Prathishta / Presiding Deity : Vishnu (Guruvayoorappan)
Upadevatha / Sub Deities : xx
District: Thrissur
Thaluk: Chavakkad
Panchayath: Guruvayoor
Thanthri: Puzhakkara Chennose Illam
Trustee: Guruvayoor Devassom Board
Founded by Brihaspathy (Guru) & Vayu. Guruvayoorappan Temple, devoted to Lord Sri
Krishna, is a unique pilgrimage center of South India. It is located at Guruvayoor,
renowned as the ‘Dwaraka of the South’, 33 km north of Thrissur District and 100
km from Ernakulam. The structure of the deity resembles the Lord’s majestic form
in 'Vaikuntha,' his heavenly abode, and the temple is called `Bhooloka Vaikuntha'.
Since the installation of the deity was done by ‘Guru’, Brihaspathi, and ‘Vayu’,
the place got the name Gurvayupura and later, Guruvayoor. The deity of Guruvayoor
is called Guruvayoorappan, the Lord (Appan) of Guruvayoor. Separate shrines for
Durga, Lord Ganesh and Lord Ayyappa are also part of the temple. Koothambalam and
Oottupura are attached to the main temple. Rudratheertha is the holy pond.
The architecture of the temple highly exemplifies Kerala's temple Vastuvidya (ancient
treatises on architecture). The temple is administrated by the Guruvayoor Devaswom
Committee nominated by the Government of Kerala. Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary,
3 km north of Guruvayoor, is owned by the temple.
Ashtamirohini, Kuchela day, Navaraathri, Mandalam,Vishu are celibrated. Aarattu
on the tenth day from Pooyam in Kumbham. Aakadasi in Vrischikam is the main festivel
here.
‘Tulabharam’ with bananas, sugar, jaggery, coconuts and coins is the important offering.
The 10 day festival falls in February – March with the famous ‘Anayottam' (elephant
race). Other important festivals are Vishu, Ashtami Rohini and Ekadasi of 30 days(November-December).
During Ekadasi, 11 day Chembai Sangeetha Mela (music concert), in honour of Shri
Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar is conducted. The temple is also famous for hosting
marriages and 'annaprasanam' (first feeding of infants).
The temple is open from 03:00 to 13:00 hrs and 16:30 to 20:30 hrs. Only Hindus are
allowed inside the temple.
-
25 Kms of north-west of Trichur. Frequent bus service to the temple from Trichur
town. Also train to Guruvayoor
-
