Place to visit in Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is one of the most revered and ancient temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here in his child form, often referred to as Guruvayurappan. Located in Guruvayur, about 29 km from Thrissur, this temple is often called the "Dwarka of the South" due to its significance in Hinduism. The temple's deity is a standing four-armed figure of Lord Vishnu, carrying the conch (Shankha), discus (Chakra), mace (Gada), and lotus (Padma), believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna himself in Dwarka before being brought to Guruvayur by the divine sage Brihaspati (Guru) and Vayu (the wind god), from whom the temple derives its name. Guruvayur Temple is famous for its strict rituals and traditional customs. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises, maintaining its sanctity and traditional practices. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, especially for ceremonies like annaprashanam (the first feeding of rice to a child) and weddings. Another major attraction is the Guruvayur Ekadasi, an important festival marked by special rituals, elephant processions, and religious activities. The temple also houses Punnathur Kotta, an elephant sanctuary where the temple elephants, donated by devotees, are kept and cared for. The elephants play a key role in temple festivals and processions. With its rich history, spiritual ambiance, and deep-rooted traditions, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Swamy Temple remains a central hub of devotion and culture in Kerala.