Lord Guruvayurappan TEMPLE, Guruvayur

Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple is a hindu temple dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of lord Vishnu and is located in Thrissur district of Kerala. It is popularly known as Krishna temple and is one of the important places of worship. This temple is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntam and it is one of the 108 holy shrines of the Vaishnava tradition.

The idol of the Lord Krishna in this temple was installed by Guru Brihaspati and Lord Vayu and this is why the place was named as 'Guruvayur'(Guru+Vayu+Village). Lord Krishna is called 'Guruvayurappan' with devotion because 'Appa' means father. It is said that an average of thirty thousand devotees visit this temple every day.

History

According to legend, King Janamejaya held a special fire ritual (yagna) to destroy all snakes, including Takshaka, the serpent(snake) who caused his father Parikshit's death. As countless snakes fell into the fire, a wise Brahmin named Astika intervened and stopped the ritual just before Takshaka could be killed.

Janamejaya was suffering from leprosy as a result of killing many snakes. He had lost hope of being cured. One day, Sage Atreya advised him to pray to Lord Krishna at Guruvayur. When he asked an astrologer why he had survived, he was told that a snake had bitten him, but he was saved because he was praying in the temple and serpent king and brother of the deity at Guruvayur.

How To Reach

Guruvayur bus stand is located at a distance of around 1.1 KM from the temple. You can take a local auto from the bus stand to reach the temple.