Guruvayur Ekadasi

Guruvayur Ekadasi is also observed as the Prathishta Dinam (installation day) of the temple. Though the temple is known as Sri Krishna temple, the idol made of Pathalanjana Sila, installed at the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), is of Lord Mahavishnu. Guruvayur became divine on account of the "tapas" performed by Lord Siva for years under the waters and later by the Prechethas (the ten sons of Pracheenabarhis and Suvarna are together called Prechethas) in the Rudratheertham - the sacred tank on the northern side of the present temple - where Lord Guruvayurappan has His Arattu (holy bath on the last day of Annual Utsavam). Prechethas (the ten sons of Pracheenabarhis and Suvarna) came to this place to do tapas to attain "prajapathithwam" (king of all kings) from Lord Mahavishnu. Sensing the motive of Prechethas, Lord Siva emerged out of the Rudratheertham and revealed to them the "Rudrageetham", a hymn in praise of Mahavishnu. Siva suggested them to chant it with all their heart to get their wishes fulfilled. The Princes won the favour of Mahavishnu after rigorous tapas for 10,000 years under the waters of Rudratheertham chanting Rudrageetham.

The idol of guruvayur is unique since it is curved out of “Paathalanjana sila” and is considered extremely sacred. This idol was once worshipped by mahavishnu in vaikunta. From Mahavishnu the sacred idol has passed through the hands of Brahma, Suthapas, Kasyapa, Vasudeva, and Sree Krishna and finally at the time of Krishna's ascension to Vaikunta, his devotee Udhava became sad thinking how he will live without the Lord. Then Lord Shree Krishna gave Udava his idol and instructed him to entrust Brahaspathi (the Guru of Devas) with the task of taking the idol to a suitable place where people could worship it, so as to get salvation in Kaliyuga. A deluge had closed in on Dwaraka, but Guru salvaged the idol floating in the water, with the help of his prime disciple, Vayu. Guru and Vayu went around the world in search of an ideal place. They met Parasurama in Kerala, who was himself worried because of the widespread serious ailments amongst the people of the area. Sage Narada had earlier told Parasurama that installing the idol of Lord Krishna at Dwaraka in Kerala and regularly worshipping it would rid the people of Kerala of all their ailments. Parasurama felt very happy and lead guru and vayu to a lush green spot with a beautiful lotus tank where they felt the presence of Lord Siva. Lord Siva along with Parvathy welcomed them and said, "This is the same spot you are looking for, here it was, I imparted the Rudrageetham to the Prechethas" The idol was installed there. Siva with Parvathy left to the opposite bank, at Mammiyur. Siva permitted Guru and Vayu to perform the consecration rites and blessed them that henceforth this place would be known as GURUVAYUR (since the installation was done by Guru and Vayu).It is in memory of this that worships in Guruvayur will be complete and accomplished only with a worship of Mammiyur Siva also. 

Observance of Ekadasi is believed to have a purifying effect. It is believed that the sins of a life time are washed away if one happens to see the Guruvayur Ekadasi Vilakku (festival of lights). Legend says that on Guruvayur Ekadasi, Lord Indra comes with Kamadhenu and gives all material wealth and offers worship to receive Sri Krishna's blessings. On that day all the theerthas such as Kasi, Badri, Sabarigiri and Palani in addition to rivers like Ganga and Jamuna assemble in this sacred place.

Guruvayur Kesavan

A special remembrance event is also held on the day to commemorate Guruvayur Kesavan, a gentle and friendly elephant, which was in the temple service for quite a long period. Majestic physical features, including 3.2m height, and noble behaviour had elevated Kesavan to the status of a legend in his lifetime itself.

Gajarajan Guruvayur Kesavan (1904 – December 2, 1976) is perhaps the most famous and celebrated Elephant of Kerala, South India. Kesavan was donated to the Guruvayur temple by the royal family of Nilambur in 1916.[1] It is a common custom in Kerala to donate elephants to the deity of the temple as an offering, Guruvayur temple have a very good facilities to maintain all of these elephants now totalling 100 in number at Punnathurkotta.

Standing over 3.2 meters tall, Kesavan was known for his devout behavior. Kesavan died on “Guruvayur Ekadasi,” considered a very auspicious day. He fasted for the entire day and dropped down facing the direction of the temple with his trunk raised as a mark of prostration. The anniversary of his death is still celebrated in Guruvauyur. Hundreds of elephants line up before the statue and the chief elephant garlands it. Kesavan was conferred the unique title “Gajarajan” (Elephant King), by the Guruvayur Devaswom.

The Guruvayur Devaswom erected a life-size statue of Keshavan in its precincts as tribute to the services he rendered to the presiding deity of the temple. His tusks, along with a majestic portrait of the elephant, can be still seen adorning the entrance to the main temple enclosure.

Kerala’s biggest and grandest elephant, Gajarajan Kesavan, served the Lord and people for the long 54 years.Who have seen him will never forget Kesavan, to commemorate him.  Gajarajan Kesavan was one of the majestic elephant which served the Lord in all its sincerity and uniqueness.