Ayurveda Initiative For Global Health

Guruvayur Temple - Part 2, Architecture and worship practices Did you know that in the Sree Kovil or Garba Griha of the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, where the idol of Lord Krishna is defied, the two doors and the roof are covered by gold and with exqusite mural paintings on its walls? Guruvayur Temple originally built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and consecrated with Lord Krishna called Guruvayurappan (four-armed form of the Lord Vishnu ), has under gone many changes over the centuries but retaining the Kerala architectural style of sloped pyramidal roofing fitted with copper plates.   The Guruvayur temple, built according to Kerala's temple Vastuvidya, and called Bhuloka Vaikunta" meaning the "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth"., faces the East direction has two Gopurams (towers), one at East (Kizhakkenada) and other at West (Padinjarenada); the entire area between these two towers is roofed with tiles and known as Anapanthal. The hol...

Guruvayur Temple - Part 1 background and ancient legends  Did you know that the Guruvayur Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known in Kerala as Guruvaurappan , was established in the 8th century of Adi Shankaracharya at Guruvayur town? The Guruvayur Temple established in Guruvayur town in Thrissur District, of Kerala dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eigth incarnation (avatara) of Lord Vishnu. is also popularly called Guruvayurappan in Kerala. The historical belief is that Adi Shankaracharya (788-820) , the propounder of Advaita Philosophy, found the idol of Lord Krishna, a swamyamvyakta (self revealed) image, while he was travelling in the Guruvayur area. Shankaracharya then built a temple in Guruvayur and consecrated the Krishna idol, and started regular worship of the idol. This temple now one of the most famous Hindu temples is often referred to as "Bhooloka Vaikuntam" which translates to the holy abode of Vishnu on Earth. It is a mahakshetram - a great temple, ...