Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta” which translates to the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth”.
Shrine’s History
According to legends, the deity worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. In the 14th century, “Kokasandesam”, references to a place called Kuruvayur are made. As early as the 16th century many references to Kuruvayur are seen. In ancient Dravidian languages, “kuruvai” means “sea”, hence the village on the Malabar Coast may be called Kuruvayur. The earliest temple records date back to the 17th century. The earliest mention of the many important Vishnu temples of Kerala is found in the songs of Alwars, Tamil saints, whose timeline is not exactly fixed.Mamankam was a very famous local event at Tirunavaya, on the bank of Bharatappuzha. The battles between the Kozhikode under Samoothiris and Valluvanad popularised Guruvayur Temple. Due to the prolonged battles, people across the riverbank started preferring Guruvayur. Even the Samoothiri of Kozhikode become a devotee and thus his subjects followed him. The central shrine that is seen today is said to have been rebuilt in 1638 AD. “Viswabali” was performed later to propitiate all the spirits, good and bad. By the end of the 16th century, Guruvayur had become the most popular pilgrimage centre in Kerala
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By RoadThe nearest Bus stop is Guruvayur.By RailThe nearest Railway station is GuruvayurBy AirThe nearest Airport is the nearest airport.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Shivaratri