Guruvayur Ekadasi 2024: A Sacred Celebration at the Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala

Introduction

Guruvayur Ekadasi is a revered annual celebration in Kerala, observed at the Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur. Falling in the month of Vrischikam as per the Malayalam calendar, it aligns with Ekadasi observances like Mokshada Ekadasi or Prabodhini Ekadasi.

In 2024, Guruvayur Ekadasi will be observed on December 11.

This auspicious day also coincides with Geeta Jayanti, marking the day when Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The event carries deep spiritual and cultural significance, involving devotees in fasting, prayers, and rituals. A special homage is paid to the legendary temple elephant, Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan, remembered for his devotion and services to the temple. Devotees flock to Guruvayur for blessings, seeking divine grace, inner peace, and spiritual rejuvenation during this sacred observance.

Significance and Legend of Guruvayur Ekadasi

Guruvayur Ekadasi is a day of special spiritual significance, especially to the revered Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala. This auspicious day, celebrated during the month of Vrischikam, is believed to be imbued with cosmic energies that purify the mind, body, and soul, making it ideal for those seeking inner cleansing and spiritual rejuvenation. For devotees, it is a time for strict fasting, prayers, and devotion to Lord Krishna, embodying the values of self-discipline, humility, and surrender.

One of the prominent legends surrounding Ekadasi originates from a legendary battle between Lord Vishnu and the demon Murdanav. According to the story, Murdanav sought to challenge Lord Vishnu while He was resting. Unperturbed, Vishnu drew upon his divine essence, and from his eleven indriyas, or spiritual organs, emerged a radiant maiden. This maiden mesmerized Murdanav with her divine beauty, weakening his resolve and ultimately leading to his defeat. Lord Vishnu, recognizing her power and purity, blessed her as Ekadasi and decreed that she be worshipped on this day each lunar month. He proclaimed Ekadasi as a day of purity, penance, and victory over evil, guiding humanity towards righteousness.

In Guruvayur, Ekadasi takes on a uniquely special role, where thousands of devotees converge on the temple to observe rigorous fasting and participate in rituals that honour Lord Krishna and the divine spirit of Ekadasi. The day also includes offerings, chanting, and bhajans, creating an atmosphere of intense devotion and spiritual vibrancy. Additionally, a touching tribute is paid to Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan, the legendary temple elephant remembered for his unwavering devotion and service to the temple. Through fasting, prayers, and rituals, devotees at Guruvayur seek divine grace, peace of mind, and spiritual awakening, making this Ekadasi a cherished and powerful day in the lives of those who celebrate it.

Honouring Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan

Guruvayur Ekadasi holds a special significance as it is also a day to honour the legendary temple elephant, Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan. Kesavan is celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna and his remarkable service to the Guruvayur Temple. Known for his gentle demeanour and dedication, he was the chief bearer of the temple deity during ceremonial processions, carrying the idol with dignity and devotion. Even when suffering from poor health, Kesavan continued to fulfil his role, showing a level of commitment that earned him immense respect from devotees and temple authorities alike.

Kesavan’s legacy grew even more profound when he passed away on the auspicious day of Ekadasi, further linking him to this sacred occasion. Since then, Guruvayur Ekadasi has included rituals to honour his memory. Each year on this day, the leader of the temple’s elephant herd at Punnathur Kotta places a floral garland on the statue of Guruvayur Kesavan, as a tribute to his selfless service. In a solemn procession, all temple elephants gather to pay their respects, standing before his statue in a remarkable display of unity and reverence. This unique tribute not only celebrates Kesavan’s loyalty but also highlights the deep bond shared between the elephants and the temple, reinforcing the spirit of devotion that marks Guruvayur Ekadasi.

Ekadasi Vilakku: Lighting the Lamps

The Ekadasi Vilakku is one of the most enchanting and visually captivating elements of the Guruvayur Ekadasi festival. This traditional ritual of lighting lamps begins almost a month before the main Ekadasi day. Devotees, families, and various organizations come together to contribute oil, ghee, and other items for the lamps, as a symbol of their offerings to Lord Krishna. The illumination created by these traditional lamps represents the collective devotion of the community and fills the temple with an atmosphere of peace and spiritual warmth.

The ritual begins with the lighting of the Ekadasi Vilakku two Ekadasis before the main Ekadasi. On Navami, the Kolady family offers a ghee-lit Vilakku, and on Dasami, another ghee lamp is offered by the Guruvayurappan Sankeerthana Trust. This chain of lamp offerings continues, reaching a grand culmination on the night of Ekadasi. On this final day, the temple hosts a spectacular procession with decorated elephants and lighted lamps, weaving through the temple grounds in a mesmerizing night-time display. The Ekadasi Vilakku ritual symbolizes the divine light of devotion, with the temple glowing brilliantly in honour of Lord Krishna, inspiring awe and reverence in all who witness it.

How to Observe Guruvayur Ekadasi

Observing Guruvayur Ekadasi is a spiritual practice that brings devotees closer to Lord Krishna through fasting, prayer, and acts of devotion. This sacred day includes various rituals and observances that emphasize self-discipline, compassion, and dedication.

1. Fasting and Dietary Restrictions:

The primary observance of Ekadasi involves fasting to purify both body and mind. Devotees abstain from consuming rice, grains, and salt, as these foods are traditionally avoided on Ekadasi. Many devotees take only a single meal, while some prefer a liquid diet of water, fruit juices, or milk. For those undertaking a complete fast, no food or water is consumed until the following day. This fast is typically broken on Dwadasi, the day after Ekadasi, with a light meal, symbolizing the completion of this self-purifying ritual.

