I was fortunate to cover the temples of Kerala with Mr Narayanan, father of my NRI friend Mathew, He took me to one of the famous temple in India- Guruvayoor or Guruvayur. Mr Narayanan told me that this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, Indian god, who is also known as Guruvayoorappan.

Guruvayoor is the abode where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated and is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.

" You know, in Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies." informed Mr Narayanan. It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes. " In fact, even we are planning Hem's wedding here" said Mathew's father. Hema is the only daughter of Mathew.

I was quite impressed to see the architecture of the temple. Especially, the 'Chuttambalam' or the outer enclosure is 33.5-m tall gold-plated 'Dwajastambham' or the flag post left me spell bound. There is also a 7 m high 'Deepastambham' or the pillar of lamps, whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brilliant spectacle, when lit. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. The monument is exquisitely crafted and I was awestruck by it's architecture.