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. This shrine popularly known as ‘Dakshina Dwaraka’
(Dwaraka of south) is in the form of a rectangle. There are a lot of mural
paintings around the ‘Shrikovil’ (Shrine).
Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the
most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. The walls of the
sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.
In Kerala, this is probably the only temple that hosts the maximum number
of marriages and rice feeding ceremonies (the ritual first meal for
infants). It was also the hub of the 'Guruvayoor Sathyagraha' , a historic
movement demanding temple entry rights for the 'so called' lower castes.
The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the
temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the
'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.
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. 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.
Punnathoorkotta, which is at a distance of 2 kms from Guruvayoor is home of
50 temple elephants, offers unusual spectacles of the gentle pachyderm.
How to Get There
- Air
Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery (87 km).
- Road
The place is well connected to neighbouring places by good motorable
roads.
