Guruvayur Temple: A Sacred Abode of Lord Krishna
Located about 25 km from Thrissur in Kerala, Guruvayur temple stands as one of the most important and revered Krishna temples in India. Often referred to as the “Dwarka of the South”, this ancient temple attracts millions of devotees every year, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country.
Historical and Mythological Significance
The history of Guruvayura Temple goes back thousands of years and details of its importance can be found in ancient texts like Skanda Purana. The temple’s origins are shrouded in legend, with one famous story linking its foundation to the gods of Hindu mythology. According to legend, the temple was consecrated by Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu (Vayudeva), hence the name “Guruvayura”. It is believed that these divine idols installed an idol of Lord Vishnu here during Dwapara long before Lord Krishna came to earth. The name of the temple thus reflects the divine attempt to emerge into the presence of the god.