Guruvayoor Temple, Guruvayur

Deity

Krishna (Guruvayurappan)

Timings

3 am to 1.30 pm, 3.30 pm to 9.30 pm

Best time

August to February

Distance from Thrissur

About 29 km

Nearest airport

Kochi, about 80 km

Dress code

White mundu without shirt for men; saree or salwar for women

History

Written references to the temple mostly date from the 16th century onwards. During the long Mamankam conflicts between the Zamorin of Kozhikode and the ruler of Valluvanad, people turned to Guruvayurappan for protection, and the Zamorins themselves became patrons. The temple later suffered raids by the Dutch and by the armies of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, losing much of its wealth.

Legends

The temple tank is called Rudratheertham, because Shiva is said to have worshipped Vishnu on its bank. In one story, the Prachetas, sons of an ancient king, did penance here and were taught a hymn by Shiva that won them Vishnu's grace. Another tale says that Janamejaya, a descendant of the Pandavas, was cured of a severe skin disease after staying here and praying for months.

Krishnanattam and the elephants

Krishnanattam, a dance-drama on the life of Krishna, is performed as an offering and must be booked in advance; it is not staged during the monsoon months. The temple's elephants, many of them tuskers donated by devotees, live at Punnathur Kotta, a short drive away. It is one of the largest groups of captive elephants anywhere and can be visited.

Festivals and best time

Krishna Janmashtami, the Ekadashi festival and the annual Utsavam in the month of Kumbham are the main events. August to February is a good time to plan a visit, and Ekadashi days are especially festive, though also very crowded.

Timings, dress and how to reach

Darshan is usually possible 3 am–1.30 pm, then again 3.30–9.30 pm. Men must wear a white mundu without a shirt or upper cloth inside the shrine. For women, a saree, or a salwar kameez with dupatta, is fine; jeans, shorts and short skirts are not allowed.

Guruvayoor is about 29 km from Thrissur and has its own railway station, connected via Thrissur. Kochi airport is around 80 km away and Kozhikode airport about 100 km. We can arrange a Guruvayoor trip with stays close to the temple.

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