Temples in Guruvayur

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Sri Krishna Temple

This is the most important Krishna temple in Kerala and one of the most important and richest temples in all of South India. Lord Krishna is known here as Guruvayurappan. The name of the Deity means the Lord (Appan) of Guru and Vayu. Guruvayur is known as Bhuloka Vaikuntha, "where the spiritual world meets the earth".

The Deity of Lord Krishna in this temple is said to forgive all sins and grant liberation to His devotees. The Deity is believed to fulfill one’s desires. According to the story about the temple, this Deity of Lord Krishna is over 5000 years old.

The Deity of Sri Krishna is made of the rare stone patala anjanam. He has four arms carrying a conch, disc, mace, and lotus, and He is adorned with a tulasi garland and pearl necklaces.

The temple schedule begins with nirmalayam darshan (viewing the Deity), followed by abhiseka (bathing the Deity). The darshan is particularly auspicious. Worship and darshans continue until when the Deity takes rest for the night. Uchcha Puja takes place at midday.
Bilvamangala Thakur, who wrote Sri Krishna-karnamrita, frequently visited the Guruvayur Temple.

Tulabharam is a common vow in which devotees donate to the Deity a quantity of some article equal in weight to their body. Devotees are weighed on a scale against their choice of items such as silver, bananas, sugar, jaggery, or coconuts. On an average about 100 tulabharams are offered a day, but on major days the number goes over 200.

The temple worship is done by Nambudri Brahmins, who are expected to live within the temple precincts during their term of worship. They bathe in the temple tank next to the temple.

This temple has over Rs 45 crores in fixed deposits, 3 tons of silver articles, 600 kgs of gold articles, some priceless diamonds, and other jewelry.

Men must wear dhotis (tied-on cloth) and take off their shirts to enter the temple. You cannot carry a bag in the temple. You can check a bag in at the cloak room to the right of the eastern entrance. Only Hindus are allowed in the temple, but ISKCON devotees and converted Hindus may enter.