Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna temple is dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu and is located in the town, Guruvayur of Kerala. It was built around 2000 years ago. This ancient temple is often referred as Bhuloka Vaikunta which means the ‘Earthly Abode of Lord Vishnu’. The presiding idol in the temple is Unnikrishnan.
Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple - Kerala
Speciality
Parents bring their children here for feeding them their first solid food. The deity presiding here is not made of metal or stone but a mixture called Padala Anjanam. The Lord can be seen here in the form of a child showing the entire universe to his mother Yasodha. Wedding ceremonies are a common happening in this temple as it is believed that a couple who gets married here lives a happy, long life together.
History
The idol is believed to have been made by the Lord himself and given to his devotee Uthava living in Dwaraka. He instructed him to give the idol to Prahaspathi when a Tsunami would swallow Dwaraka. He also stated that Guru can install the idol wherever he wants to.
As said a huge Tsunami ragged and he placed the idol floating in the sea water on Guruvayoor. The name came from the two gods, Guru and Vayu (Jupiter and Wind).
Timings
The temple is open for prayers as early as 3.00 am.
Dress Code
Men are supposed to wear only dothi and not any upper coverings. Women should be dressed only in saree or half saree. Children can be seen wearing ‘Pattu Paavadai’, a traditional attire for children.
Festivals
Vishu and Vrichika Ekadasi are the festivals during which grand pujas are performed in the temple