Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu Deity Guruvayurappan. It is one of the most revered temples in South India where the presiding deity Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Balkrishna Avtar . And it often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunda, which translates to as “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth”.
Lord idol is adorned with four hands each carrying a conch, a mace, a discus and a lotus and is also known by the name of Unnikrishnan. Garlanded with the Tulasi or Basil Garland and pearl necklace, the lord appears in full radiance blessing the devotees.
According to a legend, the temple was created by the preceptors of the Gods, Guru and God of winds, Vayu. The astonishing idol of Lord Unnikrishnan Guruvayur is made out of a rare mixture called Padala Anjanam instead of stone or metal which was more commonplace in the olden times. Simple in its construction, the spiritual charm of this place is unmatched and has devotees flocking to it from all over the country. However, this temple is open only to the believers of Hindu faith, and there might be long queues at the entrance but completely worth as you enter the temple complex.
Location
Thrissur
Main Deity
Lord Krishna
Other Deities
Ganapathi, Ayyappan ,Bhagavathi,Nagadevata
Festivals
Festivals Ekadasi Festival: Ekadasi, the eleventh day of lunar fortnight, is very propitious to the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadasis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadasi (Suklapaksha) specializes in Guruvayoor. It comes during Mandala season. Navami and dasami are also very important. Chembai Music Festival: As a part of Ekadasi fete, an 11- day Chembai music festival is organized, featuring an incredible 2000 Carnatic musicians from South India participate in this festival. Utsavam or Annual Festival: Guruvayur, the festival last for 10 days. Beginning of Pusia (8th asterism) in the month of Aquarius (February-March) and ending on the tenth day of Arattu. Mandala Pooja: Mandala pooja begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. Saraswathy Pooja: The last three days of the 9 days of Nvaratri festival are especially sacred to Goddess Saraswathy who presides over the world of learning and fine arts. Thiruvonam: Thousand of devotees offer “kazhcha Kulas” ( Bunches of banana) to the lord on the Uthradam day of Chingam month (August-September). Ashtami Rohini: Ashtami Rohini of Chingam (August- September) is the birthday of lord krishna. Appam and palpayasam are considered the main offerings of the day. Nira Puthari: This means new rice. This is the formal ritual of using the rice as an offering from the time of the new harvest. The Puthari Paysam is dedicated to the lord, it takes place diring the month of Chingam. Vaishakhaa: Vaishaka is the lunar month starting from the new moon Medam April-May). The Vaishaka is propitious and sacred to Vishnu. Kucheladinam: The first Wednesday of December is celebrated as Kuchela Dinam. It is based on the belief that Kuchela, the ardent devotee of lord Krishna,offered the Avil (Parched rice) instead of eternal bliss and material wealth. Samkrama: The Samkrama Sandhya, a very propitious occasion for worship of the lord. On the eve of each Malayalam month, devotees celebrate a year of intense devotion and piety.
Main Offerings
Gajapooja and Aanayoottu, Prasada oottu Namaskaram and Athaazham Chorun Chuttuvilakku Ahassu Prasada Kit Poor Feeding Thulabharam
How To Reach
BY AIR:
The nearest airport is Kochi International Airport, which is 80 kilometers from Guruvayur and the Calicut airport is 100 kilometers away from here. One can easily avail direct taxi, cab, or a bus from these airports to reach Guruvayur Town.
BY RAIL:
The nearest railway station is Guruvayur, towards the east of the temple and is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line in Thrissur. Regular bus service and cabs are available from this station to reach your desired destination in Guruvayur Town.
BY ROAD:
To reach Guruvayur, one can take Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs buses from the nearby cities like Guruvayur are Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchendur, Mysore, Mangalore, Udupi, Mookambika etc