About:

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.

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.

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 do:

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)

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.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Chalakkudy Railway station

Nearest Airport:

Airport: Nedumbassery and Kochi International Airport Nearest railway.

Road Transport:

You can also reach here by bus from cities like Kozhikode, Mangalore, Kochi, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Coimbatore.

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.

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.

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.

Things to carry:

pooja items and money.

Tips & Suggestions:

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

Society/Community Phone Number:

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

 

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Dream World
The enchanting beauty of Athirappilly Water Falls, the scenic attraction of Vazhachal, Thumboormuzhy and Sholayar had fascinated the Tourist from time immemorial. Dream World, the most modern man made sophisticated Water Theme Park is situated on the lap of enchanting Athirapilly waterfalls just 8 km from Chalakkudy. All facilities for enjoyment to the tourists are arranged here. Water Filteration Dream World has given utmost importance to maintain the quality of pool water to international standards and specification. Working hours: On Public Holidays : 10.00 am to 7.30 pm. On other days : 10.00 am to 6.30 pm. Dream World does not have any holidays.....more
Silverstorm
Silver Storm is noted for an unmatching amusement park. Although there are amusement parks several in numbers in Kerala and elsewhere, this particular one stands out for its serenity, enchanting milieu and the rare blend of scenic ingredients. Children get enthused, elevated and educated here, while they communicate with nature through heart springs.“The entertainment facilities at Silver Storm Park are truly world class and they cater to all age groups. The park can be reached after a 19 Km drive through the Western Ghats listening to the whispers of waterfalls, the roars of wildlife and the invigorating fragrance of a thousand wild species of plants and trees.” Silver Storm’s thrills are a blend of natural wonders and man made marvels.....more
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam is located at Cheruthuruthy,32 km north of Thrissur district, Kerala.Its Founded in 1930 by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon along the banks of the river Nila in the Cheruthuruthy. This temple of arts has preserved and propagated Kathakali - the classical dance-drama of Kerala - for the past 78 years. Many of the internationally renowned artistes of Kerala and India have been trained here.Kalamandalam is undoubtedly the best institution in India imparting training and conducting performance of Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam and Thullal. Beside the regular courses, Kalamandalam also offers crash courses in different art disciplines.....more
Natana Kairali Research Centre
Natana Kairali Research Centre is located at Irinjalakuda, Thrissur District, Kerala.Natanakaisiki is a Research Centre for dance and theatre traditions of the women of Kerala as part of Natanakairali. Mohiniyattam, Nangiar Koothu and Thiruvathira Kali are the major art forms at present included in the study of Natanakaisiki which was founded by Nirmala Paniker in 1979.Natana Kairali Center, Kerala initiates a variety of creative and learning activities, both in the traditional and contemporary field.Various workshops, performances as well as festivals are also organized by in Natana Kairali Center, Kerala.Mohiniyattam is one of the classical dance forms of India which originated and developed in Kerala.....more
St Mary's Forane Church
Koratty Muthy’s (St Mary’s) Forane church is located at Koratty, Thrissur District, kerala.The most revered and renowned Marian Pilgrim Centre after Velankanni, is the Holy Shrine of Koratty Muthy otherwise known as Koratty Thampuratty. St. Mary's Forane Church in the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly situates in the Southern boundary of Trichur District. NH 47, Railway and Cochin International Airport help the devotees to reach here easily.The annual feast falls on the Saturday and Sunday following the 10th of October, during which the statue of Koratty Muthy is taken out in a procession from the church. An important offering here is the poovankula (bunch of plantain).Koratty Muthy Matha Church was built in the year 1381.....more
Thrissur City
The Cultural capital of Kerala, Trichur, gained prominence under the reign of Raja Rama Varma in 1790.Thrissur is a culturally rich city. Bestowed with breathtaking scenic beauty and warm, generous inhabitants, Thrissur acts as a time warp to the average tourist. It seems one has walked into a settlement that refuses to out grow its quaint, sylvan beauty. The ancient palaces and mansions, the cobbled streets belie the cultural progress made by the people of this beautiful place.Trichur or Thrissur as it is called locally, is well known for Vadakkunathan Temple, the Thrissur Pooram an annual festival held in the city, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy.....more
Chalakkudy Dam
The Chalakudy dam lies 65 km east of Chalakudy town and it is constructed across the Chalakudy River in the Thrissur district, within the state of Kerala. This is also known as the Sholayar Dam. Chalakudy is both a city and a municipality in India. Athirappilly lies thirty kilometres from Chalakudy, which falls on the way to waterfalls. This route is a well-known tourist spot, where two water theme parks are the prime attraction. The name "Chalakudy" is taken from the word "Shalakudy" depicting a place where sacrifices were made. The tourists often visit this spot to enjoy the beauty of Athirappilly Water fall and Sholayar Dam, while on the way to Sholayar city.....more
Peechi Dam
