Temple

Guruvayur is the most famous temple in Kerala is located 29 kms away from ThrissurTown. The temple's deity is Lord Krishna known as 'Guruvayurappan' in the standing posture with four hands (Chaturbahu) that carry the Sankhu (conch), the Sudarshana chakram (a serrated disk), the lotus and the mace and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. The idol of the diety is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjanam.

The Lord is worshipped in his many manifestations, the favorite with devotees being the 'Sankalpa' of the Lord as 'Unnikrishnan' (Infant krishna).. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple.

Legend

According to legend, came into existence when an idol of Lord Krishna was saved by the Guru of the Gods with the help of Vayu, the God of wind, and brought to Kerala. The two gave their names to Guruvayur.

Other Attractions

Anakotta: Guruvayur Devaswom elephant sanctuary -one of the largest elephant sanitarium in all over the world, also known as Punnathurkotta, where elephants are trained for temple purposes is 3km far from Guruvayur Temple.. There are currently more than 60 elephants, all of whom were offered by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappan.

GOLOKA RETREATS

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is now establishing a welfare center in the holy land of Guruvayur to facilitate pilgrims and visitors from far and wide with a rich spiritual experience. One of the element of the complex is an International Guest House, the first phase of which is underway. Set in the core of the land of Guruvayur, Goloka Retreats is a five minute walk from the main Guruvayur temple and is sandwiched between the same and the famous Mamiyur Lord Shiva temple.

Guruvayur Festivals:-

Ashtami Rohini : In the month of Chingam (July-Aug), under the Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th day of the waning moon of Sravana is the day of Lord Krishna's birth i.e. Janmashtami.
A very special day in all Sree Krishna temples, Guruvayur Devaswom itself offer a niramala (full of garlands and lamps), devotees flock in with cakes of rice paste and jaggery considered the most favourite food of the Lord on that day.

Aarattu : Lord's Thidambu is taken to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras.

Ekadasi : The most important festival during the Mandalam period, lasting for a month. It was on the Guruvayur Ekadasi day that Lord Krishna revealed the Gita to Arjuna.

Chembai Sangeetholsavam : This carnatic music festival is held for 11 days in the memory of Sri Chembai Vaidyanadha Bhagavathar, as part of the Ekadasi celebrations.

Ulsavam : This festival is conducted in the month of Kumbha, i.e., in February or March and lasts for 10 days. The hoisting of the temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajastambham) about 70 feet high marks the beginning of the festival. On the 1st day, an elephant race is held.

The next 6 days, devotees can witness elephant processions in the morning, afternoon and night. In the morning, there is the Sribhuta Bali (offering of oblation at various altars). Besides this there are also various cultural programs. On the 8th day, during 'Utsavabali' (from 10 am to 4 pm) oblations are offered to the Lord's lieutenants. A sumptuous feast then awaits the devotees.

Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the 9th day. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life.

After that the Lord's idol is takan to the Rudratheertha (temple pond) for Aarattu, amidst the chanting of mantras. Thousands of devotees also take the dip, chanting the Lord's name to wash off their sins. Then noon Pooja (which takes place at night only on this day) is held at the Bhagavati shrine. Finally, the Lord returns to the sanctum sanctorum after 11 circumambulations. The temple flag is then lowered signifying the end of the festival.

Climate : It has tropical and humid climate. It experiences heavy monsoon rains from June to August therefore it is advisable not to visit Guruvayur during the monsoon season.