The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of the most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, often called the “Dwarka of the South.” The temple enshrines the idol of Balakrishna, a child form of Lord Krishna, and attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad every year. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, the temple is renowned for its strict rituals, traditional poojas, and vibrant festivals, including Guruvayur Ekadasi, Vishu, and the annual Guruvayur Festival, which feature elaborate offerings, processions, and cultural performances.
The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple, located in Thrissur, Kerala, is one of the most sacred and revered Hindu temples in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu worshipped in his child form as Balakrishna. According to legend, the idol of Lord Krishna was originally crafted by Lord Vishnu himself and passed down through divine hands from Brahma to King Manu, Kasyapa, and eventually to Lord Krishna. As the deluge approached Dwaraka, Krishna entrusted his disciple Uddhava with the deity, who, under the guidance of Brihaspati and Vayu, brought it to a lush green area known as Rudratheertham, a sacred lotus lake where Lord Shiva had performed penance. Pleased by the devotion of the sages, Lord Vishnu blessed them, and Brihaspati installed the deity at this site, which became known as Guruvayur, signifying its consecration by Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu. Visvakarma, the divine architect, constructed the temple so that on Vishu, the first rays of the sun fall directly on Lord Krishna’s feet.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna (Balakrishna), and the temple also houses sub-deities including Lord Ganapathy, Lord Sastha (Ayyappa), and Edatharikathu Kavu Bhagavathy. The idol, carved from sacred Patalanjana Stone, is highly revered, and the daily poojas follow the traditional routines prescribed by Adi Sankaracharya. The temple opens at 3 AM and closes around 10 PM, offering five daily poojas and three Sreeveli processions, where the deity’s Thidambu (divine idol) is carried on elephants. Special poojas like Udayasthamana Pooja and Krishnanattam performances are also observed, along with prasadam offerings such as Malar, Neipayasam, Appam, Ada, Avil, and more.
The temple hosts several major festivals, attracting thousands of devotees. Guruvayur Ekadasi, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid-November to mid-December), is preceded by the month-long Ekadasi Vilakku ritual. The annual Guruvayur Utsavam, held in Kumbha (February–March), begins with the famed elephant race called Anayottam, and features classical music, dance performances like Chakkyar Koothu, and Krishnanattam. The tenth day, known as Guruvayur Arattu, is a highlight of the festivities. The temple’s spiritual and cultural heritage, along with its centuries-old traditions, make Guruvayur a prominent pilgrimage center, offering devotees divine blessings, a sense of peace, and a profound connection to Kerala’s rich religious legacy.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Guruvayur Ekadasi
Celebrated on the Vrischika Ekadasi (mid-November to mid-December), this is one of the most significant Ekadasis of Kerala. Devotees observe fasting and special prayers, and the temple conducts rituals like Ekadasi Vilakku a month prior to the main festival.
Guruvayur Utsavam
Held during the Malayalam month of Kumbha (February to March), this is the annual temple festival. The celebration includes Anayottam (elephant race), cultural performances like Chakkyar Koothu, Krishnanattam, and culminates with Guruvayur Arattu, the holy procession and ceremonial bath of the deity.
Udayasthamana Pooja
A special daily ritual observed at the temple involving continuous worship from early morning until night. On special occasions, a total of twenty-one poojas are conducted to propitiate the deity.
Krishnanattam
A classical dance-drama performed in honor of Lord Krishna, depicting his life stories. It is usually performed once a day, except on Tuesdays and during off-season months (June to September).
Elephant Festivals and Processions
During major festivals, decorated elephants participate in Sreeveli (circumambulatory processions), which are a highlight for devotees and tourists alike.
Contact Address: Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple, East Nada,Thrissur, Kerala 680101
Phone Number: 04872 556335
