Guruvayur - The Gods own city

Guruvayur is a small town in Thrissur District not far from the sea. There is no sea breeze, the sand has long been hidden under paving stones, and we can’t hear the roar of the ocean. All eyes, ears and hearts are drawn inward, to what is for many of us the centre of the universe. Life here revolves around the Sri Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple.



The small idol, made of black bismuth, a magnetic stone, represents Mahavishnu carrying his conch, discus, lotus and mace. The pujas conducted here are said to be laid down by Adi Shankara. They are performed by celibate priests who, for the duration of their tenure (six months at a time), do not leave the premises. Much of this worship is carried out behind closed doors, and the silence and mystery enhances the effect of the sudden, radiant glimpses of the deity.

The temple is crowded nearly all year round and is a favourite stop on the way to Sabarimala. All this makes a good darshan quite an achievement, but the long, hot wait, the cutters-in, the unholy jostling, the confused stumble at the last, are all forgot­ten in one timeless moment that leaves everyone with beaming faces.
In short
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Dedicated to the deity Lord Guruvayurappan, the temple at Guruvayur is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Kerala, South India. Come and experience a special form of happiness as you get a darshan of Lord Guruvayurappan or Lord Krishna at the temple at Guruvayur, Kerala, and South India. The Guruvayur Temple is said to be the second Dwarka and according to a very popular local legend when the real Dwarka got submerged under the sea, a devotee of Lord Krishna saved this idol from drowning and this idol of Lord Krishna was established at the Guruvayur temple.

Another legend propagates the fact that the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan mirrors the form in which the deity appeared to the mortal parents of Lord Krishna just before he took birth. Locals believe that Lord Brahma prayed at the Guruvayur Temple and the tradition of serpent worship is very rampant here. The popular festivals that are celebrated at the Guruvayur Temple are Astami Rohini, Chembai music festival, Ekadsi and Ulsavam.
How to Reach Guruvayoor Temple

By Air
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport located at a distance of 80 kilometers.

By Rail
Guruvayoor has an independent railway station just a few kilometers from the temple. Else, one can access the temple from the Thrissur railway station, which is just an hour's drive from here.

By Roads
Guruvayoor is well connected by a wide network of roads to all major towns and cities of Kerala and is easily accessible.