Considered to be one of the oldest and most revered temples in India Guruvayur Temple in Kerala is also widely renowned as the Dwaraka of the South (Dwaraka is Lord Krishna's place of birth). Located in the cultural capital of the state, Thrissur, the main deity here is Lord Krishna. 

Constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple is in itself a sight to behold. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum adorned with ancient murals from the 17th century evoke much awe amid visitors as do the structures like the Balikkal (sacrificial stone), Deepastambam (pillar of lights) and most importantly, the Nalambalam (temple structure surrounding sanctum sanctorum). One of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the entire nation, it is believed that the central shrine of the temple was reconstructed in the year 1638 C.E. The history of the place is beautifully and artistically depicted in the architectural style and every individual element inside the temple. 

The temple stands facing the East with a Gopuram (tower) each on the East and the West. While the one on the East is called the Kizhakkenada, the one on the west is called the Padinjarenada. The pillars of light called the 'Deepasthambam' are located in the front and East side of the Nalambalam, a square shaped column. The Deeepasthambam on the eastern side stands 24 feet high and has thirteen circular receptacles. When completely lit up, it is a magnificent sight to behold. The Dwajasthamba, a 70ft tall flag staff which is fully covered in gold is yet another famous sight at the temple. The idol of Lord Krishna is placed inside the Garbhagriha which is located inside the inside the square shaped Sreeekovil. The Sreekovil also has two stairs and three other rooms as well. Inside the temple, one can also see the images of Lord Ayyappa, Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy and Ganapathy. 

The Thulabharam is one of the most popular offerings at Guruvayur Temple. In this ritual, devotees are weighed against jaggery, coconuts, sugar or bananas on a giant set of scales. This quantity is then given to the Lord as an offering. The temple is also one among the most popular wedding destinations in the state. 

The annual festival of the temple falls during Feb-March and is celebrated with much pomp and frolic but this is not the only prominent festival here. Other celebrations like the Guruvayur Ekadasi, Ashtamirohini, Vaishakam etc. are amid the other popular festivals at this temple. 

The one festival that evokes curiosity though is the Guruvayur Aanayottam (elephant race). The festival is just as incredible as it sounds. The largest land mammal on earth is put up against each other in a race. 

The practice is said to have started back in the times of the ancient Zamorin and King of Cochin. To this day, every year, these massive animals race head to head. It is this Aanayottam ritual that marks the start of the annual Guruvayur festival. The winner of the elephant race is the one that gets chosen to carry the Thidambu (the replica of the idol of Guruvayoorappan) for the rest of the festivals and special occasions of the year. 

The Guruvayur Ekadasi festival is yet another auspicious time at the temple that draws people from far and wide. Ekadasi or the 11th day of the lunar fortnight is considered important for Hindus. The month long Ekadasi festival at the temple has several important rituals that are conducted. The most important among them is the udayastamana pooja (dawn-to-dusk pooja) and the Carnatic music festival conducted over 11 days. This festival is conducted as a tribute to the legendary Carnatic musician- Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar. 

Temple Timings: Open 03:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. & 04:30 P.M. - 09:15 P.M.