Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Guruvayoor Temple
Kerala's most visited Krishna temple, closing the Jupiter leg in local practice.
⭐ Why it is famous
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most important Krishna shrines in India, named for sage Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu who are said to have installed the deity; it is not a dedicated Navagraha temple, but because the presiding deity's very name invokes Guru, it is the temple this trail uses for the Jupiter leg in popular practice.
📜 Pilgrimage history
According to tradition the idol was brought here by Guru and Vayu on Krishna's instruction after Dwaraka was submerged, giving the town its name; the temple has since become one of Kerala's largest pilgrimage centres, drawing millions of devotees annually.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Morning: 3:00 AM – 12:15 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- Very heavy crowds; special-entry darshan tickets available at extra cost.
- Strict dress code: mundu (no shirt) for men, sari/pavada-blouse for women; only Hindus permitted inside.
- Elephant-rich temple; Guruvayur Ekadasi and Vishu are the peak festival periods.
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, ThrissurGuruvayur railway station (GUV) — 2 km
Guruvayur bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Cochin International Airport (COK) — 90 km
Well connected by NH66 and KSRTC buses from Thrissur (29 km) and Kochi.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Guruvayur Devaswom guesthouses
- Numerous hotels across Guruvayur town
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹900 | ₹2,200 | ₹5,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Punnathur Kotta elephant yard
- Guruvayur beach, Chavakkad
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
Guruvayur Ekadasi (Nov–Dec) and Vishu (April)