It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places in the state of Kerala and is home to a famous temple, called the Guruvayur Temple. Dedicated to Lord Guruvayoorappan, a form of Lord Vishnu, the temple is also known as Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. The presiding deity is in the traditionally orthodox form of Mahavishnu, with all the compliments - four arms each carrying sankh (conch), chakra(wheel), gadha (mace) and padmam (lotus). The temple has earned the sobriquet of 'Dwarka of the South' as this avatar of Lord Vishnu is said to be Lord Krishna, who was thus envisioned by his parents at the time of his birth in Dwarka. The architecture of the temple is particularly noteworthy and leaves one entranced with its grandeur. The sanctum sanctorum is designed in two layers with copper sheet roofing plated with gold. The Moolavigraha (main idol) is made of Pathalanjana Shila (a variation of granite that is harder than metal) and is considered extremely sacred. The old doors of the sanctum sanctorum are set with gold plated bars and embellished with gold bells. There are about 101 bells that are all made in silver and plated with gold.