Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur Temple is located in Guruvayur Town of Thrissur District in Kerala.The presiding deity is Mahavishnu. Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur is one of the most visited temples in South India. This most important pilgrim centre is known as "Dwaraka of South". Guruvayur Temple is different because of the sanctity of the place and of the grace of the consecrated deity. This sacred idol of Lord Krishna is carved out of Pathalanjala Shila.





According to lengends, Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple is believed to be created by Guru, the preceptor of Devas and Vayu, the Lord of Winds. They recovered the idol of the presiding deity from the flood that submerged Dwaraka, and installed in Guruvayur. Thus the shrine is known as Guruvayurappan. The idol is believed to be 5000 years old. This idol of Lord Krishna is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma at Dwaraka.

There is a Dwajasthambam (flat post)which is encased in plated gold at a height of 600 ft. There is a stage Koothambalam, where Chakiyar Koothu is presented. There is also a huge tower of light called Deepasthambam in front of the temple, with 13 discs, at a height of 24 ft. There are shrines of Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathy and Bhagawathy in the temple.

The temple is also renowned for the healing powers. Large number of Hindu marriages and "Annaprasam" (the first feeding ceremony for the child) are conducted here. Krishnattam is the favourite dance form of Lord Krishna.

Timings: The Temple opens at 3.00 am and closes at 12.30 p.m. and again opens at 4.30 p.m. till 9.15 p.m. A series of poojas are conducted during the day. The above time may vary in Udayasthamana Pooja days.

One can see the long line of devotees who came from near and far, waiting patiently in front of the temple, to experience the first glimpse of Lord Krishna during "Nirmalyam" , the first pooja of the temple.

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Festivals

• Guruvayur Ulsavam
The ten day festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbha.
• Ekadasi
- Guruvayur Ekadasi is well known all over the country, celebrated in Vrischigom.
• Mandalam
- 41 days of pooja starting from the first of the month of Vrischigom.
• Vishukani
- is celebrated on the first day of Medom.
• Ashtami Rohini
- is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Krishna, in the month of Chingom.
• Vaisakham
- Beginning from gthe auspicious period in the month of Medom, Vysaskham extends to the same period in the next month.
• Narayaneeyam Day

Reaching There

By Air : Kochi is the nearest Airport (80 kms away)

By Rail : Guruvayur has a railway station,(1/2 km) and the major railway station is in Thrissur (29 km).

By Road: Guruvayur is well connected by bus.

Accommodation

Both Budget and Luxury Hotels are available. Book your Hotel here.

Return from Guruvayur Temple to Temples South India