Guruvayoor Temple
The Guruvayoor temple of Kerala is
dedicated to Lord Krishna who is also known as Guruvayurappan. It is among
the most sacred temples and pilgrimages of Kerala. It is located 33 km north
of Thrissur. This historic temple is built in typical Kerala style of
architecture complete with Gopurams and Mandapams. It is said that the idol
of Lord Krishna was worshiped by Lord Brahma at Dwarka and gifted to Lord
Vishnu who entrusted Guru and Vayu to find a sacred spot to install this
idol. The non Hindus are not allowed in this temple.
Fast Facts
- District : Thrissur
- State : Kerala
- Other names : Bhooloka Vaikunta and Dwarka of the South
- Location : The major distances to Thrissur from Calicut
is 143 km, from Cochin 80 km, from Kodaikanal 224 km and from
Trivandrum is 303 km.
- Journey Time : It takes from Calicut about 3 and ½
hrs to reach Thrissur, 2 and ½ hrs to reach from Cochin, 6 hrs
to reach from Kodaikanal and 8 hrs to reach from Trivandrum,
respectively.
- Route from Kochi : While going from Kochi to Thrissur,
you'll have to travel through Ernakulam, Aluva, Angamali, Chalakudi
to reach Thrissur.
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Feature Attraction
Ulsavam
This festival takes place in the month of Kumbha which occurs in either
February or March and lasts for ten days. The festival begins by hoisting
the temple flag and an elephant race is held afterwards. In the next six
days, various elephant processions take place. The hunting expedition of the
Lord takes place on the ninth day. This event symbolises the destruction of
Kama, the desire. Finally, the Lord's idol is taken to Rudrateertham and
then a ceremony takes place at the Bhagwati shrine after which the Lord
comes back to the sanctum sanctorum. The temple flag is lowered signifying
the end of the festival.
Accommodation
- Hotel Krishna Inn – 3 Star
- Casino Hotels Limited – 3 Star
- Hotel Luciya Palace – 3 Star
- Hotel Merlin International – 3 Star
When to go
The months between October to March are the best to visit the Guruvayoor
temple.
How to get there
The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport from the temple and
is located at the distance of 80 km. Guruvayoor has a railway station of its
own which is just a few kilometers away from the temple. Otherwise, you can
also alight at the Thrissur railway station which is just one hour drive
away from the temple. The Guruvayoor temple is connected by an extensive
road network with the rest of the state and India.
Other Attractions
» Ashtami Rohini
This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna and it is
also known as Janmashtami.
» Aarattu
The Lord is taken out to Rudrateertham (the temple pond) for Aarattu,
amidst chanting of Mantras.
