PM Modi visits Guruvayur Temple |ForumIAS

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Source-This post is based on the article “PM Modi visits Guruvayur temple in Kerala” published in “The Hindu” on 17th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister recently visited the Sreekrishna Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala to offer prayers.

Aspect	Details
About	1. It is a Hindu temple, often referred to as the Southern Dwarka. 2. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the youthful form of Lord Krishna.
Location	It is located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India.
Construction	The earliest temple records date back to the 17th century, yet other literary texts and legends suggest that the temple may be approximately 5000 years old.
Features	1. The Chief deity here is Lord Krishna, also known as Guruvayoorappan. 2. The chief deity is portrayed standing with four hands, grasping Shankh, Sudarshana Chakra, Lotus, and Mace, all carved from a stone known as Patala Anjana. 3. It follows the traditional Kerala architectural style. 4. The temple has structures like the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), Balikkal (sacrificial stone), and Deepastambam (pillar of lights). 5. A prominent feature is the Dwajasthamba, a 70-foot-tall flagstaff completely coated in gold. 6. In 1931-32, Sathyagraha was initiated by Kelappan (known as Kerala Gandhi) to advocate for the inclusion of untouchables into the temple. It resulted in the Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936. 7. The temple is known for housing a significant number of captive male Asian elephants. The nearby Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary is home to 56 elephants.

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