnu, made of precious and rare Anjana stone, \u00a0\u00a0was given by Mahavishnu Himself to Brahma.\u00a0 From Brahma the idol changed hands of many Rishis and ultimately reached Vasudeva,\u00a0 who in turn gave it to his son, Krishna.\u00a0 It was consecrated at Dwaraka.\u00a0 In view of the impending deluge, Krishna asked Udhava to advise Brahaspati, the Deva Guru, to look for the idol which will come floating after the flood.\u00a0 The Deva Guru took the help of Lord of the Wind and of Vayu, got the idol and started searching for a suitable place down South.\u00a0 They descended on the banks of a lake, Rudra Teertha, the holy place where Lord Siva was doing penance. Lord Siva then suggested that the idol of Vishnu be consecrated there itself.\u00a0 The Lord then moved over to a nearby location and resumed his Tapas.\u00a0 The place where Lord Siva continued his Tapas has come to be known as Mammiyur Mahadeva temple. <\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    The most important part of worship is Nirmalya Darshanam in the early morning in which the God is seen with the garlands that remained during the night.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There is a belief that after the closure of gates, Devas come in the night and worship.\u00a0 So, seeing the God in early morning with the same garlands and attire in which Devas worshipped God, is considered very auspicious.\u00a0 The next part of the ritual is Vakacharthu, the act of sprinkling the idol with Vaka powder which is made by powdering the branches of the precious Vaka tree.\u00a0 There are many other rituals like Abhishekam (anointment) Puja, Siveli (procession of elephant with the idol), Ucha Puja (Noon puja) Deepa Aradhana, Athazha Puja (the night worship) etc., each ritual unique in its own way.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    There is a long list of offerings to Guruvayurappan, such as butter, Paal Payasam, the sweet creamy dish made of sugar and milk, plantain fruit etc.\u00a0 Thulabaram is a ritual by which one balances himself with the weight of an article he has chosen.\u00a0 In Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 9-26) Krishna says: \u201cOffer me a leaf, a flower or a fruit with devotion and I would accept it willingly.\u00a0 Here, we would recall an instance that happened before Kurukshetra war.\u00a0 When Krishna went Hastinapur to bring the two warring factions together, he was invited by Duryodhana for a sumptuous feast, but Krishna declined the offer and instead went to the residence of his devotee, Vidhura, as an uninvited guest and accepted the very simple food offered by Vidhura because it was offered with devotion.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Guruvayur wears a festive look on all days but when Guruvayur Ekadasi comes, the festivities defy description.\u00a0 \u00a0Of the 24 Ekadasi in a year, the one which falls in the month of Vrichika is solemnized as Guruvayur Ekadasi.\u00a0 Devotees observe austerities during Ekadasi which reminds us of what Arut Prakasa Vallalar said: \u201cPasithu Iru\u201d (Remain starved).\u00a0\u00a0 The yearly festival, Guruvayur Utsavam, is a major event which begins on the day of Pushya in the month of Kumbham (February-March) and culminates on the 10th<\/sup> day.\u00a0 It consists of processions by caparisoned elephants, followed by different notes of percussion instruments and other fine arts like Kathakali, music, dance (Krishnanattam) etc. \u00a0All the cultural events take place in the auditorium which is named after the Sri Narayana Bhattathiri, the author of Narayaneeyam (Melpathur Auditorium).\u00a0 Other auspicious events are Malayalam New Year, Vishu which falls in mid-April, Janmashtami, (August) and Kuchelar Day.\u00a0 As the years passed by, the glory of Guruvayurappa reached the all time high.\u00a0 There are many instances of Lord Guruvayurappan having heard the call of devotees and gave His Abhaya Hasta, the hand that protected and safeguarded the devotees from many adversities. As the flow of devotees increased, the need for an easy accessibility to Guruvayur was felt.\u00a0 Thanks to the initiative taken by Sri K. Karunakaran, the then Chief Minister, an ardent devotee, who used to visit Guruvayur on lst day of every Malayalam month, Guruvayur town was connected with the Railway net-work.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Maha Vishnu has manifested in earth in different forms and in different times to establish the principles of Bhagavata Dharma. Sri Krishna guided us through Bhagavad Gita, the paths of karma, Jnana and devotion, as a doctrine, in an impersonal way.\u00a0 He also \u00a0guided us \u00a0through Srimad Bhagavatam, in a personal way by means of stories. \u00a0It was from Krishna Sri Narada Maharshi heard Bhagavatam and conveyed it to Sri Ved Vyasa who composed Bhagavatam in its existing form. \u00a0Apart from being an Avatar Purusha, Krishna is considered as Purusha or Bhagavan Himself.\u00a0 The divinity that surrounds Krishna, his compassion, his power, his majesty and his infinite qualities are indescribable.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    There was one devotee who described Krishna beautifully, who brought out the nectar from Srimad Bhagavatam and presented it to humanity as a remedy for all ills.