Guruvayur Ekadasi

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Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the

Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in an year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Sukla paksha) has

got special significance in Guruvayur. It falls in the Mandala season. The

Navami (9th day) and Dasami (10th day) are also very important. Ekadasi Vilakku

starts a month before the Ekadasi day as offerings by different persons,

families and organisations. On Navami day, the Vilakku is lit with ghee as an

offering by Kolady family. The Dasami Vilakku which used to be an offering of

Zamorin Raja, is now conducted by Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. After the

temple is open on this day for Nirmalya darshan ( 3.00AM ), it is closed only at

9.00 am on Dwadasi Day (12th day), thus allowing continues darshan for devotees

throughout Dasami and Ekadasi Days. On Dwadasi day there is a custom of offering

a token amount called Dwadasi Panam in Koothambalam for the welfare of the

family.

 

Highlights of the Guruvayur Ekadasi are the memorial honour for Gajarajan

Kesavan and the Chembai Sangeetholsavam. The Karanavar or head of the elephant

family places a wreath at the statue of Kesavan in front of Sreevalsam guest

house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. On Ekadasi

day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (dawn to dusk pooja) is conducted by the Devaswom

itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadasi there is a grant elephant

procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day

also. On Ekadasi after night pooja the famous Ekadasi Vilakku with elephant

procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival.

 

rgds,

 

K.S.Jain

Doha, Qatar

 

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