Splendors of Divinity
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Transcend your world… Connect with God and realize divine knowledge… A mini-pack to help aspirants!
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Covering Temples at Chottanikkara, Malliyoor, Erumeli, Nilackal, Pamba, Sabarimala, Kottayam, Ettumanoor, Thrissur, Guruvayur & Mammiyoor
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3 Days / 2 Nights |
Day 1 |
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Arrival at Airport / Railway Station in Kochi - your pilgrimage's starting point. Then, transfer to your Hotel. After settling in comfortably, brace the self to experience the divine splendors. Soon start to Pamba, via Erumeli.
On the way, offer prayers at some noted Temples, starting with:
Devi Temple, Chottanikkara
A prominent one among the most sacred Goddess Temples in South India! Here the deity is worshiped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the morning, as Bhadrakali at noon and as Durga in the evening - all major 'bhavas' (qualities) rolled in one! Moreover, worship in the adjoining Keezhkaavu Shrine is believed to rid devotees of evil influences, psychological ailments and evil spirits. Overall, a place of unmatched divine elegance!
Drive along and seek blessings at:
Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, Malliyoor
A prominent shrine of Lord Ganapathy (the remover of obstacles), in the state... The deity here is conceptualized in a peculiar form - the trunk twisted rightwards, carries a lime on its tip, hands hold an axe, rope, horn and a laddoo (sweet) can. It is believed that the spirit of Lord Vishnu miraculously infused into Lord Ganapathy. Thus this deity is regarded as 'Vaishnava Ganapathy' - Ganapathy cradling the little Sree Krishna in his lap.
On reaching Erumeli, pray at:
Lord Dharma Sastha Temple, Erumeli
This temple of Lord Ayyappa is an important meeting place in the pilgrimage trip to Sabarimala. There is also a mosque - Vavar Palli (dedicated to Vavar, who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa), located close to the Temple. Thus, Erumeli is a place which is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Its special feature is 'Petta Thullal' (mass frenzied dancing accompanied by loud music) - a ceremony during the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.
(Prior to Petta Thullal, the pilgrims smear color on their faces and bodies. It is said that smearing of colors and taking part in this sort of a dance is a symbolic step towards shedding one's ego which is an essential prerequisite before undertaking the pilgrimage.)
Continue to Pamba, with blessings from,
Lord Shiva Temple, Nilackal
This sacred Temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the way to Sabarimala, very near to the Pamba - Pathanamthitta Road. This is also an intermediate halting area for the Sabarimala pilgrims.
At Pamba, worship at:
Lord Ganapathy Temple, Pamba
A Temple located atop 102 steps; this is the main halting point in the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Breaking of coconuts is the main offering here.
Then, proceed to the ultimate destination – Sabarimala
Sree Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
Arguably the most important Temple of Lord Ayyappa in the world, Sabarimala is thronged by millions of devotees from all part of the country and abroad - throughout the year. The pilgrims take a dip in the holy river Pamba, before proceeding to the Sabari hills - the sacred aboard of Lord Ayyappa. Reaching the 'sannidhanam' (seat of the Lord) after trekking the Hills is an experience itself!
The unique aspect of this Temple is that, it is open to people of all faiths! Many Non-Hindus conduct pilgrimages to Sabarimala. This secular aspect of Sabarimala is best exemplified by the existence of the 'Vavar Nada' (in honor of a Muslim, who was Lord Ayyappa's best friend), in close proximity to the main Temple. There is no other Temple in the world in which the pilgrims are called after the deity 'Ayyappa' - underlining the fact that all pilgrims, in whichever class or background, are equal before the Lord.
The high season in Sabarimala is the annual 'Mandalam Makaravilakku festival'.
After concluding your prayers for the day, relax with divine thoughts. Stay overnight at Sabarimala Temple premises.
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Day 2 |
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Wake up early in the morning… With an optional early worship at the Lord Ayyappa Temple, proceed back to Pamba. Afterwards, set out to Guruvayur - another major pilgrim destination.
On the way worship the major shrines starting with:
Thirunakkara Temple, Kottayam
Located in the center of the Kottayam town, this centuries-old Shrine of Lord Shiva is quite distinct, as the idol here is self manifested one - not created with a chisel. A Temple of grand architectural style, here the interior walls are decorated with striking and colorful murals!
Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor
A much admired Temple of Lord Shiva… The imposing Temple sanctum bears woodcarvings of superior workmanship, portraying legends from epics – Ramayana and the Bhagavatam. Also of note are the murals on the western entrance. On the 8th day of the Temple festival, a unique treasure of the Temple - the seven and half golden elephants (Ezhara Pon Aana - offered by the Maharaja of Travancore) are displayed to the devotees.
(Together with Kaduthuruthy and Vaikom, Ettumanoor forms an esteemed triad of Lord Shiva Temples.)
Continue to Guruvayur and seek blessings at:
Paramekkavu Devi Temple, Thrissur
This 1000+ years old Temple is one of the largest Goddess Shrines in Kerala! Also a major participant in the grand 'Thrissur Pooram'
Thiruvambadi Temple, Thrissur
Another antique and illustrious Temple in Thrissur… One of the major Lord Krishna Temples in the State!
On reaching Guruvayur, offer worship at:
Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur
This 5000 years old abode of Guruvayurappan ranks amongst the holiest in India! Lord Guruvayurappan (Lord Krishna in child-form) is not just a deity, but a part of the spiritual culture of whole Keralites - irrespective of caste or creed. This priceless Temple holds many prestigious laurels such as, the launchpad of noted art forms & literary classics, a major venue of classical music, etc. Majority of Kerala's revered sages were associated with this abode. Not to mention its significance as a venue of Hindu marriages and Annaprasanam (feeding rice to a child for the first time). Only a few Shrines match in ambiance and heritage!
Afterwards, transfer to your Hotel in Guruvayur. Relax in an ambiance of devotion. Stay overnight at the Hotel.
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Day 3 |
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Rise early… Start your early morning worship at:
Lord Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayur
Carry on your prayers at:
Lord Shiva Temple, Mammiyoor (Guruvayur)
A legend of a Temple - an abode of Lord Shiva, in fact, older than the celebrated Guruvayurappan Temple! Though somewhat overshadowed by its mighty neighbor, Mammiyoor Temple owns a special slot in legacy as an instrumental abode in establishing the Guruvayurappan Temple. Devotees who come to Guruvayurappan Temple customarily visit this Temple too.
Lord Parthasarathy Temple, Guruvayur
Another noteworthy Temple, lying close to the Guruvayurappan Temple... The deity here is Lord Krishna as the Charioteer of Arjuna - e la epic Mahabharata.
Time for the 'spiritual climax' with worship at:
Lord Venkateshwara Temple, Guruvayur
A miniature version of the legendary Tirupati Temple in Andra Pradesh State!
An absorbing pilgrimage concludes here. Transfer from your Hotel at Guruvayur and drive back to the Airport / Railway Station. Depart as happy & contented.
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Conditions
The package cost is inclusive of Accommodation for a couple (taxes incl.) on room-only basis (EPAI).
Taxi is not included in the Package. If required, taxi will be arranged.
Temple visit is subject to timings (5 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm) and, is optional.
1. All packages are valid from Oct 1st 2009 to Jan 15th 2010
2. A hike of 25% will be levied in all package’s prices - from Dec 15th 2009 to Jan 15th 2010 only
3. Also, a Supplementary charge will be applicable (depending on Hotels/Resorts) on special
occasions like, Diwali, Christmas and New Year
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