\u00a0 He was Melpathur Sri Narayana Bhattathiri.\u00a0 Born at Melpathur Illam, situated on the banks of Bharatha River near Shoranur, Sri Narayana Bhattathiri gained knowledge of Sastras from his father, Matridatta, Vedas from another Master, Madhavacharya and grammar from Achyuta Pisharady.\u00a0 Over the years, Achyuta Pishardy became a Philosopher-guide to Bhattathiri.\u00a0 The Guru-Sishya relation was so intense that when the Guru has fallen victim to paralysis, Bhattathiri rushed and attended to his Guru with great love and care.\u00a0 He could not see his Guru suffering, went to Guruvayurappa and said that he was prepared to take upon himself the ailment of his Guru.\u00a0 By a divine intervention, it happened and Sri Pisharady was cured and his disciple, Bhattathiri became paralytic.\u00a0 Though Bhattathiri accepted it willingly, over the years he found that the pain was so unbearable that it distracted him from pursuing his devotion.\u00a0 He then vent to Guruvayur, gave expression of his devotion in 108 verses and sought remedy to his illness.\u00a0 \u2018Narayaneeyam\u2019 which he created not only brought remedy to his illness but also served as a guide for the welfare of whole humanity.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    Bhattathiri started his work with the prayer that he should be able to undergo the eight-limbed discipline of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga) (Canto 4), observe the discipline of self-control (Brahmacharya) and undertake introspection and meditation so that we will be able to \u00a0compose a work of such epic proportion.\u00a0 As he described the different manifestations of Maha Vishnu, he became totally absorbed in his divine mission.\u00a0 Going by his description, it would appear as if he described them after witnessing those events.\u00a0 Narayaneeyam shows us the path of Dharma, the path of truth which leads to liberation.\u00a0 It says: \u201cThe mind, attached to the sense objects, is the only obstacle to reach God.\u00a0 Bhattathiri says \u201cOh Lord, manifesting as Kapila, you gave advice (Upadesa) to Devahuti how to overcome the adjuncts (Upadhis) of body, mind and senses and attain liberation\u201d.\u00a0 Bhattathiri elaborately describes the various manifestations of Maha Vishnu, as boar to protect the earth from being submerged, as Matsya (fish) to save Vaivaswatha Manu from the deluge, as tortoise to support the Mandara mountain that was used to churn nectar from ocean, as Narasimha who emerged from the pillar and destroyed the ego of Hiranyakasipu, and as Lord Rama, who lived a life of truth and perfection (Uthama Purusha). \u00a0Bhattathiri goes on describing how God liberated Gajendra from the clutches of a crocodile.\u00a0 Indradyumna was an ardent devotee of Maha Vishnu but due to the disrespect shown to Agasthya he was cursed to be born as elephant.\u00a0 However, when under the grip of the crocodile, he cried out for help, took out a lotus from the lake and offered to God, the Lord Vishnu appeared and rescued him.\u00a0 Bhattathiri describes how the Lord came as Vamana and blessed Mahabali who had surrendered.\u00a0 \u2018Narayaneeyam\u2019 becomes most enlightening and endearing one when it comes to describe Krishna.\u00a0 \u00a0Out of 100 chapters of Narayaneeyam, fifty two chapters are devoted to Krishna, his divine sports and frolics at his young age, Krishna as a thief who stole butter, as a protector of the residents of Vrindavan, as a melodious player of flute, as\u00a0 a lover of Gopikas, as a resident of Mathura, as the supreme power who liberated Kamsa, as the consort of Radha, as Arujuna\u2019s charioteer in the Kurukshetra war, as a friend of Kuchela and above all as the Jagatguru who gave the right direction through Bhagavad Gita. \u2018Narayaneeyam\u2019 describes not only different manifestations of Hari but also the qualities of dispassion and dedication shown by\u00a0 devotees like Kapila, Ambarisha and Kuchela.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    In the Chapter on Bhagavata Dharma (Canto 91) Bhattathiri elaborates on devotion.\u00a0 \u201cHe who continues his devotional practice like hearing and chanting with a mind that is pure and ever under control, attains the state of Para Bhakti (supreme devotion) (Canto 15-5). \u00a0\u201cHe who adopts devotion and seeks your Lotus Feet liberates himself from the world of Samsara, the life of repeated birth and death.\u201d He says that the world is an illusion and one should never get attracted to its passing images. \u201cThough the objects of enjoyment would stay with us for some time, they are sure to leave us after sometime.\u00a0 When the objects of enjoyments leave us on their accord, the mind gets disturbed.\u00a0 Then why not voluntarily discard them and renounce them now itself so that you save the disturbance of the mind.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u201cLet me overcome the sufferings which this worldly life brings, let me rise above this material life and direct my mind to Thy feet, never deviating from it even for a second.\u00a0 Let me transcend from the world of unrealities, remain detached from both joy and sorrow, remain at peace at all times of prosperity and adversity and always meditate on you.