Guruvayur Temple Guruvayur

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About Guruvayur Temple

The Guruvayur/Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple is one of the most important and sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala. Located in the Guruvayur town of Thrissur district in Kerala ,India it is easily accessible by road and rail. The presiding deity is MahaVishnu, in standing posture with four hands carrying Sankhu(conch), Sudarshana chakram (a serrated disk),lotus and mace. He is worshipped as Balakrishna, the full avatar (Purnaavatara) of Mahavishnu .The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana.

The glory of Guruvayur was revealed by sage Dattatreya to King Janamejaya , the son of Parikshit. According to the sage, the image of Guruvayur was originally worshipped by Narayana.

The glory of Guruvayur - the place has been also come to be justly known as the Dwaraka of the South - thus rests on the of the idol installed there which represents the full manifestation of the Lord Mahavishnu as was revealed to Vasudeva and Devakiat the time of Krishnavatara ; world-enchanting form of Sri Krishna endowed with the four lustrous arms carrying the conch, the discus, the mace and the lotus. Adoring himself with the divine tulasi garland and pearl necklaces, the Lord here appears in all radiance. His eyes stream forth the milk of compassion and kindness.

Set amid the swaying coconut palms, Guruvayur has the scenic beauty characteristic of Kerala.The city dweller can combine holiday and devotion here. The place is administered by the township committee. It has basic amenities such as good drinking water, clean roads, sanitation and hospitals. A few days stay in this holy of holies will prove invigorating both physically and spiritually and help us to forget the cares of the work-a-day world.

Nearest railway station: Guruvayoor, enquiry, Ph: 2554300, 2556820: Railway Enquiry Ph: +91 487 2554300, 2556820

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 87 km

Guruvayoor is home to the historic Sree Krishna Temple, called the Dwaraka of the South. It is among the most revered and popular pilgrimage destinations in Kerala and the entire country. The central shrine is believed to have been rebuilt in 1638 A.D. The architectural style and individual elements inside the shrine are beautiful representations of the history of the place.

As per tradition, the shrine faces the East with two Gopurams (tower), one in the East (Kizhakkenada) and other in the West (Padinjarenada). In the front and the east side of the Nalambalam (a square-shaped column) lie the pillars of light called Deepastambas. There are a number of such light pillars in the Temple. The eastern side’s Deepastambam is 24 feet in height and has thirteen circular receptacles, making it an absolutely spectacular sight when lit. Another famous sight here is the Dwijasthamba. It is a flag-staff, around 70 feet tall, fully covered with gold.

The square-shaped Sree Kovil has two stairs and three rooms inside and has an inner room known as Garbhagriha. This is where the idol of Sree Krishna is placed. One can also find images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy inside the Temple. The healing powers of the shrine drive many to visit it in large numbers. It is truly an ethereal experience. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Temple.