Guruvayur is the abode of Lord Guruvayoorappan, one of the pretty forms of Lord Vishnu. It is bustling town with pilgrimage activities in the Trissur district of Kerala. Guruvayur is the most famous religious destination in Kerala. Thousands of devotees throng to this city irrespective of months and seasons. The temple enshrines Balagopalan, the child form of Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be many centuries old.
The name Guruvayur is derived out of three words - Guru (Brihaspathi), Vayu (Wind God) and Oor (Land), It is believed that Guru found a floating Krishna Statue during the start of Kaliyuga and he installed this image with the help of Vayu at this place.
Non Hindus are not allowed in this temple. There are many mythological stories associated with this temple. The temple customs are closely related to a period where Samuthiri Kings ruled parts of Kerala.
Krishnattam Kali, a variety folk dance of Kerala originated in the premises of Guruvayur temple. Guruvayur is known as a major venue for promoting Carnatic music. There will not be any Carnatic musician who has not done a performance in the stages in Gurunayur.
There are many popular attractions in the city and nearby areas. The elephant sanctuary at Punnathur Kotta, the Mammiyur temple, ISKCON centre and Chowallur beach are all very attractive. Guruvayur temple is renowned as a special venue for Hindu marriages, as many people believe that starting the married life in the front of Guruvayurappan is very auspicious.