\u201d\u00a0 (91-7)\u00a0 \u201cOh Lord, give me a heart full of devotion which would express by way of respect towards your devotees, compassion towards the needy, tolerance towards persons in ignorance and indifference towards antagonists.\u00a0 (91-8) \u201cOh God, give me a mind that seeks the company of saints and sages and that yearns to listen to the advice of the Guru and a mind that is dedicated to walk the path of truth.\u00a0 (91-10).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    In another verse (91-5), Bhattathiri says; \u201cI should always keep chanting Thy sacred names, Thy incarnations and thy benign qualities.\u00a0 Having immersed in my devotion towards you, I may sometime laugh, I may cry, or shout or sing aloud or dance in ecstasy and move about like one who has lost one\u2019s link with the world around and its conventions.\u00a0 Oh Lord! Do bestow me this state of mind.\u201d\u00a0 This verse brings before us another similar instance in the life of Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra.\u00a0 The Yoga Guru, Sri Paramasivendra was an erudite Jnani who initiated his disciple to the order of Sanyasa and named him as Sadasiva Brahmendra.\u00a0 Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra was free from mind and body, never complied with the normal standards of conduct and ever remained in bliss. On one occasion, he was dancing in ecstasy.\u00a0 Seeing this, another devotee went to his Guru Paramasivendra and complained that Sadasiva was moving around like a madman.\u00a0 What the Guru said surprised him.\u00a0 \u201cI eagerly aspire for that day when I would also reach that ecstatic state\u201d.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Having described the God in his splendour and glory, Bhattathiri now comes to Canto 100.\u00a0 It is now, when he reaches the end of his work, he gets the clear Darshan of Hari in his magnificent form.\u00a0 Earlier in Canto 2 also, Bhattathiri has described the Lord, His crown equalling the brilliance of the sun, forehead having the upward mark of the sandal paste, His neck adorned by ornaments, His eyes signalling his compassion.\u00a0 This description was based on his knowledge of Bhagavatam.\u00a0 Now, when he is getting the clear Darshan of the Lord, he becomes eloquent and words start flowing from him in beautiful poetic verses from his own experience. \u00a0He reaches the zenith of happiness which he expresses in 11 beautiful glowing verses (Canto 100) beginning with the words \u2018Agre Pasyami\u201d.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cHow blessed I am to have the vision of the Lord in such splendid form!\u201d he says.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This description is regarded as the crowning glory of \u2018Narayaneeyam\u2019, and a humble attempt is made here to give an approximate translation of these 11 verses.\u00a0 Narayaneeyam is an ocean which contains a vast ocean of treasure.\u00a0 We can only take few drops from it to sprinkle all over us.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cI see a radiance before me that excels the effulgence of Kalaya blue flowers.\u00a0 Looking at it, I experience a great sense of bliss like being bathed in the shower of nectar.\u00a0 Then, in\u00a0 the centre, I see an enchanting, charming and budding young boy, surrounded by enlightened sages like Narada and women, who are the embodiment of Upanishads\u00a0 (Agre Pasyami….1)\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    \u201c I see thick locks of curly hair, adorned by jewels and garlands, the eyes glistening brilliantly and the broad fore-head with a mark of sandal paste, resembling the brightness of moon. (Neelabham\u00a0 2)\u201d <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cYour eyes with their brows were moving beautifully just as the waves having their sprinkling lashes were moving. Those eyes, so charming like the lotus flower, radiate the light of peace and serenity.\u00a0 (Hrudhyam 3)\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cOh Lord, how beautiful you look with your shining sharp nose, your cheeks dazzling like emeralds, your ear-ring ornament reflecting a bright light, your colourful lips partly revealing the shining teeth behind and above all the smile on your face that brings happiness all around.\u00a0 (Uthungollasi…4)\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cOh Lord, fill my ears with the divine music that flow out of your flute; the music that symbolizes the Brahman, the music that comes through the play of your lips, the music that is produced by the deftly movement of your fingers, the music that radiates an aura of peace and serenity all around (Bahudwan Dena….5)\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cI concentrate my mind on your neck coloured by the reflection of the Kausthubham jewel, on your chest beautified by the Srivasta mark and adorned by sparkling necklaces and colourful fragrant flowers.\u00a0 (UtsarKausthuba….6) \u201c<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cOh Lord, we meditate upon your beautiful form that emit the pleasant perfume of aroma and that attract\u00a0 the whole world.