history of guruvayur temple HISTORY The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. By then it had become the most famous center of pilgrimage in Kerala mainly due to the five devotees who propagated the glory - Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Kururamma and the Prince Manadevan (Zamorin). In 1716 AD The Dutch plundered and set fire to the temple. It was rebuilt in 1747 AD.In 1766 AD Haider Ali captured Calicut and Guruvayoor , but spared the temple for a reason of 10000 Ferams which was paid by Vatakkepat Variyar.The general insecurity prevailing; the flow of pilgrims and the annual payment of tenants ceased. Haider Ali however gave a 'Devadaya' (free gift) to the temple in 1780 AD., on the recommendation of the Governer of Malabar, Srinivasa Rao and thus saved the temple from total extinction. In 1789, Tipu Sultan, Haider Ali's son and successor descended on the scene to defeat the Zamorin and to convert Hindus to Islam. Fearing d...