Guruvayoor Temple

Also known as Dwarka of South Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is one of the most revered temples of south India. It is located in the town of Guruvayar in the Thrissur district of Kerala situated 33km north of Thrissur and 100 km from Ernakulam. It is one of the important places of worship for Hindus and is referred as “Bhooloka Vaikuntam” which means the holy abode of Vishnu on earth. The structure of this historic temple is typically of Kerala style with gopurams, mandapas, sreekovil and subsidiary shrines. It is believed that the idol of Lord Krishna have been worshipped by Lord Bhrama himself at Dwarka and gifted to Vishnu in his Krishnavataram.After Lord Krishna left the earth for heavenly abode and the holy city of Dwarka was submerged in the ocean then the Guru the preceptor of Devas and Vayu the lord of winds were appointed to search the equally holy place for the idol. There search ends at Kerala when they met Lord Parshuram the creator of Kerala. He led them to the beautiful place full of serenity and tranquility at Rudratirtha where Lord Shiva and Parvati welcome them.

The idol was duly installed at this spot and is lovingly called Guruvauurappan. Shri Krishna is popularly known here by different names such as Kannan, Unni-Kannan (Baby Krishnan), Unni-Krishnan, Balakrishnan, and Guruvayoorappan

Best time to visit Guruvayoor Temple during various festivals

Ulsavam:-Conducted in the month of Kumbha in February or March this is a 10 day long festival with the main events of hoisting the temple flag known as Dwajastambham is the sign of beginning of the festival. On first day elephant race is held. On the next 6 days there is an elephant procession held in the morning, afternoon and in the evening along with cultural programs. On 8th day Utsavabali or oblations are offered to the Lords lieutenants. Pallivetta or hunting expedition of Lord takes place on 9th day. It marks the symbolic destruction of desires and anger. After that Lords Thidambu is taken to the Rudratheertha, a kind of temple pond for Aarattu amidst the chanting mantras. The Ucha pooja takes place in the Bhagavati shrine and finally lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. After all these the temple flag loweres signify the end of the festival.

Vishu:-The Malyali New Year day Vishu falls on the mid of April. It is believed that the fortunes of the year depend on the auspiciousness of the objects that one sees first at the dawn on this day. Accordingly a Kani is prepared consisting of all the auspicious things such as coconut, konna flowers, betel leaves, nuts , coins, yellow cucumber etc and is arranged in front of family deity in the previous night so that one could see the glimpse of it on the next morning. Seeing the Kani at Guruvyur is considered to be the most auspicious and hence millions of devotees stay overnight blindfolded and set their eyes on the Kani and the glorious deity as the doors of the temple opens at 3 a.m.

Ashtami Rohini:-Celebrated in the month of July- August under the Rohini Nakshatra to mark the birth of Lord Krihna also known as Janamashtami. It is considered to be the most auspicious festival of Guruvayoor Temple.

Major attractions of Guruvayoor Temple

Anakkotta:- It is the elephant sanctuary situated at Punnathur Kotta which is just 3 km from Guruvayur Temple. It is the largest elephant sanctuary with more than 60 trained elephants all in one camp. Gajapooja & Anayoottu (elephant feeding) are conducted here, as an offering to Lord Ganesha. Most of the pilgrims and other tourists who come to Guruvayur, visit Anakkotta.

Thiruvambady Krishna temple:- It is one of the most ancient temples located nearby Thrissur. The prime deity in this temple is Lord Krishna. The temple structure is an eye catching beauty and is among the major tourist attractions of Guruvayor. The temple is associated with the famous Throssur Pooram during April- May every year. The procession from Thiruvambady is the main attraction of Thrissur Pooram festival.

Nava Mukunda:- It is an ancient temple dedicated to Nava Mukunda, a form of Lord Vishnu is located at Thirunavaya, on the shores of Bharathapuzha. According to the popular belief the idol installed in this temple is the ninth idol installed by famous saints known as Navayogis. And the first eight idols were disappeared as soon as they are placed and the ninth one sunk up to knee by which time it was forcibly stopped. The place of Thirunavaya is full of soft sands and was the location for the great festival known as Mamankam. It is a kind of worrier fight that takes place once in every 12 years. It was an assembly of royal families and their members for 28 days. Devotees visit this place to pay last respects to their loved ones. The other deities of the temple are Lord Shiva and Brahma.

Venkatachalapathy Temple:- It is located nearby the Parthsarathy temple in Guruvayur. The prime deity in this temple is Venkatavhalapathy an idol is a form of Lord Vishnu. People believe that this is a temple in which happiness in life can be attained by praying to Venkatachalapathy is among the major attractions near by Guruvyoor.

How to reach Guruvayoor Temple

By Air:-The nearest Airport is Cochin International airport at Nedumbassery near Kochi which is 75 km from Guruvayoor Temple.

By Rail:- The nearest railway station is at Guruvayur which is located 29 km from Thrissur. There is also a regular passenger train service to Ernakulam via Thrissur.

By Road:- Various private and state government-owned bus companies operate regular services to this temple town

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