\u00a0 We meditate on\u00a0 your waste, though slender but that embodies the whole world and we meditate on your body that is adorned by the yellow attire, ornaments and garlands (Ange Pa…7)\u201d\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u201cOh Lord, I meditate on your thighs which even Goddess Lakshmi would admire, which are covered with yellow clothes so that the world does not get excited by its beauty.\u00a0 I also meditate on your knees which appear like caskets for gifting the devotees and I meditate on your fore-legs which are enchanting.(Uroo chaaro….8)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Even while composing Narayaneeyam, Bhattathiri was writhing in pain and so he ended up every verse with a prayer for the cure of his disease.\u00a0 However, as he went on with his work and \u00a0came to the end of it, he became totally absorbed in his devotion towards Krishna.\u00a0\u00a0 He became more Krishna-Conscious than body-conscious.\u00a0 He forgot all about the illness in the body.\u00a0 The more he thought of Krishna, the less he thought of himself. In fact, Bhattathiri thanked his body which prompted him to seek Krishna, the Lord whose grace \u00a0elevated him from the realm of his body.\u00a0 However, he pleaded for healthy body\u00a0 (Arogyam) which could \u00a0serve as means to find spiritual fulfilment. \u00a0Narayaneeyam not only brought relief to Bhattathiri but it continues to bestow the grace of Guruvayurappa , a long life, a healthy life and a prosperous life (Ayur Arogya Sowkyam) to all those who recite it with shraddha (involvement).\u00a0 \u00a0It is unique for its \u00a0language, the Sanskrit, for its literary beauty, for the philosophy it conveys, for its style of description and above all for the spirit of devotion it kindles in the heart of devotees.\u00a0 \u2018Narayaneeyam\u2019, the essence of Srimad Bhagavatam, that hails the glory of Lord Narayana, is considered as an outstanding devotional hymn. It is incomparable in its description, invaluable as a devotional work, excellent in its narration.\u00a0 \u00a0Narayaneeyam was completed by Bhattathiri on 27th<\/sup> November 1587, exactly 100 days after he started it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    There were occasions when the Lord guided him and even corrected him.\u00a0 He was describing Hanuman who had succeeded in locating Sita.\u00a0 Hanuman then rushed to Rama to give the good news. Hanuman also gave to Rama the crest-jewel (Choodamani) which Sita had given him to be passed on to Rama.\u00a0 At this situation,\u00a0 Bhattathiri was in a dilemma.\u00a0 If he had mentioned \u201cgave the ornament to Rama\u201d it would exceed the meter length.\u00a0 \u00a0If he had mentioned the words \u201cgave to him\u201d it would be perfect alignment.\u00a0 Since the use of the singular term \u2018Tey\u2019 would be disrespectful, Bhattathiri hesitated to use it and wondered how to proceed further.\u00a0 Then the Lord Himself gave him the vision and consent for the usage of the singular term, \u2018tey\u201d.\u00a0 Accordingly, Bhattathiri concluded the line as \u201cRatnam Dhatho de\u201d.\u00a0 (See Canto 35-2) .\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    \u00a0Having described the Narasimha Avatara (the Lord in half-lion form) exactly as it happened, Bhattathiri addressed Guruvayurappa as \u201cOh! Prahlada Priya\u201d (the Lord who is dear to Prahlada).\u00a0 Suddenly, a voice came from somewhere which said:\u00a0 \u201cI am not merely Prahlada-priya; I am all Bhakta Priya (dear to all devotees). Therefore, we would now have a glimpse of some Bhagavan\u2019s Bhaktas who are dear to Him.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Among the many devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa, the one who occupies the prime position is of course Sri Narayana Bhattathiri. He was afflicted by a paralytic illness and all attempts made to cure the illness turned out in vain.\u00a0 He then decided to approach Lord Guruvayurappa with a prayer in the form of a composition.\u00a0 Having received guidance from Pundit, Sri Thunchathu Ezhuthachan about the nature, style and content of his work, he went to the Guruvayur temple, took a seat in a corner and initiated his divine venture.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    According to the doctrine of Advaita, the Brahman alone is real, the one without a second.\u00a0 Brahman is the one reality which is reflected as the Self (Atman) within.\u00a0 He who transcends the adjuncts\u00a0 (Upadhis) like body, mind and Indriyas would realize Brahman shining within.\u00a0 (Aham Brahmasmi).\u00a0 Though Bhattathiri began with a prayer for a healthy body, gradually he has dispelled the wrong notion, \u201cI am the body\u201d.\u00a0 He said that the body would ultimately perish and what shines for ever is the Self (Atma) (Canto 93-9).\u00a0 We find that he has equated Krishna with Brahman, the Absolute Reality.\u00a0 In the concluding verse, he says:\u00a0 \u201cThough the world of multiplicity is perceived, it is only the non-dual Self that is apprehended, just as gold only is seen and not the ornaments and just as the rope only seen in the darkness and not the snake\u201d (Canto 98-7).\u00a0 In fact, the path of devotion and the path of Jnana are complimentary to each other as one leads to the other.