The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple is one of the most important and sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala. Located in the Guruvayur town of Thrissur district in Kerala ,India it is easily accessible by road and rail. The presiding deity is MahaVishnu, in standing posture with four hands carrying Sankhu(conch), Sudarshana chakram (a serrated disk),lotus and mace. He is worshipped as Balakrishna, the full avatar (Purnaavatara) of Mahavishnu . The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjana.
History
The Guruvayur temple is known as "Bhooloka Vaikunta",believed to be at least 5,000 years old[citation needed] and the main idol is believed to have been installed by Brihaspati and Vayu, and to have been blessed by Shiva and Parvati. The temple was built by Vishwakarma the divine architect. Over the years, Guruvayur increased in popularity, especially after 16th century when it became one of the most popular pilgrimage centre in Kerala.
Renovation
After the fire, extensive renovation work was undertaken. Eminent astrologers of Kerala were requested to attend the meeting and decide what the Lord desired. Except for the widening of the gates at the North and East entrance, everything other proposal put forth by the committee was approved by Lord Guruvayoorapan. The foundation stone for the renovation was laid by His Holiness Jagatguru Kanchi Kamakoti Matadhipathy Jayendra Saraswathy Swamikal. The ten round pillars in the two Vathilmatam were magnificently carved. The eastern pillar on the southern Vathilmatam, at the foot of which Melpathur meditated and wrote the Narayaneeyam was not removed. After the great fire, the Vilakkumatam, for the first time, was lighted on Vishu day,14th April, 1973.
Temple Architecture
The temple is built in a typical Kerala temple architecture . Vishwakarma, the divine architect built the first temple here. He built the temple in such a manner that Surya(Sun) himself pays obeisance to Vishnu on Vishu day. On the Vishnu day, the first rays of Sun fall directly at the feet of Vishnu.
The main entrance to the temple is through the eastern side. There is also an entrance from western side. The idol is visible from the main entrance itself.
