Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Guruvayur Temple is one of the most renowned pilgrimage sites in South India and Kerala, the Temple boasts a history spanning over five thousand years. Situated in the town of Guruvayur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan a manifestation of Lord Vishnu depicted in his four-armed form. For Hindus in South India, this temple stands as one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations, revered as the sacred earthly abode of Lord Vishnu. Here, Lord Vishnu is depicted holding a conch (Panchajanya), a discus (Sudarshana), a mace (Kaumodaki), and a lotus, along with a garland of Tulsi beads. This representation embodies the specific form of Vishnu that appeared before Lord Krishna's parents at the time of his birth. Worship rituals at the temple are conducted in strict accordance with the procedures established by Adi Shankara; these traditions were originally instituted by Chennas Ravinarayanan Namboodiri (1427–1527), whose descendants continue to serve as the hereditary chief priests of the Guruvayur Temple to this day. 

The temple's major festivals include a ten-day annual celebration commencing with a flag-hoisting ceremony on the day of the 'Pooyam' star during the Malayalam month of 'Kumbham' as well as Janmashtami and the Ekadashi during the Shukla Paksha, famously known as 'Guruvayur Ekadashi.' The temple's subsidiary deities include Ganapati, Ayyappan, and Bhagavati. The current central sanctum Sreekovil was reconstructed in 1638 CE, an event that marked a significant surge in the temple's renown; this undertaking was supported by five prominent devotees: Poonthanam, Melpathur, Vilwamangalam, Kururamma, and Prince Manavedan (the Zamorin). 

The temple underwent further renovation in 1841. The temple's growth and development were fostered under the patronage of Ullanad Panikkar and other philanthropists who generously donated their personal wealth toward its maintenance. By 1928, the Zamorin had once again assumed administrative control over the temple. Subsequently, in 1931–32, a momentous event occurred in the history of the temple, when a Satyagraha was organized under the leadership of Kelappan known as the "Gandhi of Kerala" advocating for the right of untouchables to enter the temple. This movement paved the way for the Travancore Temple Entry Proclamation of 1936, as well as similar reforms in neighboring regions. Even today, Prasad is served to thousands of pilgrims every day.