As we all know, temples in South India are some of the loveliest in the nation. In addition to their assets, these temples are also famous for their beautiful style and fascinating past. Many temples in Kerala are noteworthy to Hindu pilgrims. In this respect, the Guruvayur temple, for example, is a temple of this type. One of Kerala’s most famous temples is the Guruvayur temple, found in the city of Thrissur. In this blog, let’s see more about Guruvayur Temple, Guruvayur – Kerala Travel Guide.
A travel guide about the famous Guruvayur Temple:
History of Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayur temple of Kerala is an old temple rousing locals for many centuries. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Guruvayurapan, the child form of Lord Sri Krishna and it is the most important and best temple in Kerala. The Bust installed in this temple is a great example of the statue. Likewise, everyone thinks that the idol was given to Brahmaji by Lord Vishnu.
In the Guruvayurappan temple, there is an idol of Lord Shri Krishna. This idol has too many fortes, making this temple unique. This idol of Lord Shri Krishna has four hands; in the first hand, he holds a conch shell. In the second hand, he holds a Sudarshan chakra; in the third hand, he holds a lotus flower; in the fourth hand, he has a mace. Lord Krishna is revered in the form of a child in that idol. Beautiful paintings depict Lord Sri Krishna’s childhood in the Guruvayurappan temple. Vaikuntha Lok is another name for Guruvayur Temple.
Visiting Time of Guruvayur Temple
Throughout the year, the Guruvayur Temple remains open.
In Guruvayur temple, the doors open at 3:00 in the morning and close at 9:15 in the evening. This temple is very famous in southern India due to its various rituals performed during this time. These rituals, including the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas, can be attended by devotees.
From 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the Guruvayur Temple remains closed.
- At 7:00 in the morning, the Palabhishekam (Abhishekam with milk), Navabhishekam (Abhishekam with nine silver pots filled with water), and Pantiradinaivedyam are performed.
- Between 7:30 PM and 8:15 PM, Athazha Pooja and Athazha Naivedyam are performed.
- Between 9 PM and 9:15 PM, the Tripuka (worshipping the shrine with nine sacred gums) and Olavayana (reading out the day’s income and expenditure) take place.
- There is only access to the temple complex for Hindu believers.
- Newly married couples are not permitted to enter the Temple Complex immediately following their wedding.
The Architecture of Guruvayur Temple
A typical example of Kerala’s temple style is the Guruvayoor temple, depicted in an old treatise on architecture (the Vastuvidya). This temple faces towards the East and has 2 Gopurams, one at the West (Padinjarendra) and the other at the East (Kizhakkenada). Anapanthal is the entire area between these Gopurams and is roofed with tiles. There is a square-shaped pillar hall called Nalambalam at the center of the temple, and its outer wall is fixed with a corridor of oil lamps. There is a sub-shrine of Lord Ayyappan or Sastaon on the south side of the Nalambalam.
In the olden times, dance concerts were held in the Koothambalam on the northeast side of this shrine. Bellikkal and Deepastambas – Pillar of Lights are located on the front and east sides of Nalambalam. In the temple, there are numerous such light pillars. There is great interest in the Deepastambas, which are found at the base of each gopuram.
In the Deepastambam on the eastern side, thirteen circular tins hold the wicks, 24 feet in height. At West Gopuram, one of the other two structures is in the shape of a tree. A flagstaff of around 70 feet in height, fully decorated with gold, is known as Dwijasthamba.
Two stairs lead up to the Sreekovil, which is square and has three rooms. Garbhagriha is the innermost room (where the idol of Lord Krishna is found). The two doors and the top of the edifice are covered with gold. In the Garbhagriha, all of the articles are made of gold.
Mukhamandapam is the name of the outer room. There are ancient murals on Sree Kovil dating back to the 17th century. A pyramid-shaped building is situated in front of the Sree Kovil. It is known as the Namaskara Mandapam. An adjacent pillared square hall, called Nalambalam or Chuttambalam, surrounds the temple. There is a gallery of oil lamps mounted on the wall of Nalambalam. Sree Kovil is home to the temple well called Manikinar, located on its north-eastern side. There’s a little shrine to Devi called Edathirithi Kavu on the temple’s north side.
Located on the temple’s north side is Oottupura, the site of Prasadauttu, where fans receive their daily lunch. Near the north side of the temple can be found the temple tank Rudratheertha.
Dress Code for Guruvayur Temple
There are different types of rules for visiting Guruvayur Temple.
- Inside the Temple, Hindus are let in, and no other religion is allowed to take entry.
- Before entering this temple, remove your shoes outside and cover your head completely.
- Entry is allowed to those people who wear only classic dresses. It Is advised that men should not wear shirts inside the temple. Men should wear dhotis and towels and women wear sarees or salwar kameez.
- Visiting the temple’s inner part may take 5-6 hours, depending on the season.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are not permitted inside the temple.
- You will find a facility outside the temple for safely storing your footwear. Lockers are also provided for the safe storage of electronic gear.
- There is no entry for leather products.
- In order to maintain the virtue of the temple, outside food and drinks are not permitted.
The Best Places to Visit near Guruvayur Temple:
1. Vadakkunnathan Temple
The Vadakkunnathan temple is one of the biggest and oldest Lord Shiva Temples in Kerala. This temple is about 1 km from Thrissur Railway Station, where the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival is marked every year from April to May.
Among all the temples in South India, this temple is believed to be the oldest. A temple dedicated to Parashurama was established here. The Vadakkunnathan temple is a great example of Kerala’s unique style of architecture.
2. Athirapally Waterfalls
Located about 59 kilometers from Thrissur in Kerala, Athirapalli Waterfall is one of the country’s best waterfalls and a popular tourist lure.
The place is popular with weekenders from Coimbatore, Munnar, and Kochi. There’s a beautiful waterfall near the Chalakudy river in the Thrissur district at the gate of Sholayar hill Shrunkhaja. Read More: Athirappilly Falls Thrissur: Things To Do, Nearby Attractions, Guide & Tips.
3. Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple
There’s also a temple called Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple located about 2 km from Thrissur Railway Station. There’s a lot to like about Tiruvambadi Krishna Temple.
A group of worshipers from Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple participates in Thrissur Pooram. Vishnumaya Devi and Lord Sri Krishna are worshipped here. The temple was built after the original was established in the 16th century.
Best Ways to Reach Guruvayur Temple:
By Train
This temple is close to Thrissur railway station. You can use local services to get to this temple.
By Flight
This temple is about 51km from Cochin airport, the closest airport. You can use local services or a taxi to get to this temple.
By Road
The Thumpuran bus stop is the closest bus stop to this temple. It’s only 1km away. Thrissur is connected to Bangalore, Kochi, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Mysore, and Palani by bus. It’s easy to get here by car from anywhere in the country.
Summary,
This blog mentions the Guruvayur Temple travel guide. This temple is so amazing and every year, lakhs of devotees visit this temple. Therefore, it is a perfect idea to visit Guruvayur Temple to mark the beginning of your great future.
Find out more about Kerala:
- Top 10 Destinations to See in Thrissur That You Must Visit
- 10 Most Famous Places to See in Guruvayur
- Top 8 Popular Places to Visit in Kozhikode
- 8 Famous Luxury Resorts Near Periyar National Park
- Family Holidays in Kerala: How to Plan?
- Top 10 Destinations to See in Kannur
- 8 Famous Bird Sanctuaries In Kerala