Peechi is well known for Peechi Dam and located 23km from Thrissur. This dam project started as an irrigation project, offers boating facilities at the reservoir. Peechi is a fascinating picnic spot.Boating is permitted in the reservoir and on lucky days one can see wild tuskers on the forested banks, part of which forms a wildlife sanctuary .The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary has dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is located in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams.It is indeed a lifetime experience to go for a boating spree in the river and exploring the surrounding locales.....more
Peringalkuthu reservoir
Peringalkuthu Dam is located across the Chalakkudy River in Thrissur District. The dam is situated deep in the forest on the way to Valparai.Peringalkuthu dam and the uncontrolled inflow from 26 sq.km. of free catchment down stream of Peringalkuthu LB dam.Peringalkuthu & Sholayar Dams, Deep in the forest on the way to Valpara are the two dams that generate hydroelectric power to the state.The 23 m high gravity dam has a length of 290.25 m. The dam discharges the tailrace water into Kannamkuzhithodu, a tributary of the Chalakudy River.....more
Vazhani Dam
This Dam located in Wadakanchery, Thrissur District, Kerala, India, This is one biggest dam made purely of clay. The water of this dam is mainly used for irrigation and drinking. The Vazhani dam is an integral source of water for the people of the Thrissur district. Many renovations are being made to the Vazhani dam, in order to make it a tourist center. This is an earthen dam with a length of 792.48 metres standing across the Wadakkanchery River. The Vazhani dam stands 10 km away from Wadakkanchery town.....more
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is located near Thrissur town of the Thrissur district. The Palace is a landmark in the chronicles of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the erstwhile ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest in the history of rulers and dynasties. The Shakthan Thampuran Palace highlights several interesting and outstanding aspects of the former rulers of Kochi.This palace is a blend of traditional Kerala and Dutch architectural style. Formerly this palace was known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam The palace spread over six acres, This palace is named after King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran, who is the founder of Thrissur town.....more
Cheraman Jama Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid is situated in the Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluk,Thrissur, Kerala around 20 kilometres from the Irinjalakuda railway station. It was Founded in the seventh century, this is the first Juma masjid in India. This was Built in AD 629 , this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.This mosque bears a resemblance to Hindu temples as it was constructed using traditional architectural styles of the Hindus.....more
Chalakudy River
Chalakudy River or Chalakudy Puzha runs through Chalakudy town which is in the Thrissur District of Kerala state, south India.The river though has its origin in the Anamalai region of Tamilnadu, is actually a collection of some major tributaries originated from Parambikulam, Kuriyarkutti, Sholayar, Karapara and Anakayam. It is the 4th longest river in Kerala and its basin is between 10° 05’ to 10° 35’ North latitude and 76° 15’to 76° 55’ East longitude. This area is located in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Palakkad districts of Kerala.....more
Karuvanoor River
Karuvannur river is situated 48km from the city,Thrissur disrict, Kerala,It has a has a basin area of 1,050 km2 and a current population of 1.119 million. 42 km of Trichur Corporation falls within Karuvannur river basin and the balance 63 km 2 falls outside it. The water resources appraisal that has been made now is a significant improvement over earlier studies on the river basin. Surface water and groundwater have been considered in an integrated manner unlike in earlier studies where the two are considered separately.....more
Kurumali River
Kurumali River is situated 48km from the city,Thrissur disrict, Kerala, The Kurumali River's the main tributary of the Karuvannur river. It originates as the Chimmony Aar from Poomalai which is 1116 m from Sea Level in the Western Ghats and flows through the Thrissur district.The Kurumali River is the main tributary of the Karuvannur river.The rivers of manali and Kurumali are the key sources of this river. It originates about 365 mtr height from the Sea Level.The Mupli River Joins the Chimmony river, forming the Kurumali River in Elikode near Karikulam. The River joins with Manali River at Palakkadavu and forms Karuvannur Puzha which flows through famous Kole lands of Thrissur.Nandhipulam is a daughter of Kurumali river.....more
Koodalmanikyam Temple
Koodalmanikyam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharat, the brother of Lord Ram. It is located Irinjalakuda from Thrissur district, Kerala. The sanctum is believed to have the presence of all godly powers and hence the name Koodalmanikyam - Koodal means 'joining together'. The temple is surrounded by four vast ponds called 'Kulipini Teertham'. A story about this temple is that the idols of Ram and his three brothers where brought from the sea coast by one Vakkayil kaimal.....more
Siva Temple at Avittathur
Avittathur Shiva Temple, a 1000-year-old shrine, is located 4 km from Irinjalakuda, in Thrissur District, Kerala. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. Its outer walls are graced with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from the epics.A ten-day-festival is held here annually. The major attractionis Thidampu Ezhunnallathu, which is conducted on the ninth day of the festival. The festival concludes with the Aarattu. The outer wall of the temple shrine has beautiful paintings depicting scenesfrom the epics.....more
Vadakkumnathan Temple
The famous Vadakkumnathan temple is located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India. A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.....more
Athirappilly Waterfall
Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life.....more
Vazhachal Waterfall
Vazhachal Falls is a rushing waterbody joining Chalakkudy River in the Thrissur district of Kerala,just are just 3 kms from Athirappilly. Vazchachal Falls are the most beautiful falls in India. With Huge trees and forest on one side of the falls, the beauty of the Vazachal Falls increases ten fold. Near the Falls, there is the Forest called the Vazhachal Forest. Vazhachal as a place is a natures landscape. The nearness of the Falls to this beauty, makes them look more beautifuland attractive.....more