There is something special about the temple of Guruvayur, one of the most famous shrines of India, the South in particular. Sri Krishna is both adored and revered. The petite child with that enchanting smile brings tears to your eyes, but you are aware that it is a camouflage for the Viswaroopa that puranas endlessly talk about. Anything about the place and the deity is lapped up by devotees and the latest by The Hindu belongs to this category. Sumptuously illustrated, apart from two posters, the 90-page volume, ‘Guruvayur Sreekrishna Temple, A Soul-Nourishing Pilgrimage,’ is a delight that leaves the reader craving for more.
The articles take the reader through the corridors of the temple, where the day begins at 3 a.m. Literature and art merge to make rituals colourful and awesome. Clock work precision governs the activities but that is not at the cost of devotion. The priests’ word is gospel. The origin of the temple is not known but scripts are available from 1637.
It is a chequered history of destruction, revival and protests until the 1970s. The Kerala State Government takes charge of the administration, the temple is renovated and the Devaswom runs the daily affairs with meticulous attention to detail. Mr. T.V. Chandramohan, Devaswom Chairman, speaks of the major development projects that are on the anvil to provide facilities for devotees and improve security.
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The geometric symmetry of construction encourages the visitor to unravel the symbolism, we are told. Tales of legend associated with poet Poonthanam, Kurooramma, Manjula Aal and of course Narayana Bhattathiri show how the infant deity was close to the heart of a true devotee. Not different from any human child that instinctively spots and reciprocates true love. The place is indeed entwined with the daily life of the community. It is here that children have their first morsel of solid food and are initiated into formal education. The pictures speak volumes of the faith that the people have for their favourite deity.
A look at the festival calendar reveals that every important aspect of Sri Krishna is covered. His birthday and Vrischika Ekadasi (also Gitopadesam Day) are celebrated with grandeur but occasions such as Kuchela Dinam, Narayaneeyam Day and Poonthanam Day are exclusive to this temple. Of course, a separate festival is earmarked for Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. The book devotres a chapter to the legendary musician, who is said to have performed an incredible 49 Udayasthamana puja. Incidentally, the seva is booked until 2050!
Rare art is being preserved in the form of Krishnanattom and murals. Can a volume on Guruvayur be complete without elephants and the celebrated Kesavan? There is a stunning black-white picture of the mammoth elephant that led all the spectacular rituals.
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It is not a surprise that Pepita Seth’s impressions are included. “An Englishwoman, I have felt completely at home in Kerala,” records Thrissur-based Pepita, who has been going to the temple for the past four decades, and authored books on the subject.
Photographs in the last few pages show glimpses of the ceremonies and customs mentioned in the articles. If only captions were provided!
Priced at Rs. 120, the aesthetically compiled book is surely a collector’s item.
Copies are available at the head office, Chennai, and all the branches. Buyers can log onto https://www.thehindu.com/publications/ call toll-free number 180030001878 or email cirpublns@thehindu.co.in