Guruvayoor Temple

One of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all parts of the country. It is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan.

The temple walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings. 

The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine.

The square 'Sreekovil' is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. There are also the images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy withing the temple.

Legend The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru- the preceptor of the Devas, and the Vayu- the lord of the Winds.

Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam' at this temple.  

This temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity from the simple 'Archana' offering of flowers to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana'pooja or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconut.