Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Also known as Guruvayurappan Temple
The Bhuloka Vaikuntha (heaven on earth), a Krishna temple famed for the strict Kerala temple traditions preserved within.
Photos of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple at a Glance
| Location | Guruvayur, Kerala |
|---|---|
| Presiding deity | Krishna |
| Established | 1638 CE (present form) |
| Architecture | Kerala |
| Timings | 03:00–13:30, 16:30–22:00 |
| Best time to visit | October to March for weather; the Ekadasi days and the Utsavam festival (February to March) are the busiest. |
| Address | East Nada, Guruvayur, Thrissur 680101 |
About Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, in Thrissur district, is among Kerala's most important temples and is often called Bhuloka Vaikuntha, Vaikuntha on earth. The deity, Guruvayurappan, is Krishna in the form worshipped by his parents Vasudeva and Devaki, a four-armed image holding a conch, discus, mace and lotus.
The temple holds a special place in Kerala's culture. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed the Narayaneeyam here in the 16th century, and Poonthanam wrote his Malayalam devotional poem Jnanappana here. Krishnanattam, the dance-drama based on Krishna's life, developed as a temple art form.
History of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Rebuilt several times, most recently after a fire in 1970. The idol depicts Krishna as a four-armed Vishnu with conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
Architecture of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style, with a copper-roofed sanctum and a gilded flagstaff, with murals and carved wooden panels. The main sanctum is the Chathurbhuja form, and the Namaskara Mandapam, a hall with a copper roof, stands in front.
A tall brass lamp pillar (deepastambham) in front of the shrine is lit in the evening, and the courtyard holds a large, gold-covered flagstaff. The temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1970, and the outer enclosure shelters the Koothambalam, a theatre hall for temple performing arts.
Rituals and Worship at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Worship follows strict Kerala temple traditions. Only Hindus may enter, men must wear a mundu and go bare-chested into the sanctum, and women wear a sari or other traditional dress. Many offer a tulabharam, giving their weight in bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts.
The annual festival, the Utsavam, in the month of Kumbham, begins with the hoisting of the flag and includes an elephant race. The Guruvayur Ekadasi, observed in November or December with the Ekadasi Vilakku lamp offering, and the Chembai Sangeetholsavam, a major music festival, fall in the same season.
Festivals Celebrated at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
- Ekadasi
- Ashtami Rohini
- Guruvayur Ekadasi
Visiting Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple: Planning Your Trip
Check the dress code before you go, as it is strictly enforced. Mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside the compound. Queues are long on Sundays, on Ekadasi days and in the festival season, and early mornings are quieter.
The Punnathur Kotta (Anakkotta), the temple's elephant sanctuary, is about 3 km away. Thrissur's Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is also in the directory, and the Thrissur Pooram festival grounds are about 30 km away.
How to Reach Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Guruvayur is 30 km from Thrissur. Kochi is the nearest airport (80 km).
Temples Near Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
- Vadakkunnathan TempleKerala · about 20 km in a straight line
- Marudhamalai Murugan TempleTamil Nadu · about 104 km in a straight line
More Krishna Temples to Visit
- ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra TempleKarnataka
- Sri Krishna MathaKarnataka
- Vithoba TempleMaharashtra
- ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari TempleMaharashtra
- ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govind DhamGujarat
- Jagannath TempleOdisha
Frequently Asked Questions about Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Where is Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple located?
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is located at East Nada, Guruvayur, Thrissur 680101, in Guruvayur, Kerala, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- The presiding deity at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is Krishna (also known as Gopala, Govinda), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.
What are the timings of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is generally open 03:00–13:30, 16:30–22:00. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple built?
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple was established 1638 CE (present form). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is built in the Kerala style, characteristic of Krishna shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple include Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohini, Guruvayur Ekadasi. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Kerala and beyond.
How can I reach Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- Guruvayur is 30 km from Thrissur. Kochi is the nearest airport (80 km).
Why is Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple significant?
- The Bhuloka Vaikuntha (heaven on earth), a Krishna temple famed for the strict Kerala temple traditions preserved within.
What is the best time to visit Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple?
- October to March for weather; the Ekadasi days and the Utsavam festival (February to March) are the busiest.