Incredible India

Sights to See

Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple
The temple of Lord Krishna is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres in Kerala. The deity in the temple is called ‘Gurvayurappan’. The idol of Guruvayoor temple is unique, since it is carved out of "Pathalanjana Sila", and is considered extremely sacred. The installation and consecration of the idol is believed to have been done by the Celestial Guru, the preceptor of Devas along with Vayu, the God of Wind, hence the name Guruvayoor. It is at this temple that Melpathoor Naryana Bhattithiripad (in the 16th century) composed his renowned Sanskrit devotional poem ‘Narayaneeyam’ as an offering while he was seriously ill.

Poonthanam, another famous poet also wrote his celebrated Jnanapana here. The temple is renowned for its healing powers. The Poojas and rituals are elaborate. Idols are taken around the temple in the mornings and nights, escorted by a procession of elephants and the music of Panchavadyam. Krishnanattom, an art form depicting the life of Krishna, is performed almost every night. Non Hindus are not allowed inside.

Museum
There is a museum in the office Annex building at East Nada (east entrance). The museum is kept open from 8.00 am to 8.00pm on all days except Tuesdays and other holidays. Guruvayoor: Located at Kizhakke Nada (east entrance), it functions in the traditional Gurukula system.

Mammiyoor Temple
Many of the devotees who visit the temple also visit the Shiva Temple at Mammiyoor, the abode of Lord Shiva.

Punnathur Kotta
This is the place where the Guruvayoor temple elephants given as offerings by the devotees of the Lord are housed and fed. Visitors are allowed to watch these elephants in the premises. It has more than 50 elephants.

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