Guruvayur Festival

About Guruvayur Festival

Guruvayur Temple is located in Guruvayur, which is 33kms away from Thrissur district, Kerala.It has one of the greatest Krishna shrines of India.the temple is built in typical Kerala style with gateways, repeated mandapas, sreekovil, subsidiary shrines around a circumbulatory courtyard.The main shrine is adorned with exquisite 17th century paintings portraying stories from the life of Krishna. The gold plated flag post Dwajasthambam stands in front of the Chutambalam. The central hall or Nalambalam is decorated with oil lamps on its walls. Sreekovil or the main shrine is inside the Chutambalam or outer enclosure. The idol of Vishnu is made up of a particular stone called ‘patala anjanam’.Ulsavam: This festival is conducted in the month of Kumbha, i.e., in February or March and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high marks the beginning of the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held. The next 6 days, devotees can witness elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (offering of oblation at various altar). Besides this there are also various cultural programs. On the 8th day, during ‘Utsavabali’ (from 10 am to 4 pm) oblations are offered to the Lord’s lieutenants. This festival brings along with it immense joy and fervor all around as it falls in the month of March. The spectacular sight of attractively ornamented elephants, splendid illuminations of lofty customary lamps spell bounds every onlooker.

All the festivals of Kerala are celebrated here with great pomp and show. The temple was constructed between 16 and 17 century and is one of the foremost religious sites of Kerala. Very conservative norms are followed inside this temple and only Hindus are allowed admission inside and elaborate rituals are carried out frequently.Guruvayur Arattu festival starts with Kodiyettam (hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff) on the Punartham Nakshatra (Pushya Star). In 2009, Guruvayur Arat Festival is on March 16th 2009 and the festival starts on 6th March 2009.Chembai Sangeetholsavam, GuruvayurThe famous Chembai Sangeetholsavam (carnatic music festival) will be conducted in November. Application form for participating in the music festival is available at the Devaswom office from July . Application form can also be down loaded from the Guruvayoor temple Devaswom webiste www.guruvayurdevaswom.com.The festivals and deities worshipped at Guruvayur temple are Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Mandalam, Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini, Kuchela’s Day, Chembai music festival and Narayaneeyam day.

Here are the upcoming festivals in Guruvayur Temple on 2009

February 2009

• Mahasivarathri (Maha Shivaratri) – 23rd February 2009

March 2009

• Poonthanam Day – 1st March 2009

• March 6th to March 16th 2009 Annual Guruvayur Arattu Festival

April 2009

• Vishu – 14th April 2009

July 2009

• Karkitaka Vavu – 21st July 2009

September 2009

• Thiruvonam (Thiru Onam) – 2nd September 2009

• Ashtami Rohini – 11th September 2009

• Pooja Vaippu – 26th September 2009

• Mahanavami – 27th September 2009

• Vijayadasami (Vijaya Dasami) - 28th September 2009

October 2009

• Deepavali (Diwali) – 17th October 2009

November 2009

• Krishnageethi Day – 15th November 2009

• Guruvayur Ekadasi – 28th November 2009

December 2009

• Narayaneeyam Day – 13th December 2009

• Kuchela Day – 16th December 2009

• • Kalabhattam – 26th December 2009.

• Kalabhattam – 26th December 2009.

History

The idol of Guruvayoor temple was carved out of “Pathalanjana Sila”and is considered extremely sacred. Mahavishnu in Vaikunta once worshiped this idol of Guruvayur. Vishnu handed it over to Brahma.

Story behind this is, has it that King Suthapa and his wife Prisna were childless.They worshipped Brahma devotedly for a child. Brahma then handed over this idol to them advising them to worship it ardently. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and blessed them that he himself will be born to them in three re-births, in thee different forms and in three different situationsSuthapa and Prisna gave birth to Prasnigarbhan , in their next birth, they were re-born as Kashyapa and Adithi, giving birth to Vamana. The third rebirth was as Vasudeva and Devaki. Lord Krishna was born as their eighth son. In the long run, the Lord Krishna himself installed this idol in Dwaraka and worshipped it.

Before leaving the earth to the heavenly abode, Lord Krishna told Udhava, his foremost disciple that he had installed the image of Lord Vishnu in the temple built by him at Dwaraka and that it should be entrusted to Brihaspathi( Guru of Devas) to take it to a sacred place so that people could worship it to attain salvation in the kaliyuga.

Interesting things to Visit

Anakkaya:

Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.

Peechi Dam:

Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chowalloor Shiva Temple:

Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum.

Elephant Camp:

Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation.

This elephant camp has produced many renowned elephants like Guruvayur Kesavan and Guruvayur Padmanabhan. The elephants are well treated in this camp. These elephants are used to carry Guruvayur temple idols in the procession known as Shiveli.

Chamundeswari Temple:

Chamundeswari Temple is located in the close proximity of Guruvayur temple. The presiding deity is Sri Chamundeswari, a revered form of Lord Durga.

Devaswom museum:

Devaswom museum is located very close to Guruvayur temple’s east gate. The museum has many collections of antiques, temple materials, mural paintings, musical instruments and other valuable materials. The temple devaswom museum serves as a place to store valuable offerings in the temple.Devaswom museum displays the images and remains of famous religious poets like Melapthur and Poonthanam.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Ayyanthole Police StationAddress
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
Get Directions
0487 2363608

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur, Kerala

Nearest Hospital:

Ayurvedamonline.com
Irinjalakuda,, Thrissur,
Kerala 680121- 0480 2833859
Category: ayurveda hospitals.

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital.
Thrissut, kerala

Location info

• Address: Guruvayoor, Thrissur District, Kerala, India

• District: Thrissur District

• Nearest City: kochi,sholayar,kaladi,Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam, Kodungallur.Chalakudy.

• Best time to visit: February and March.

Things to do at Guruvayur Festival

You can take part in the pooja, and Elephants are the main Attractive here and also visit the Ekadasi Festival of Guruvayoor temple ( November - December) and also take part in Festival in Guruvayur temple like Guruvayur temple are Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Mandalam, Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini, Kuchela’s Day, Chembai music festival and Narayaneeyam day.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Guruvayur Festival

Guruvayur Festival takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Guruvayur Festival

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Guruvayur Festival — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Guruvayoor Temple, Athirappilly Waterfall, Vazhachal Waterfall, Punnathur Kotta, Kerala Kalamandalam, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, Vilangan Hills

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.