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About Guruvayoor

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A Pious Abode in God’s Own Country

Kerala is green, has beautiful sun kissed beaches, tea gardens, smiling faces and lush backwaters. And for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation and inspiration, there are places that represent the eternal symbols of faith and fervour. These places engage not just your senses, but also your spirit. 
 
Guruvayur is one such town - considered among the holiest of the holy pilgrimages for Hindus across the South.

Where is it located?

Guruvayur or Guruvayanapuri as it is traditionally known, is a pilgrimage town located in the Thrissur district of Kerala. It is nestled in the close confines of the lushly green central Kerala.

Every year, nearly seven million devotees from around the country and the globe visit Guruvayur, with hope and a prayer on their lips, in search of inner peace and joy. And they know they will find it here - for, it is home to Guruvayappan - the presiding deity of the GuruvayurSri Krishna Temple. 

The Legend of Guruvayur

As per legend, Guruvayur may be 5,000 years old - as is the holy idol of Guruvayurappan in the temple.  A faint reference to this is can be found in Tamil literature’s 'Kokasandesam' that mentions a place called ‘Kuruvayur’. Sitting by the sea, picturesquely located in the serene greens, it marks the birth of a new ideology that not only relaxes the mind but also purifies the soul. 

The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is Mahavishnu in the avatar of Sri Krishna.  A culmination of the ten avatars of Hindu worship, it guarantees a total overhaul of your senses and spirit. The vedic traditions being followed here with absolute perfection and sincerity is the hallmark of the Guruvayurtemple. The hyms and chants will sweep you off your feet and the incense floating precariously in the surroundings will help you make an instant connect to your higher self. 

Although puja and offerings are conducted for Guruvayurappan every day, making each day festive and auspicious for a visit - there are two important festivals celebrated here in the same fashion over centuries. Across Kerala, there is no temple considered more auspicious for weddings and ceremonies of naming and annaprashan(the ceremonial feeding of the first morsel of rice) of young children. 

The Ekadasi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the Hindus. The Chembai Sangeetholsavam is an annual Carnatic music festival which is homage to Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, one of the titans of Carnatic Classical Music. Music aficionados and local enthusiasts arrive in hordes to witness a beautiful amalgamation of culture, tradition and emotion. 

When you get there, you can't help fall in love - it's instant and the bond created with the diety - eternal. 

How to get to Guruvayur?

Guruvayur can be reached from Kochi city by National Highway NH 17. 

By Bus:There are regular private and State-owned Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses. 

By Train:The Thrissur Railway Station is the major rail head near Guruvayur, from where you can board trains to almost all destinations along the north and south rail routes.Guruvayur also has a railway station, The railway station at Guruvayur is a key point on the Thrissur-Guruvayurrail line and is used by thousands of pilgrims to reach Guruvayur. 

By Air:Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport, which is around 87kms from Guruvayur. All international, domestic and chartered flights fly here. The international airport at Kozhikode, which is about 94kms away from Guruvayur is another key point for pilgrims keen to fly to Guruvayur. 
 
Come and immerse yourself in the holy vibe of the serene land. Witness your faith combine with that of a million others that live and breathe the Guruvayur way of life. Refresh your spirit and mind in the heart of the most striking dwelling of the God himself.

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