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Apart from the need for devotion, Bhattathiri also stresses the need for respect and reverence towards Guru.\u00a0 His veneration towards his Guru, Pisharady is unique and it continued even till the last moment of his Master. \u00a0Even while lying in bed, readying himself to bid farewell from the world, the learned Master, Pisharody, composed a poem:\u00a0 \u201cAs my body is losing its energy, the voice becoming faint, the eyes losing their vision, the breath getting weaker, all indicating that my life is coming to an end, Oh! Lord Siva, the consort of Kartyayani, liberate me, impart into my ears the …………..mantra.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0As the tongue could not move and the voice became chocked, the Guru could not use the adjective he intended and looked at his disciple.\u00a0 His disciple, Bhattathiri promptly filled the gap and completed the sentence with the word, \u2018Taraka\u2019 (Taraka mantra means the saving Mantra).\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Poonthanam, (1547-1640), a contemporary of Bhattathiri, was an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 He was devotion personified.\u00a0 Though a child was born to him few years after marriage, it died just before the start of the birth-day celebrations.\u00a0 Though Poonthanam felt grief, he accepted it as his fate and considered Krishna as his son. \u201cWhen Krishna is dancing in my heart, why do I need a child?\u201d, he said.\u00a0 Poonthanam then dedicated his entire life for worshipping Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0He was the fine example of the dictum \u2018devotion paves the way for Jnana\u2019.\u00a0 This is evident from his immortal works, \u2018Jnana Pana\u201d (the pot that contains the treasure of knowledge).\u00a0\u00a0 His role in influencing and directing the people towards the path of devotion was indeed great.\u00a0 When Poonthanam felt sad for not being able go to the temple due to his old age, it is said that he heard the voice of God asking him to stay back at his house where Krishna would visit him.\u00a0 This is substantiated from the fact that Poonthanam was often found speaking to himself, without anyone around.\u00a0 \u00a0The house that he resided, known as Poonthanam Illam\u201d is considered as a sacred monument and as a historical museum preserved and protected by the Government.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    There is one song that is heard or recited by Malayalee devotees all over and that is the Jnana Paana composed by Poonthanam.\u00a0 It begins by invoking the names of Krishna: \u201cKrishna Krishna Mukunda Janardhana, Krishna Govinda Narayana Hare<\/em>\u201d.\u00a0 \u201cLet the sacred names which my Gurunatha has placed on my tongue remain forever so that this life I have taken would become worthwhile.\u201d\u00a0 \u201c I know not what all happened yesterday nor do I know what would happen tomorrow.\u00a0 I also do not know what would happen to this body to which I am so proud now\u201d\u00a0 \u201cTheories there are many, their interpretations are many but hear from me the easy way for liberation; reciting the Names of God.\u201d \u201cWe are not born together.\u00a0 We also do not die together.\u00a0 Then, why during the intervening period, we struggle for supremacy?\u201d\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cSeek liberation from the cycle of life and death by removing the motivation behind Karma and the best place for this is our own land, Bharath\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Bhattathiri was a famous scholar in Sanskrit while Poonthanam was a simple devotee.\u00a0 Once, Poonthanam took his works, \u2018Sri Krishna Karunamrutam\u201d to Bhattathiri and requested the author of \u2018Narayaneeyam\u201d to review and edit it.\u00a0 Bhattathiri, who considered Sanskrit as the prime language and was even proud of his knowledge of this language, did not oblige.\u00a0 On the next day of this incident, the disease which had left Bhattathiri made a comeback.\u00a0 Bhattathiri got the message and went to Poonthanam and apologised.\u00a0 In all his works, Poonthanam emphasised the importance of Namasankeerthan.\u00a0 He said chanting the names of God or remaining ever in the thoughts of God is the easiest path to liberation.\u00a0 He was an excellent commentator of devotion.\u00a0 Poonthanam\u2019s role in revival of Bhakti movement in Kerala is phenomenon.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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    \"\"<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Sri\u00a0 Madhavan Nambudiri (1920-19), born near Pattambi, on the banks of river, Bharatha received training on Veda and scriptures from his father who was a great scholar.\u00a0 The ancestral house to which he belonged was called\u00a0 \u2018Anjam\u2019 and he came to be known as Anjam Madhavan Namboodiri.\u00a0\u00a0 Just as any other youth of that period, the young Madhavan Namboodiri also came under the influence of communism.\u00a0 It was his uncle, Trivikraman Namboodiri, the Chief Priest at Guruvayur temple, who re-directed him to another path,\u00a0 a higher path; the path of devotion.\u00a0 It is the path of Nishkama Karma where you work without any desire or expectation, the path where you need to gain nothing but the grace of God.