Talk:God of Miracles

By Swami Harshananda

Innumerable miracles have been attributed to the grace of the Lord here by the faithful. The votaries belonging to non-Hindu faiths too are being drawn towards this deity. The gingelly-oil used in the bathing of the image during abhiṣeka (ceremonial bath) is in great demand since it is believed to be a sure medicine for arthritis and similar diseases. It is interesting to note here, the story of the temple elephant (tusker) Keśavan by name. It served the temple during all the festivals and ceremonies, for 62 years, including the carrying of the tiḍambu (golden howdah) for 54 years. It was extremely docile and friendly. It died quietly and suddenly in A. D. 1976, in front of the chief gateway, as if bowing down to the deity. A life-size image of this elephant had been installed in the campus and its day of demise is celebrated with a procession of decorated elephants. Finis While visiting a holy place, a pilgrim expects not only spiritual solace but also the fulfilment of his desires which he is unable to achieve through normal human efforts. The Guruvāyur temple has certainly succeeded in fulfilling such hopes and aspirations of its votaries if judged from the numerous experiences of numberless devotees. There is no wonder then, that year by year, the number of pilgrims is swelling, contributions by them is increasing, thus making it one of the few most popular temples of India with a fabulous income which is being properly utilised by the temple management.

References

• The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore