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Manjulal Banyan Tree

Guruvayur, Kerala, India
Manjulal is a legendary banyan tree located at the entrance of the East Nada of the Guruvayur Temple. It is named after a young devotee named Manjula. The story goes that she used to bring flower garlands for the Lord every day. One night she was late, and the temple doors were closed. She sat by t his tree weeping, and a saint told her to leave the garland there, saying God is everywhere. The next day, that garland was found on the deity's idol. Since then, the tree has been sacred. It serves as a landmark and a place of worship itself. Thousands of devotees stop here before entering the main temple. Under the tree, there is a small platform with a stone where people light lamps. The tree's massive branches provide shade to the busy street. It is a symbol of pure, innocent devotion.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    15 to 30 Minutes
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    Place Type:
    Nature & Spiritual
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fees: There is absolutely no entry fee as it is located on a public street. Anyone can visit and pray at any time. Donations for lamps are voluntary and can be made at the spot. ...
    Entry Fees: There is absolutely no entry fee as it is located on a public street. Anyone can visit and pray at any time. Donations for lamps are voluntary and can be made at the spot.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open 24 hours as it is on the street.

    Ideal Visit Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM to see the lamps lit. Early mornings at 4:00 AM are also peaceful as the first pilgrims arrive. ...
    Regular Timings: Open 24 hours as it is on the street.

    Ideal Visit Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM to see the lamps lit. Early mornings at 4:00 AM are also peaceful as the first pilgrims arrive.
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    Special Events:
    Anayottam (Elephant Race) Held in February or March. The race starts exactly from under this banyan tree, making it the most crowded and exciting spot in town. ...
    Anayottam (Elephant Race) Held in February or March. The race starts exactly from under this banyan tree, making it the most crowded and exciting spot in town.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Root Details: The intricate aerial roots make for artistic close-up shots.

    Evening Lamps: The glow of the lamps against the dark trunk is very photogenic.

    Street View: The view of the temple gate framed b...
    Root Details: The intricate aerial roots make for artistic close-up shots.

    Evening Lamps: The glow of the lamps against the dark trunk is very photogenic.

    Street View: The view of the temple gate framed by the tree branches is iconic.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Prayer: Light an oil lamp at the base of the tree.

    Photography: Capture the massive roots and the traditional lamps.

    People Watching: Sit on the stone platform and watch the colorful crowd of devotees.

    Cultural Experience: Listen to the stories told by elderly devotees sitting nearby.

    Walk to Temple: Take the slow walk from the tree to the East Gate, enjoying the local shops.

    Shopping: Buy traditional 'Thulasi' garlands from the vendors around the tree.

    Relaxing: Enjoy the cool shade of the tree on a hot afternoon. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Famous For:

    Legend of Manjula: It is famous for the heartwarming story of the girl Manjula and her garland. This story is taught to every child in the region.

    Elephant Race Start: This is the starting poin...
    Famous For:

    Legend of Manjula: It is famous for the heartwarming story of the girl Manjula and her garland. This story is taught to every child in the region.

    Elephant Race Start: This is the starting point of the famous 'Anayottam' (elephant race) during the annual festival. The winning elephant gets the honor of carrying the deity.
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    Architecture:
    Natural Living Landmark: This is a natural architectural marvel. The banyan tree has a massive spread with aerial roots. A stone platform (Aalthara) is built around its base.

    Dimension: The tree canopy covers a significant portion of the...
    Natural Living Landmark: This is a natural architectural marvel. The banyan tree has a massive spread with aerial roots. A stone platform (Aalthara) is built around its base.

    Dimension: The tree canopy covers a significant portion of the road, and its height is approximately 15-20 meters.

    Spiritual Structure: At the base, there are traditional stone lamps (Chuttuvilakku) that are lit every evening, adding a spiritual glow to the natural structure.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Cochin International Airport is 80 KMS away.

    By Train: Guruvayur Railway Station is 1 KM away.

    By Road: Located right at the entry of the East Nada, the most famous street in town.

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    Near Tourist Places:
    1. Guruvayur Temple (0. 5 KM), 2. Mammiyur Temple (1 KM), 3. Punnathur Kotta (3 KMS), 4. Parthasarathy Temple (0. 8 KM), 5. Devaswom Museum (0. 5 KM), 6. Chavakkad Beach (5 KMS), 7. Palayur Church (2. 5 KMS), 8. Elephant Camp (3 KMS), 9. Thrissur (26 KMS), 10. Marine World (8 KMS)

Tourism Tips

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    Health and Safety: Be mindful of the moving crowds and occasional elephants.

    Packing: No specific dress code as it is outside, but modest clothes are better.

    Accommodation: You are in the heart of the hot...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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