Guruvayur Temple - गुरुवयूर मंदिर

Guruvayur Temple is located in Guruvayur city of Kerala. Guruvayur is one of the most revered temples in South India where the presiding deity Bhagwan Vishnu is worshiped in his Balakrishna avatar. The temple is also known as Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. The idol of the Bhagwan is adorned with four hands, each holding a conch, a mace, a disc and a lotus and is also known as Unnikrishnan. Dressed in a Tulsi rosary and a necklace of pearls, the Bhagwan appears in full glory blessing the devotees.

History and Architecture of Guruvayur Temple
According to a legend, this temple was built by Guru, the master of the gods, and Vayu, the god of wind. The stunning idol of Bhagwan Unnikrishnan Guruvayur is made of a rare mixture called Padala Anjanam instead of stone or metal which was more common in olden times. Simple in its construction, the spiritual attraction of this place is unmatched and devotees come here from all over the country.

Guruvayur temple is believed to be established in the year 1638 AD, promoted as one of the major pilgrimage centers of Kerala by its devotees Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Prince Mandevan (Zamorin) and Kururamma. Destroyed and restored several times, the temple stood in its full glory until a devastating fire in the year 1970. Despite the intense 5-hour fire, the vigraha and sub-shrines of Ayyappa, Devi and Ganesha remained intact. It was kept intact, including the flagpole, with the help of people of all religions who helped extinguish it. Till today, this temple stands showering blessings on all its devotees.

Built in the typical Kerala style of architecture and Vaastu Vidya, the Guruvayur temple consists of two gopurams, one on the east side (Kizhakkenada) and one on the west side (Paringajarenada). The main entrance of the temple is through the eastern nada. You will see a 33.5 meter high gold plated flagpole or Dhwajastambham in the outer ring or Chuttambalam. The grand pillars of lamps or the 7 meter high lampposts with thirteen circular vessels are a sight to behold when lit. However, the most striking feature of the temple is the idol of the main deity, in the square Sreekovil of the temple, made of a rare mixture called Padala Anjanam instead of stone or metal.

Guruvayur Temple Darshan Timings
Guruvayur temple opens at 3:00 am and the temple closes between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm and opens again at 4:30 pm, and the temple closes by 09:15 pm. Is.

Major Festivals of Guruvayur Temple
Janmashtami, Kumbham Utsavam, Guruvayur Ekadasi are the prime festivals. On the day of special illumination called \"Vilakku\" at the Guruvayur temple, Thripukka is performed thereafter. The temple will be closed after Thripuka. Then Krishnanattam, a colorful traditional dance-drama on the life of Bhagwan Krishna, is played inside the temple on specified days.

How to reach Guruvayur Temple?
You can reach Guruvayur Temple very easily, all the transport vehicles are very well connected to this place. Taxi or bus is the most convenient way to reach Guruvayur temple. It is only a 30-minute car drive from Thrissur and buses run every 5 minutes to the temple. The nearest railway station is Guruvayur. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 87 km away.

Must know before visiting Guruvayur Temple
1. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
2. Make sure you take off your shoes outside the temple and cover your head.
3. You should wear traditional attire only. Men should not wear shirts inside the temple. Men should wear dhoti and women should wear saree or salwar kameez.
4. Sometimes it may take 5-6 hours to visit the interior of the temple.
5. Mobiles, cameras and other electronic devices are not allowed inside the temple.
6. There is a facility to keep your shoes and slippers safe just outside the temple. They also keep your electronic devices safe in the locker.
7. Bringing food and beverages from outside is not allowed inside the temple.
8. Famous for its healing powers, people make an astonishing variety of offerings to the Bhagwan here. One of the most popular offerings is Tulabharam, where devotees are weighed with bananas, sugar, jaggery and coconut equal to their weight.
9. After that if you visit mammiyoor Siva Temple you have fulfilled your dharshan of Guruvayoor temple.