Guruvayur

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India /Kerala /Thrissur /Guruvayur

Guruvayur is the holy abode of Lord Krishna, one of the forms of Lord Vishnu. A bustling pilgrim town it is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Guruvayur is one the most famous religious destinations in God’s Own Country. Thousands of devotees throng to this city year after year. The temple is called “Bhooloka Vaikuntam” meaning “Holy abode of Vishnu on earth” as this shrine is the most important place of worship among Hindu’s. One of the main attractions here is the idol of Lord Krishna endowed with four arms, each carrying a conch – Panchjanya, a discus – Sudharshana Chakra, the mace – Koumudaki and a lotus respectively. The name Guruvayur is derived out of three words – Guru (Brihaspathi), Vayu (Wind God) and Oor (Land), It is believed that Guru found a floating Krishna Statue during the start of Kaliyuga and he installed this image with the help of Vayu at this place.  Ever since, Guruvayur is known to be a popular venue promoting Carnatic music & traditional dance forms. Performing in the premises of this temple is an honor for any Carnatic musician. There are many popular attractions in the city and nearby areas. The elephant sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta, the Mammiyur temple, ISKCON centre and Chowallur beach are well worth a visit.

Guruvayur Parthasaradhi temple

Guruvayur Parthasaradhi temple

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim,

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 680101

STD Code: 487

Info Website: N.A

Best Time to Visit:  Throughout the year

HistoryEdit

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna (an avatar of the god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikunta which translates to the Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth. However, even though the shrine is considered to be one of the holiest spots for Vaishnavites (Vishnu followers), the temple is not a part of the famous 108 Divya Desams temple list.Board depicting non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.The presiding deity in the Sanctum sanctorum of the Guruvayur Temple is Lord Vishnu, worshipped in the form of Lord Krishna, his avatar. The central icon is a four-armed standing Lord Krishna carrying the conch Pancajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a Holy basil garland.

Places to VisitAdd

Guruvayur Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit


By Air : The nearest airport to Guruvayur is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance of 110 km. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Guruvayur costing about Rs 800. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

By Train : Guruvayur Railhead connects to Thrissur. Thrissur is the major railhead nearest to Guruvayur and is located at a distance of about 27 km.

By BUS : State owned transport bus services are available from all cities in Kerala to Guruvayur. Private bus services are available from Kochi, Thrissur and North Paravur. Super deluxe buses connect Guruvayur with other important cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, Trivandrum, Palaghat, Chennai, Salem, Coimbatore and Bangalore.

By Taxi : Taxi services are available from Thrissur to Guruvayur for a charge of Rs 400. Thrisuur is well connected by trains to all major stations in India.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Nandanam Hotel ; East Nada,Guruvayoor, Thrissur,Kerala, 680101 ; Ph – 0487 255 6266 ; Facilities – Room Service

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Kanoos Residency ; 19/20, East Nada State Highway 49, Guruvayoor. ; Ph – 0487 255 1800 ; Facilities – Room Service

Top RestaurantsAdd

  • Oottupura Pure Veg Restaurant ;  Guruvayoor – Althara – Ponnani Rd, West Nada Guruvayoor. ; M –  098 95 971642 ; Food Serve :  Indian
  • Ramakrishna Restaurant ;  East Nada Guruvayoor ; M –  N.A ; Food Serve :  Indian

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Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

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FestivalAdd


Guruvayur Festival ; Venue:  Guruvayur ; Period :  February-March ; Details:  The annual Guruvayur festival is in months of February-March, as per Malayalam calendar and zodiac signs. The festival is for 10 days. The festival kicks off with Great Elephant Race, where selected 10 or 15 elephants of Guruvayur temple will race from Manjualla (a baniyan tree located nearly 1 kilometer from temple gate) to the temple. The first elephant who enters the temple gate and complete 3 rounds inside the inner-layer of temple will be adjourned as winner. Winning elephant wins the right of holding deity for processions for all days during festival, apart from a special feast. Large number of tourists attend the opening day of festival, to watch the Elephant race, which is a feast to eyes. Special feasts are arranged for devotees on all festival days.
Guruvayur Ekadesi ; Venue:  Guruvayur ; Period :  November ; Details:  This is one of the main festivals of temple, held on Ekadeshi day of month of November, where the temples are illuminated with more than 10000 lamps. A week before the Ekadeshi, the Vilakku or Lamp festival commences, where devotees or various associations sponsor lighting of all lamps of the temple.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

  • Police : 100
  • Fire :101
  • Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

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