SREE GURUVAYURAPPAN TEMPLE, KOLKATA!
ഓം നമോ ഭഗവതേ വാസുദേവായ
Pujas
Nirmalya Darsanam
The Temple opens early in the morning at a specified time (at 5am from 16th March to 15th September and 5.45am 16th September to 15th March) after 'Palliyunarthal' (Ritual awakening of the Lord). The first darshan is called 'Nirmalya Darsanam', or the darshan with the decorations of the previous day, considered very auspicious. It is believed that the Lord has the highest power in this timing.
Vakacharthu & Abhishekam
After this, the idol is bathed with Sesame Oil. Later, an herbal mixture called 'Vaka' is dropped upon the idol, to extract oil from the idol. This is called ‘Vakacharthu'. It is a rare sight to see the idol full of this powder, without any decoration. After this, the idol is bathed with the water and thereafter Abhishekam with holy water filled in a conch, which is called 'Sankhabhishekam'. At this time, the Lord is decorated as infant Krishna, wearing a red loincloth and holding butter and flute on his hands. A special type of puffed rice called 'Malar' is offered to the Lord after this. This is called ‘Malar Nivedyam’. The Nada opens with 'Karpoorarathi' or the flashing of camphor.
At this time, 'Ganapathy Homam' is conducted and thereafter Nivedyam is offered to all Upadevathas.
Usha Pooja
This Puja starts at a specified time, (at 7am from 16th March to 15th September and 7.30am from 16th September to 15th March) during this puja Lord’s face is covered with Sandal Paste and decorated with ornaments. The main offering is Neypayasam (Ghee pudding), Butter, and Thrimadhuram (A mixture of three sweets). During this time, Ashtapadi the verses from Geethagovindam is sung by Marar, playing Edakka along with Ashtapadi. This time, the Lord appears as a teenager and wears a dhoti. The Nada reopens with 'Karpoorarathi'.
Ucha Puja
The Ucha Pooja starts (at 9am from 16th March to 15th March and 9.30am from 16th September to 15th March) At this time, the Lord is offered a special type of pudding called Pal Payasam with Vella Nivedyam (Cooked white rice). This Palpayasam is the main offering to Lord during Ucha Puja. At this time, the idol is again decorated with more ornaments and Tulasimala and flower malas. During this Puja time, Valamthala is played on Chenda. This time, the Lord appears as Lord Vishnu. The Nada reopens with 'Karpoorarathi'. After this, the temple is closed at 10:30.
Sandhya Deeparadhana
The temple reopens in the evening (4.45pm from 16th September to 15th March and 5.30pm from 16th March to 15th September) Soon after the temple is opened, at the time of sunset, the nada is again closed, for 'Deeparadhana' or 'light worship'. All the lights in the temple are lightening at this time. During this time Melam is played on Chenda. The Nada reopens with 'Karpoorarathi', or the flashing of Camphor.
After this Puja for Upadevathas are conducted and thereafter Nivedyam is offered to all Upadevathas.
Athazha Puja
In the night, the 'Athazha Puja' starts (7.30pm from 16th September to 15th March and 7.45pm from 16th March to 15th September) During this Puja, the main offering is Neyyappam (Fried pancake) and Nada opens with Karpoorarthi. During this time, Ashtapadi the verses from Geethagovindam is sung by Marar, playing Edakka along with Ashtapadi. After this, the temple is closed, making the end of a day.
The daily Pujas & Rituals are being conducted by the Santis, Kazhagams and the drummers are specifically deputed from Kerala, and strictly as per the guidance and tantric tenets laid down by our Thantri (Chief Priest), and it is similar to Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur, Kerala, whereby maintaining the maximum sanctity and enhancing the divinity of the Temple.
NARAYANA NARAYANA OM NAMO BHAGAVATHE VASUDEYA NARAYANA NARAYANA
