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Coordinates: 10°35′40.6″N 76°02′12.8″E / 10.594611°N 76.036889°E / 10.594611; 76.036889
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{{Short description|Temple town in Kerala}}
{{Refimprove|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Guruvayur
| name = Guruvayur
| other_name =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[Corporations, municipalities and taluks of Kerala|Municipality]], Pilgrimage Town
| settlement_type = [[Corporations, municipalities and taluks of Kerala|Municipality]]
| image_skyline = File:Guruvayoor temple.jpg
| image_skyline = File:009392022 Guruvayur temple, Kerala 004.jpg
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Guruvayur temple entrance
| image_caption = Guruvayur temple entrance
| nickname = Dwarka of the South
| nickname = Dvaraka of the South
| image_map =
| image_map =
| map_alt =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = India Kerala
| pushpin_map = India Kerala
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption =
| pushpin_map_caption = Guruvayur, [[Kerala]]
| coordinates = {{coord|10.5946|N|76.0369|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|10|35|40.6|N|76|02|12.8|E|display=inline,title}}[https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Guruvayur&params=10_35_40.6_N_76_02_12.8_E_type:city(67006)_region:IN-KL]
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name = India
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Thrissur District|Thrissur]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Thrissur District|Thrissur]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date =
| established_date =
| founder =
| founder =
| named_for =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| governing_body = Guruvayur Municipality
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 29.66
| area_total_km2 = 29.66
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 11.00
| elevation_m = 24.86
| population_total = 67,006<ref>http://www.guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/ml/general-information</ref>
| population_total = 67,006
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 3115
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes = <ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/ml/general-information|title=പൊതു വിവരങ്ങള്‍ &#124; Guruvayoor Municipality|website=Guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref>
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]s
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 680101
| postal_code = 680101
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code_type = [[Telephone]] code
| area_code = 91 (0)487
| area_code = +91487xxxxxxx
| registration_plate = KL-46
| registration_plate = KL-46
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Climatic regions of India|Am/Aw]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Climatic regions of India|Am/Aw]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| blank2_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|35|°C|°F}}
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|35|°C|°F}}
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|20|°C|°F}}
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|20|°C|°F}}
| website =
| website =
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}

[[File:Grurvayur AKG Memmorial gate.JPG|thumbnail|AKG Gate in Guruvayur]]
[[File:Grurvayur AKG Memmorial gate.JPG|thumbnail|AKG Gate in Guruvayur]]
[[File:Guruvayur Govt UP School.JPG|thumbnail|Government School]]
[[File:Guruvayur Govt UP School.JPG|thumbnail|Government School]]
[[File:Guruvayur Govt guest house.JPG|thumbnail|Government Guest House]]
[[File:Guruvayur Govt guest house.JPG|thumbnail|Government Guest House (Currently demolished to make space for new structure)]]
[[File:Guruvayur Library and reading room.JPG|thumbnail|Guruvayur Library]]
[[File:Guruvayur Library and reading room.JPG|thumbnail|Guruvayur Library]]
[[File:Guruvayur Railway station.JPG|thumbnail|Guruvayur Railway Station]]
[[File:Guruvayur Railway station.JPG|thumbnail|Guruvayur Railway Station]]


'''Guruvayur''' ({{IPA-ml|guɾuʋɐːjuːr|IPA}}) is a municipal temple town in [[Thrissur District]], of [[Kerala]] State in [[India]]. It is a suburban town of [[Thrissur]] city, located {{convert|28|km}} from Thrissur towards the north-west. It houses the [[Guruvayur Temple|Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple]]. It is located at a distance of {{cvt|292|km}} from the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]] towards the north-west, {{cvt|80|km}} from [[Kochi]] towards the north, {{cvt|90|km}} from [[Calicut]] towards south.
'''Guruvayur''' {{IPA-ml|guɾuʋɐːjuːr|IPA}}) is a municipal temple town in [[Thrissur district]], of [[Kerala]] State in [[India]]. It is a suburban town of [[Thrissur]] city, located {{convert|27|km}} from Thrissur towards the north-west. It houses the [[Guruvayur Temple|Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple]]. It is located at a distance of {{cvt|292|km}} from the state capital [[Thiruvananthapuram|Trivandrum]] towards the north-west, {{cvt|80|km}} from [[Kochi]] towards the north, {{cvt|90|km}} from [[Calicut]] towards south.


