Guruvayur Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala, and there is likely no one who doesn't know about the Guruvayur Temple in the Southern part of India. Like Sabarimala, Guruvayur is also one of the most visited temples in Kerala and nearly 10,000 people visit here daily. Guruvayur is not only famous for its powerful Sri Krishna temple but also has a lot more to offer. However, visitors usually come to Guruvayur, visit the temple and return back.
Here are some of the places that you can include on your next trip to Guruvayur.
1. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
 |
| Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. |
Goes without saying, but just putting it as the list would be incomplete without this. Guruvayur Temple is a very ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Sri Guruvayurappan. The temple opens at 3 in the morning with the Nirmalya Darshan of the Lord. Devotees start waiting in the queue from as early as 12 midnight for getting a glimpse of the Lord in the Nirmalya Darshan. At any given time of the day, there will be a long queue with a minimum waiting of 2 to 3 hours and can go up to as long as 5 to 6 hours on special occasions. So, plan your visit to the temple, accordingly.
There's a Vazhipadu or Seva that is performed at Gurvayur Temple, called the Neyvillakku. In this, a group of 5 devotees who purchase the ticket, will be getting the darshan after performing the Seva of lighting a lamp to Sri Guruvayurappan, without standing in the queue (direct access). This take can also be purchased on a per head basis at a rate of Rs. 1000 per person.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Visiting the Statue of Unity
2. Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple
 |
| Mammiyoor Sree Mahadeva (Shiva) Temple. |
After the darshan in the Krishna Temple, you can visit the Mammiyoor Sri Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said to be one of the 108 Shiva Temples in ancient Kerala. This temple is located on the Guruvayur-Kunnamkulam road and is not very far from the main Krishna Temple. It is customary for the devotees visiting the Guruvayur Temple, to visit this temple as well and get the darshan of Lord Shiva. This temple usually is not as crowded as the Krishna Temple.
Also Read: How to Book Seaplane to the Statue of Unity
3. Venkitachalapathi Temple
 |
| Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple. |
The Thiruvenkitachalapathi Temple is situated at the Thiruvenkidom in Guruvayur, about a kilometer away from the temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkatachalapthy of Tirumala. It is said that the idol of the presiding deity was reinstalled again in 1974 by the presiding Tanthri of the Guruvayur Temple and Periya Jeeyar of Tirumala
Also Read: Here's how you can avail VIP Darshan in Tirupati Balaji Temple
4. Punnatthor Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
 |
| Aanakotta, Guruvayur. |
I'd highly recommend all the readers to not miss out on this place at all. This is an Elephant Sanctuary that belongs to the Guruvayur Devaswom, the managing committee of Sree Guruvayurappan Temple. All the elephants that are used for religious Sevas and Vazhipadus and also during the special occasions are kept here. There are about 64 elephants here. For clicking pictures or shooting videos inside the campus, you need to purchase a ticket while purchasing the entry ticket at the main gate.
Note: Photography or Videography is strictly prohibited in any of the temples mentioned above and there is a prescribed dress code that the pilgrims must abide by while visiting the temple. The link to the dress code information has been given below.
Link: Guruvayur Temple Dress code and Do's and Don't's
In conclusion, Guruvayur is not only known for its Sree Guruvayurappan Temple but also has a lot of important and interesting places to visit. I have mentioned only 4 of the many places at Guruvayur. In case you know some must-visit places, please consider dropping them in the comments section below. Also, I will be coming up with a separate Temple Circuit itinerary for Kerala. Do keep a watch for that.
About Me:
Cheers!
No comments:
Post a Comment