- Location: Short distance from Thrissur, Kerala
- Main Deity: Lord Krishna
- Major attraction: Significant pilgrimage center
- Time of visiting: 3.00 in the morning to 12.30 in noon, 4.30 in evening to 8.30 at night
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
- VIP Darshan Ticket: Rs. 1000 per person
Guruvayoor Temple, commonly called as Dwarka of South, is an important pilgrimage center that is visited by thousands of devotees every day. Also referred as Bhooloka Vaikuntam or paradise on earth, this temple is among the biggest shrines that are devoted to Krishna. The temple is built in Dravidian style; follows strict rules and regulations. It is open only for Hindus. As it is believed that the temple was built by Guru and Vayu gods, hence is named Guruvayoor. If you happen to plan a vacation to Kerala, then don’t forget to pay a visit to this temple.
Idol
The temple is renowned for the miraculous healing powers on its devotees. As you visit the place, you will feel the aura of sanctity overcoming you. The idol inside the premises has four arms which carry conch, discus, mace, and lotus. In fact, the idol represents the divine form of Lord Vishnu. Placed in the sanctum sanctorum, this idol is kept to face the eastern direction. Adi Shankaracharya prescribed the rites and rituals to be followed by worshippers. It is believed that the sacred idol was worshipped even by Brahma, the creator of the universe. Like in other temples, the image of the deity is garlanded and adorned with ornaments.
Architecture
There are two gopurams at Guruvayoor Temple; the entrance is through the gopuram on the eastern side. A central courtyard accommodates a pillared hall called Nalambalam. The hall, as you will notice, has a Sreekovil or shrine that has three rooms. The innermost room acts as the sanctum where the revered idol has been installed. You will also see a number of paintings that depict stories from the life of Krishna. The ceiling and the doors of the shrine are made in gold. Another piece of attraction that you will adore is a 33 meters high flag post which is also covered in gold. Yet another spectacle is a pillar of lamps which offers a gorgeous sight when lit.
Prayers and Rites
The first ceremony that is performed as the temple opens at 3.00 in the morning is Nirmalyam. Devotes get a chance of having the holy darshan of the deity. With the chanting of the word “Narayana”, devotees at Guruvayoor Temple offer their prayers. The idol is bathed and dressed with Costumes and garlands. Several other ceremonies like Malar Nivedyam, Usha Nivedyam, Seeveli, and Ethirettu pooja are performed before noon; after a break at 12.30, the temple reopens at 4.30 pm. This is followed again by several pooja ceremonies. At 9.15, Krishnanattam, a dance form based on Krishna’s life, is enacted on special days.
Festivals
Utsavam is the annual Festival which is celebrated for ten days. If you happen to visit the temple in the months of February or March, you must not miss this special event. The actual ceremony is preceded by a purification procedure called Brahmakalasam. Utsavam is characterized by a number for processions and fireworks. The streets are decorated with festoons and houses are painted afresh. You will also come to see electric displays, lamps and elaborately lit buildings.
Among other festivals, Mandala Pooja, Saraswati Pooja, and Thiruvonam are most popular. Thiruvonam is celebrated by offering a number of bananas to the deity. These bananas are then served to the elephants.
Legend of the Temple
Guruvayoor Temple is associated with a number of legends and stories. According to one such legend, the idol installed in the temple premises was worshipped by Vishnu and was later given by him to Brahma. King Suthapas, along with his wife, wanted to have a child and after receiving the idol from Lord Brahma, started worshipping it with devotion. After noticing their staunch faith in the idol, Lord Vishnu got pleased and blessed them that he himself will be born as their child in three forms in their three lives. In their subsequent births, the king and his wife bore Lord Vishnu in the form of Prsnigarbha, Vaman and Krishna. Later, Krishna placed the idol in the temple.
As he was departing to heaven, Krishna’s devotee Uddhava received the sacred idol from him. Uddhava was asked to install it at a proper location. This idol was later recovered by Guru and Vayu who installed it on the present location.
Weather
- Summer (March to June): Guruvayur experiences hot and humid weather during the summer months, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
- Monsoon (June to September): The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, with lush greenery all around. Rainfall can be quite intense during this period.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November): After the monsoon, the weather becomes more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
- Winter (December to February): The winter season is relatively mild and comfortable, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Guruvayur Temple is during the post-monsoon and winter months, from October to February when the weather is comfortable for temple visits and outdoor exploration. This period also coincides with many important festivals celebrated at the temple.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Guruvayur.
- By Train: Guruvayur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Kerala. The railway station is located within the town, making it convenient for visitors to access the temple.
- By Road: Guruvayur is well-connected by road. You can reach Guruvayur by road from nearby cities like Thrissur (approximately 29 kilometers or 18 miles away) and Kochi. Several buses and taxis are available for transportation to Guruvayur.
