 Guruvayoor located 29 kilometers from Thrissur city, is the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala. The world famous Shree Krishna Temple is located here.
This historic temple is believed to have existed prior to 16th century AD. According to legends the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Gods, and Vayu, the God of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 m high Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity.
Within the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. It is believed that the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka.
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', where the temple elephants are kept and looked after. It is an interesting site to visit as one gets to see at close quarters so many tuskers together.
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