Legend has it that Sri Krishna who's idol adorned the temple in Dwaraka, handed it over to Udhava to have it installed in a sacred location with the help of Guru and Vayu (hence the name Guruvayoor). Consequently, the sacred place which was identified was already occupied by Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who heard of the noble deed from Guru and Vayu decided to vacate his seat of penance. He subsequently moved to the present day Mammiyoor Temple, while Lord Krishna occupied the seat at (the present day) Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple. Another unique feature of this temple is that, it is probably the only temple which bestows equal status to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Besides Shiva and Vishnu, the temple also houses Ganesha, Murugan, Ayyapan, Bhagavathi and Nagaraja.
Devotees must strictly adhere to the dress code here: Mundu and bare-chest for men and sarees or pavadas for women. Even though Guruvayoor temple has done-away with this rigid rule, Mammiyoor hasn't. In case you find yourself at Mammiyoor wearing pants, just remember to rent a mundu from the Chappal Stand. They let it out for a paltry Rs 25 for a single use. Women can also opt for this option.
Getting-there: The Kshetram is a mere one kilometer from the Guruvayoor temple and there are plenty of autos plying in that route, in case you do not want to walk in the hot sun.
Must-Do: Obey the dress code. In case you couldn't, enquire at the Chappal Stand for Mundus-on-rent.
Must-Don't: Clicking pictures inside the temple.
My Rating: 7/10
It is a beautiful temple. Nice narration.
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Thank you Niranjan
DeleteSo that's how Guruvayoor got its name, eh. These days it seems like everybody who goes to Guruvayoor makes it a point to step into Mammiyoor too, right?
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, we used to do Kadaampuzha and Guruvaryoor together.
Yes D. Mammiyoor and Guruvayoor has always been inseparable. Kadaampuzha? I've never been there and Im not certain I heard of this temple too. Hmm thanks for pointing it out. I'll make sure its part of my itenary the next time round :)
DeleteAnd make sure you put your footwear in a safe place, while you're there. :)
DeleteBeautiful brief information about the temple. Super.Always i like your post because you put your hand to the history that makes us to understand the legacy of the divine place :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sri. Thats why I like visiting temples, because there's so much of history and mythology associated with them, and not because Im overly religious :D
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