2. Temple Visits and Offerings:

On Ekadasi, visiting a Krishna temple, particularly the Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur, is a cherished tradition. Devotees offer prayers and make symbolic offerings to the deity. Tulsi (holy basil) leaves, Chandan (sandalwood paste), bananas, or other foods with a pure, white colour—like pal payasam (a milk-based sweet)—are among the preferred offerings. These offerings represent purity, devotion, and respect for Lord Krishna, and the act of presenting them is believed to foster a sense of divine connection.

3. Puja and Chanting:

Another essential element of Guruvayur Ekadasi is the chanting of sacred mantras. Devotees often recite the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna. Reading from sacred texts, particularly the Srimad Bhagavad Purana or the Bhagavad Gita, is also encouraged. These readings are a way for devotees to reflect on spiritual wisdom and gain insights into life’s purpose and values.

4. Acts of Service and Compassion:

Ekadasi also promotes acts of kindness and compassion, reflecting Krishna’s teachings on empathy. Many devotees feed cows, considered sacred to Lord Krishna, or engage in acts that honour life and nature, such as planting Tulsi (holy basil) or other trees. These actions are seen as a tribute to the natural world and a commitment to living in harmony with it.

5. Dwadasi Panam:

The observance of Ekadasi concludes with the offering of Dwadasi Panam on the day following Ekadasi. At the Koothambalam, or temple hall, devotees offer a small token amount of money as an act of charity and gratitude. This tradition, unique to Guruvayur, is believed to attract blessings and prosperity, symbolizing the devotee’s wish to share their fortune with the temple and the community.

Rituals and Traditions at the Sri Krishna Temple

The Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple observes several unique and revered rituals and traditions during the Guruvayur Ekadasi, each reflecting the layers of devotion, cultural richness, and communal spirit to the festival.

Continuous Darshan:

The temple opens its doors for continuous darshan starting as early as 3:00 AM on Dashami, the day before Ekadasi, and remains open until 9:00 AM on Dwadasi, the day following Ekadasi. This extended darshan period allows thousands of devotees to come and offer prayers to Lord Krishna without interruption. The continuous darshan is a special opportunity for devotees to experience the divine presence, making it a moving experience, especially for those undertaking the Ekadasi fast.

Udayasthamana Pooja:

The Udayasthamana Pooja, which translates to “sunrise-to-sunset worship,” is a unique day-long pooja conducted by the Devaswom, the temple’s managing body. This ritual involves a series of offerings and prayers that continue from dawn to dusk, ensuring uninterrupted devotion to Lord Krishna. The Udayasthamana Pooja symbolizes the unwavering dedication of devotees to the deity, as the offerings and rituals are meticulously maintained throughout the day, enveloping the temple in a continuous aura of reverence and spirituality.

Elephant Procession:

One of the festival’s most striking and cherished events is the grand elephant procession. A procession of decorated elephants, led by the chief temple elephant, makes a ceremonial visit to the Parthasarathy Temple, located nearby. This procession commemorates Geeta Jayanti, the day Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The majestic sight of elephants, adorned with traditional ornaments, adds grandeur to the celebration and symbolizes respect for Krishna’s teachings.

Chembai Sangeetholsavam:

Guruvayur Ekadasi also coincides with the Chembai Sangeetholsavam, an acclaimed classical music festival held in memory of the legendary musician Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. This festival is a tribute to classical music, blending spiritual devotion with artistic expression. Devotees and music enthusiasts gather to enjoy performances by renowned musicians, making this event an integral part of the Ekadasi celebrations.

Spiritual Benefits of Observing Guruvayur Ekadasi

Observing Guruvayur Ekadasi offers devotees an opportunity to elevate their consciousness and align with divine energies. This sacred day is highly auspicious for inner purification, as fasting and prayer help cleanse the mind and body of impurities. Through fasting, devotees avoid certain foods like rice and grains, which are believed to carry energies that can dull spiritual sensitivity. This abstinence allows practitioners to experience clarity and focus, aiding in meditation and reflection on spiritual goals.

Spiritually, Ekadasi helps in dispelling negative energies, bringing peace, and instilling a profound sense of devotion. The act of observing Ekadasi is said to attract cosmic energies that uplift one’s spiritual vibration, promoting qualities like compassion, humility, and detachment from material concerns. Through prayer, chanting, and temple visits, devotees seek a closer connection with Lord Krishna, experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and inner strength.

Ekadasi observance is also seen as physically rejuvenating. By allowing the body to rest from heavy digestion, fasting aids in detoxification enhances vitality, and revitalizes energy levels. Overall, Guruvayur Ekadasi provides a holistic experience, balancing spiritual devotion with physical well-being and helping devotees embark on a journey of self-discovery and divine connection.

Conclusion

Guruvayur Ekadasi is far more than a day of fasting; it is a rich celebration of Kerala’s spiritual and cultural heritage, deeply embedded in the hearts of Lord Krishna’s devotees. This auspicious day brings together a tapestry of rituals, from honouring the beloved temple elephant, Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan, to lighting thousands of lamps that illuminate the temple with devotion and warmth. Each element of the celebration, whether it’s the Udayasthamana Pooja or the grand elephant procession, reflects a timeless reverence for Lord Krishna and the values He represents.

For devotees, Guruvayur Ekadasi is an opportunity to practice self-discipline, humility, and compassion, seeking to purify their hearts and minds through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness. On this day, devotees feel a special connection to the spiritual teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, gaining inspiration to live with integrity, love, and devotion.