\u00a0 It is the path shown by Srimad Bhagavatam.\u00a0 The reasoning behind these words of truth appealed Anjam.\u00a0 They appealed him because the divine culture which he had inherited was already within and was actually waiting for such an opportunity to unfold.\u00a0 Apparently, a transformation has taken place and Anjam Madhavan Namboodiri, a materialist has retraced his step and has become a spiritualist.\u00a0 Now, the presence of Guruvayurappa was experienced in every cell of his body.\u00a0 He adopted Mekkad Neelakanta Sadguru as his Guru, started chanting the names of God and soon there emerged the real Ajam Sri Madhavan Nambudiri, the name that spells devotion, dispassion and dedication.\u00a0 He thus sowed the seed for another kind of revolution, the Bhagavatam movement.\u00a0 The temple precincts, the consort hall, the dining hall and every platform became a stage for his discourse.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wherever Anjam spoke,\u00a0 Bhajana Samaj at Calcutta or Ashtika Samaj at Mumbai, at Haridwar or at foreign countries, devotees came in large number and experienced the presence of Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0\u00a0 The \u2018Narayanalayam\u2019 which he established on the northern side of the temple serves even now as an institution to fulfil the spiritual aspirations of the devotees.\u00a0 A devotee visiting Guruvayur temple considers his visit complete only after visiting Narayanalayam and getting the blessings from Anjam.\u00a0\u00a0 The Bhagavathothama, who lived in accordance with Bhagavata Dharma, who created a Bhakti movement across the nation, who kept uttering the names of\u00a0 \u201cNarayana\u201d \u201cNarayana\u201d always,\u00a0 passed away at the age of 78.\u00a0 For the first time, Guruvayur, the town used to be vibrant always with great devotional and cultural activities became still and silent.\u00a0 This writer, who was blessed enough to stay together with the venerable sage at Calcutta recollects his memories.\u00a0 While leaving Calcutta, Sri Anjam said \u201cfeel free to ask me anything\u201d and this writer made a request:\u00a0 \u201cMy mother who is your ardent devotee would be happy to see you.\u201d\u00a0 Few weeks later, I received a long letter from my mother stating that while engaged in her house-hold duties she was pleasantly surprised to see 4\/5 vehicles reaching her house and Sri Anjan Namboodiri alighting from the first one and coming to her house.\u00a0 She said she had heard devotee going to God but this experience of God coming to devotee was unheard of.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    Till 1960, the glory of Lord Guruvayurappan was confined only to the boundaries of Kerala.\u00a0 One could straightway come, even sit on the Mandap in front of the shrine and meditate.\u00a0\u00a0 If he happened to come during the lunch time, he could even sit on the side room, inside the temple and take food, the privilege this writer enjoyed during early 60s, but today all that is changed.\u00a0 Now, the \u00a0glory of Guruvayurappa has reached throughout the Bharat and beyond.\u00a0 If the world has come to know of Guruvayurappa as the God of infinite compassion, as the God who\u00a0 cures all ailments, as the God who liberates, it is mainly because of Sengalipuram Sri Anantharama Dikshithar, known as Upanyasa Chakravarthi (An emperor in the art of devotional discourse). He learned Sastras from the same Master, Sri Swaminatha Sastrigal who taught to Kanchi Acharya, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal. \u00a0His heart was full of devotion, mind always pure and at peace but a disease in the body distracted him.\u00a0 He then came to Guruvayur and prayed for a body free from disease so that he could continue his devotion unhindered. Guruvayurappan heard his prayer and blessed him and Dikshitar continued his discourses.\u00a0 Wherever he rendered Upanyasa, Calcutta or Mumbai, he described the beauty, the grace, the compassion, the divinity of Guruvayurappa. \u00a0He said whenever Bhattathiri was in doubt and not able to proceed with his composition for want of certain details, the Lord gave him the right vision and even prompted him.\u00a0 \u201cAfter the composition of a canto while Bhattathiri was wondering whether he had done it rightly, prompt came the divine approval from the Lord,\u201d said Dikshitar.\u00a0 He even used to pronounce the approving words uttered by God.\u00a0 \u00a0Unheard of God of such magnificence, the audience were spell-bound. \u00a0By repeating these lines often, Dikshitar \u00a0\u00a0has brought before the audience the very scene of the incident. \u00a0Soon thereafter, a perennial stream of devotees started flowing towards Guruvayur.\u00a0 Dikshitar has also done Bhagavatha Sapthaham at Guruvayur many times. This writer who had the privilege of being the audience of Dikshithar has also seen the large portrait of Dikshithar prominently displayed inside the temple of Guruvayur in the 60s.\u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Palakkad has presented many gifted singers to the world of music.\u00a0 There were many artists who rendered vocal and instrumental music in perfection.