Kerala City Guide
Explore the many feceted of the Guruvayoor temple. The Guruvayoor temple is one of the revered destination of Kerala.
Location : The Guruvayoor temple is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala 29 km west of Trichur.
About Guruvayoor Temple :
Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of kerala. This is probably the only temple in the state that hosts the maximum number of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for infants).
The origin of the temple goes back to the 16th century AD dedicated to Lord Krishna known as Guruvayoorappan or the Lord of Guruvayoor. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwarka. Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam' at this temple. The temple is also famous for its healing powers. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with exquisite mural paintings and carvings. This is probably the only temple in Kerala for several weddings and annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of child.
The main attraction here is the Sri Krishna temple. The legends said that Guru, the preceptor of the goods, and Vayu, the god of winds, created the temple. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. The chuttambalam or the outer enclosure has the wajasthambam or the gold plated flag post 33.5 m high. There is also a 7 m high dipastambham or the pillar of lamps with 13 circular receptacles. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of the temple and houses the main deity. The temple also has the images of Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus can enter the temple.
Design & Construction :
The outer enclosure has a 33.5-m tall gold-plated flag post and there is also a 7 m high pillar of lamps, whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly brilliant spectacle, when lit. The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within the temple, there are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple
