History:

Guruvayur Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kerala, South India. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and is renowned for its unique architectural style. This sacred temple, believed to represent the site where Lord Krishna appeared to his Guru, is located at a distance of around 29 km from Thrissur, and is visited by devotees from different parts of the world to offer prayers. According to legend, the temple was constructed by the famed architect and sculptor, Vishwakarma. However, other experts suggest that it dates back to the 16th century. Residing inside the four-tier structure of the temple is the deity of Lord Guruvayurappan, which is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped along with two of his consorts, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhoomidevi. The temple staff offer exclusive services to the devotees including offerings of food, flowers, coins, sandal paste and lighting of lamps. The temple also attracts people for its annual festival, Guruvayur Ekadasi, which falls on the eleventh day of the Hindu month, Dhanu. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Guruvayur, Thrissur district of Kerala, India. 2. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in South India and is often referred to as 'Bhooloka Vaikuntha', which translates to 'heaven on earth'. 3. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is regarded as an 'Ekanasana Mahakshetra' - a spot where one worship can be offered to Lord Vishnu alone. 4. It is believed that Lord Krishna himself requested Guru and Vayu (two gods from Hindu mythology) to install an idol of himself in the temple, hence the name 'Guruvayur'. 5. The temple was constructed in the 16th century and underwent major renovations over time. 6. No non-Hindus are allowed inside the temple complex. 7. There's a vast idol of 'Guruvayurappan' (a four-handed form of Lord Vishnu with Lakshmi and Bhoomi Devi on either side) the main deity of the temple. 8. A huge number of devotees from across India visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. 9. The temple festival of 'Guruvayur Ekadashi' falls on the eleventh day of the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam and is celebrated in a grand fashion with traditional music, dance and rituals. 10. The temple walls are decorated with intricate wood carvings of characters from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The traditional worship method in Guruvayur Temple is based on a certain type of South Indian ritual known as puja. The puja is conducted in the presence of the lord's image in the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), and consists of a series of steps beginning with the offering of flowers, incense, and lamp. Then follow the offering of nivedyam (food offerings) such as boiled rice, sweet pudding, etc. and offering of naivedyam (clothes, ornaments, etc.) as per the devotee's wish. Other rituals include chanting of vedic hymns and mantras, bathing the deity with Holy water, burning of camphor, waving of camphor fire, offering of tarpana and pooja through edoli (lemon and mango leaves). At the end of the puja, the devotees will perform aarti to the deity accompanied by the ringing of bells and blowing of conch shells. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

Guruvayur Temple in Kerala opens daily at 4am and closes at 9:15pm in the evening. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

The most popular way to reach Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is by road. The temple is located in Guruvayur town, in Thrissur district of Kerala, and is well-connected to other parts of Kerala. You can hire a taxi from nearby cities and towns, or even avail of buses from neighbouring cities that ply regularly to the temple. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is around 75 km away, and the nearest major railway station is Guruvayur Railway Station, which is just 4 km away. famous temples in Kerala