\u00a0 But there was one who was more than an artist, more than a musician and high in devotion. He knew the meaning of the song, rendered it with bhava (involvement) and used the song as a bridge to reach God. He was Chembai Sri Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, who owned a rich voice and who said that he owed all his talents, knowledge and voice to Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 When, suddenly he found that he has lost his voice, he approached Lord Guruvayurappa, prayed and soon he regained his voice.\u00a0 One of his favourite songs was \u2018<\/em>Karuna Cheivan Endu Thamasam Krishna\u201d (Oh! Krishna, why there is so much delay in conferring your grace?) He popularized the Lalithadasar composition, \u201cPaavana Guru\u201d.\u00a0 While he rendered the song in his own inimitable style, the whole auditorium experienced an ecstasy.\u00a0\u00a0 He was not only a singer par-excellence but created many singers like T.V. Gopalakrishna , K.J. Yesudas, P. Leela and others.\u00a0 During the music programme at All India Radio, the announcer did not introduce T.V. Gopalakrishnan, as this Mridamgist was not their graded artist.\u00a0 However, in the midst of the consort, Chembai said in his Palakkad Tamil: \u201cMridamgam Vaasikkarathu Gopalakrishnan akkum.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is a great coincidence that exactly while rendering a devotional song at the Ottapalam Sri Krishna Temple, where he did his inaugural consort (Arangetram), he breathed his last.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0The Annual Music Festival regularly held at Melpathur Auditorium in front of Guruvayur temple is named after Chembai.\u00a0\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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    According to Bhagavatam, Indradyumna, a King in his previous birth had to be born as an elephant\u00a0 (Gajendra) in his next birth as a result of karma. While going near the lake, he was caught by a crocodile.\u00a0 However much he tried he could not extricate himself.\u00a0 However, the devotion he nourished in his earlier birth now came to his rescue.\u00a0 He cried out God\u2019s name, \u201cNarayana\u201d, \u201cKesava\u201d\u201dGovinda\u201d and the Lord of infinite compassion heard the call and rescued and liberated his devotee.\u00a0 This reminds us of another elephant who by virtue of his pure devotion in his earlier birth was honoured as the main elephant of Guruvayur temple, the elephant that was blessed enough to carry the idol of Gurvayurappa (thidambu or kolam) during the procession (Seeveli).\u00a0 Only when he sees the priest who carries the deity of the Lord, he would bend down and allow him to climb over.\u00a0 All others who carry the umbrellas and Alavattam had to climb up from behind.\u00a0 The moment, the deity of Guruvayurappan was on his top, he raised his head majestically and moved on.\u00a0 \u201cGuruvayur Kesavan\u201d, as he was known, had the distinction of serving the Lord for over 50 years. Then, the inevitable happened.\u00a0 After he participated in the procession, he came in front of temple and dropped down with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration before the shrine. \u00a0Guruvayur Kesavan fell down for ever, on the sacred \u00a0day of Ekadasi day, on 2nd<\/sup> December 1976 and the whole Guruvayur town witnessed a grief never felt before. The anniversary of his death is still celebrated at Guruvayur.\u00a0\u00a0 His tusks are placed just above the entrance to the temple.\u00a0 The temple authorities put up a statue of the same height of \u00a0Kesavan outside the temple \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Never before in the history of any temple, an elephant was associated with God, worshipped, venerated and respected by the people all over as Guruvayur Kesavan.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Karrooramma became a widow at an early age without even being blessed with a child.\u00a0 However, being an ardent devotee, she adopted Guruvayur Krishna as her son.\u00a0 Perhaps, it was God\u2019s way of drawing her closer to Him. The more she distanced herself from the world of relations and friends, the more she came closer to Krishna.\u00a0 \u00a0There are occasions when she experienced the presence of Krishna in her home.\u00a0 As she became old, her devotion became more intense and she continued to recite the names of God.\u00a0 One day, a young boy came to her and said that he was an orphan and he has come to stay with her. Though\u00a0 Karooramma accepted him, she did not consider the boy as another form of Guruvayurappan.\u00a0 He helped Karooramma in her house-hold duties and remained as an affectionate child.\u00a0 The child\u2019s antecedents is a mystery and nobody could guess why choose Karooramma\u2019s house.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

