Guruvayurappan
A manifestation of Lord Vishnu, given to Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison cell.
The form said to have been worshipped by Krishna Himself before being entrusted to Guru Brihaspati and Vayu, who carried it to Kerala when Dwaraka sank into the sea. He returns now to the soil of His own childhood — Vrindavan.
In the Sreekovil He stands four-armed, with shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace) and padma (lotus), crowned with the peacock feather. Devotion to Him is said to bring prosperity and deliverance from suffering.
The twelve daily darshans
Through the day Guruvayurappan is adorned and revealed in twelve distinct forms. Each darshan carries its own blessing.
Viswarupadarsana
Early morning · Nirmalayam
Removes all obstacles; averts destruction.
Abhishekam
During the morning anointing
Relief from rheumatism.
Gokula Natha
During Vakacharthu Abhishekam — peacock-flower powder
Brings peace and tranquillity.
Santhanagopalan
During Sankhabhisheka — conch anointing
Abundance of wealth.
Unnikannan
During Balalankara — the child-adornment
Removes the suffering of children.
Yashodabalan
During the further Abhisheka
Removes all suffering; beneficial for couples seeking children.
Vanamala Krishna
During Navakabhishekam — the nine-pot anointing
Cures diseases of the eye.
Noon darshan
Adorned in full regalia at midday
Brings enlightenment.
Sarvamangaladayaka
Evening
Family prosperity.
Mohana
During Deeparadhana — the lamp worship
Marital bliss.
Vrindavanacharana
Evening pooja
Healing of all diseases.
Sheshanayaka
Night · resting upon the serpent Shesha
Salvation.
