Guruvayoor Temple

About Guruvayoor Temple

Guruvayoor Temple is located in Guruvayoor which is 33kms away from Thrissur district. Guruvayur also known as the Dwaraka of the South is the one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage spots in Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the country. The structure of this historic temple is typically Kerala style with gopurams (gateways), repeated mandapas, sreekovil, subsidiary shrines around a courtyard circumbulatory.The idol of the Sri Krishna Temple is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka and gifted to Vishnu in his Krishnavataram. After Lord Krishna left this earth for his heavenly abode, and the holy city of Dwaraka was to be submerged, ‘Guru’, the preceptor of the Devas and ‘Vayu’, Lord of the winds were entrusted with the job of finding an equally holy spot for the idol. At the end of a long quest for an appropriate site they entered Kerala and met Parasurama, legendary creator of Kerala.

Precious materials are everywhere, as in a golden flagstaff and flimsy replicas of the arms, legs, ears and other affected parts of worshippers that are given as offerings. The temple faces east with two gopurams (gateways) one on the east and the other in the west. The Eastern ‘gopuram’ of the Sri Krishna temple, also known as Bhooloka Vaikuntam, is the main entrance to the shrine. In the centre of the inner courtyard stands a pillared hall known as the ‘Nalambalam’ or ‘Chutambalam’ with scores of oil lambs fixed on its walls. Inside the Chutambalam or outer enclosure is the square two-storeyed Sreekovil (main shrine) with three rooms, the innermost of which is the sacred sanctum sanctorum housing the main deity and can be viewed from the temple entrance.

A temple, famous all over India as a pilgrim centre, dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. The Sreekrishna idol of this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Vasudevar and Devaki at Dwaraka. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.In the ‘Chuttambalam’ (outer enclosure) is a 33.5-m tall gold-plated ‘Dwajastambham’ (flagpost). There is also a 7 m high ‘Deepastambham’ (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brillant spectacle, when lit. Only Hindus are allowed inside thetemple.Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of 50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.

The idol of Lord Vishnu is shown having four arms, carrying a conch, a discus (Sudharshana Chakra), a mace and a lotus and is decked with a Tulasi (basil leaves) and rose garlands and pearl necklaces. The walls of the main temple shrine are decorated with splendid paintings that depict stories from the life of Lord Krishna. There are many paintings that belong to the 17th century that adorn the sacred walls here.

The main Festival of this temple are like Ulsavam, Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Mandalam, Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini, Kuchela’s Day, Chembai Music Festival and Narayaneeyam day are the major occasions that observe special celebrations at Guruvayur Temple. On special events, the sacred images are brought out to take in a procession in Guruvayur town. At the time of festivals, the entire is decorated with inestimable butter lamps, which truly recreates the impression of the former age.

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.

Nearest Visiting places

Lourdes Cathedral:

Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.

Archaeological Museum:

The archaeological and art museum at Thrissur has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Located near the Zoo, at a distance of 2 km from the Thrissur town, this museum is a treasure trove of various Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal , megaliths like earthen pots and urns etc.

Peechi Dam:

Quite near to Thrissur, there is an irrigation project site ‘Peechi Dam’, which is a well-known picnic spot. There are also boating facilities at the reservoir, and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.

The Zoo:

2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace:

One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the tourists having special interest on history.

Heritage Garden:

Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.

Its a good place to visit for exploring the rare species of flora grown in mountain ranges of Kerala. The plants and trees preserved here include many varieties which come under the protected list.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Guruvayoor
R.V Tower East Nada Guruvayoor
Tel: 0487 2555225

Hotel Horizon International
South Nada
Guruvayoor, Kerla

Hotel Fort Gate
Kottappady
Guruvayoor, Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
Ayyanthole Police StationAddress
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2363608

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur, Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd.

Ayurvedam online
Irinjalakuda,, Thrissur,
Kerala 680121- 0480 2833859
Category: ayurveda hospitals.

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital.
Thrissut, kerala

Link:

http://spinningawheel.blogspot.com/2009/09/770-elite-guruvayoor-temple.html
http://malayalamimages.blogspot.com/2009/08/elephant-taking-for-race-guruvayoor.html
http://chandinisantosh.blogspot.com/2009/07/guruvayoor-temple.html
http://keralawonders.blogspot.com/2009/07/guruvayoor-temple.html

Location info

• **Address:**Guruvayoor, Thrissur District, Kerala, India

• District: Thrissur District

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

• **Best time to visit:**October-April.

Climate & weather

It has tropical and humid climate and the Weather Temparture Ranges between Summers: 36°-20°and in Winters: 3°-16°C.

Things to do at Guruvayoor Temple

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)

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Swaraj Round West
Thrissur, Kerala.

Thaliyath Petrol Pump
Irinjalakuda
Thrissur, Kerala.

HP petrol pump
NH47, Angamaly South
Ernakulam, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Mahatma Gandhi Rd
Thrissur, Kerala.

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

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.