    Sri Krishnan Namboodiri dedicated his life to the service of his brother, Sri Anjam Sri Madhavan Namboodiri.\u00a0 Wherever his brother and Guru went and wherever his Guru did his discourse, Krishnan Namboodiri was by his side. This practice of following his Guru like a shadow got him another name, Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama.\u00a0 \u00a0Having received the blessings of Sri Anjam and also of Sri Guruvayurappan, Sri Krishnan Namboodiri too excelled in the art of devotional discourse.\u00a0 A huge number of devotees used to assemble to listen to his Bhagavata Saptaham.\u00a0 Sri Krishnan Namboodiri also continued the great service being initiated by Sri Anjam in the name of Sri Guruvayurappan Trust.\u00a0 He started the ritual of conducting the Nama Parayanam (chanting of the names of God) known as Koti Archana to which devotees participated in great number. Apart from then ritual of daily Nama Japam, Sri Krishnan also carried out many social welfare measures like feeding the poor, serving the essential necessities of devotees.\u00a0 He visited many countries to convey the message of Lord Krishna.\u00a0 He reached the Lotus Feet of Guruvayurappa on 4th<\/sup> September 2011. <\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Sri Damal Ramakrishnan, is a renowned scholar.\u00a0 Though he speaks on many subjects relating to Sanatana Dharma, when he comes to speak about Narayaneeyam, he really does a miracle; transforming the entire audience to a new world of devotion.\u00a0 Though \u2018Damal; is the name of the village near Kanchipuram to which he belonged, it was Guruvayur that his heart longed for.\u00a0 Though he took up profession as Income Tax Practitioner as a necessity, it was the divine duty of Upanyasam he adopted by choice. <\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    P. Leela, gifted with a divine voice, received training in music from Chembai Sri Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.\u00a0 When Guruvayur Devaswom decided to bring out an album on Narayaneeyam, the choice of the singer fell on P. Leela.\u00a0 Though she received many awards, she considered this recognition as a great honour.\u00a0 She also rendered \u2018Jnanappana\u2019 which is still heard by devotees with great interest.\u00a0 There are many other devotees like Sri Vilvamangalam Swamy, Malliyur Sankaran Namboodiri and the list goes on.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\"\"<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    When Sri Dushyanth Sridhar was receiving the prestigious Degree of Chemical Engineering from the Dean of BITS, Pilani, he may not have imagined the kind of role \u00a0God has assigned him.\u00a0 He has held high positions as Software Professional and as Product Manager in TCS\u00a0 \u00a0Young and dynamic, he could \u00a0have easily climbed the ladder of success the Corporate World provided him, but he, on the other hand, realized that he was cut out for a different mission; the spiritual mission.\u00a0 He realized that his real role is to hail the glory of Lord Guruvayurappa.\u00a0 As he takes the central stage for discourse, we find an aura of divinity and serenity surrounding him.\u00a0\u00a0 The two vertical lines of tilak on his forehead that almost resembles the letter \u2018V\u2019, the Angavastram \u00a0draped over his shoulder symbolizing his simplicity and above all his smiling face all captivate the audience.\u00a0 What the audience get is the share of the great wealth of knowledge that he possesses, \u00a0the devotion that he cherishes and above all a great spiritual experience.\u00a0\u00a0 Being one of the most outstanding commentator of Srimad Narayaneeyam in the present age and he is poised to scale greater height in future<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n\r\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Those are the voices of devotion, the voice that we heard through discourse, through songs, through hymns.\u00a0 But there are many voices that we do not hear; the voice of devotion expressed through silence.\u00a0 \u00a0The devotion towards Lord Guruvayurappa is planted at such young age in Kerala that every one claims Guruvayurappa as his own and in all occasions of either joy or sorrow, they cry out:\u00a0 \u201cEnte Guruvayurappa\u201d.\u00a0 Instead of claiming Guruvayurappan as mine, would it not be better to say that \u2018I belong to Guruvayurappa\u2019?\u00a0 Whichever way they say, what is needed is the unity of the devotee with Guruvayurappa, the merger of Jiva with Paramatma.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

     <\/p>\r\n

    \"\" \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    \u201cThere shines in holy temple of Guruvayur what at first appears to be an image but in reality, the Truth-Consciousness and Bliss, the Brahman, the Supreme, the incomparable, the incomprehensible, limitless, the ultimate end which all the scriptures, Vedas and… Continue Reading →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2283,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2297","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-categorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2297","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2297"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2297\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2911,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2297\/revisions\/2911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2297"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2297"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.thiruppugazh.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2297"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}