==History==
==Etymology==
Legends state that Lord Krishna asked two sages to take the idol from his temple in Dwarka while the city was being destroyed and establish it in Kerala. The idol of Lord Krishna was brought by Vayu deva and Brihaspati and was placed in Guruvayur. The name "Guruvayur" is a merge of both their names ("Guru" Brihaspati and "Vayu" deva).{{citation needed|date=September 2019}}
According to Hindu legend, the deity [[Krishna]] is said to have asked a deity and a sage to take the [[Murti|idol]] from his temple in [[Dvārakā|Dvaraka]] before it was destroyed by a flood, and establish it in Kerala. Accordingly, the idol of Krishna is believed to have been brought by the wind deity [[Vayu]] and Sage [[Brihaspati]] and was placed in Guruvayur. The name Guruvayur is a portmanteau of their names: ''Guru'' referring to the title of Brihaspati, ''Vayu'' referring to the deity.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Knapp |first=Stephen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djI5mL2qeocC&dq=guruvayur+brihaspati+vayu&pg=PT426 |title=Spiritual India Handbook |date=2009-01-01 |publisher=Jaico Publishing House |isbn=978-81-8495-024-3 |pages=426 |language=en}}</ref> ''Ur'' is a Malayalam suffix that means city or settlement.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
In 2010 the Municipality has been upgraded to Grade 1 by merging adjoining 5 census towns (Pookode(1), Iringaprom(2), Perakam(3), Paluvai(4) and Thaikkad(5)) of nearby Pookode(1,2,3) and Thaikkad(4,5) panchayats<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Seven-panchayats-in-Kerala-to-be-upgraded-as-municipalities/article16891430.ece</ref>. Thus the Municipality total area(29.66 SquareKilometer), total number of wards (43), population(67006) and population density(3115 per SquareKilometer) are changed<ref>http://www.guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/ml/general-information</ref>.
In 2010, the Municipality was upgraded to Grade 1 by merging nearby Pookode and Thaikkad panchayats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/Seven-panchayats-in-Kerala-to-be-upgraded-as-municipalities/article16891430.ece|title=Seven panchayats in Kerala to be upgraded as municipalities|date=11 November 2009|access-date=11 February 2022|website=Thehindu.com}}</ref> The Municipality consists of Perakam (CT) village, Pookode Village, Iringappuram(CT) Village , Thaikkad(CT) Village, Chavakkad Village, and Guruvayur Village part, revenue villages of Chavakkad Taluk. Thus the Municipality total area is 29.66 square kilometers, total number of wards (43), population (67,006) and population density (2,259 per square kilometer) are changed.<ref name="auto"/>


==Government==
==Government==
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====Guruvayur Ekadashi====
====Guruvayur Ekadashi====
[[Ekadashi]], the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the [[Hindus]]. Of the 24 Ekadashis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadashi (Sukla paksha) has got special significance in [[Guruvayur temple]]. A memorial honour for Gajarajan Keshavan is conducted in Guruvayur. The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Keshavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. On Ekadashi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (dawn to dusk pooja) is conducted by the Devaswom itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadashi there is a grand elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also. On Ekadasi after night pooja, the famous Ekadashi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
[[Ekadashi]], the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the [[Hindus]]. Of the 24 Ekadashis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadashi (Sukla paksha) has got special significance in [[Guruvayur temple]]. A memorial honour for Gajarajan Keshavan is conducted in Guruvayur. The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Keshavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. On Ekadashi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (dawn to dusk pooja) is conducted by the Devaswom itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadashi there is a grand elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also. On Ekadashi after night pooja, the famous Ekadashi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


===Chembai Sangeetholsavam===
===Chembai Sangeetholsavam===
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[[Chembai Sangeetholsavam]] is an annual [[Carnatic music]] festival held in Guruvayur by the [[Guruvayur Devaswom]] as a kind of homage to [[Chembai]] Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, one of the titans of Carnatic Classical Music. Chembai had conducted the festival in the temple town on his own for about 60 years. He used to invite all the great Carnatic Musicians to perform in the temple town and in course of time, the scale of the festival rivalled the Thyagaraja Aradhana at [[Thiruvaiyaru]], which is recognised as one of the most important festivals of homage paid to Saint Thyagaraja.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
[[Chembai Sangeetholsavam]] is an annual [[Carnatic music]] festival held in Guruvayur by the [[Guruvayur Devaswom]] as a kind of homage to [[Chembai]] Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, one of the titans of Carnatic Classical Music. Chembai had conducted the festival in the temple town on his own for about 60 years. He used to invite all the great Carnatic Musicians to perform in the temple town and in course of time, the scale of the festival rivalled the Thyagaraja Aradhana at [[Thiruvaiyaru]], which is recognised as one of the most important festivals of homage paid to Saint Thyagaraja.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}


The [[Guruvayur Devaswom]] decided to take charge after his death in 1974, and renamed it as Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory. About 2000-2500 musicians participate in this festival every year, and it is held for about 12–15 days culminating on the [[Guruvayur Ekadasi]] day, when all the musicians sing 5 favourite songs of Chembai and also the [[Pancharatna Kritis]] of Thyagaraja.
The [[Guruvayur Devaswom]] decided to take charge after his death in 1974, and renamed it as Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory. About 2000-2500 musicians participate in this festival every year, and it is held for about 12–15 days culminating on the [[Guruvayur Ekadasi|Guruvayur Ekadashi]] day, when all the musicians sing 5 favourite songs of Chembai and also the [[Pancharatna Kritis]] of [[Tyagaraja|Thyagaraja]].


==Notable landmarks==
==Notable landmarks==
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{{Main|Guruvayur Temple}}
{{Main|Guruvayur Temple}}


The [[Guruvayur Temple]] is a famous [[Shri Krishna]] temple and is one of the most important places of worship for [[Hindus]] and is often referred to as "Bhooloka [[Vaikuntha|Vaikuntam]]"<ref name="guruvayurdevaswom.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/ |title = Offerings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021210130541/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/ |archive-date=10 December 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which translates to the holy abode of [[Vishnu]] on Earth. The divine idol installed here represents the
The [[Guruvayur Temple]] is a Hindu temple of [[Krishna]]. It is often referred to as Bhuloka [[Vaikuntha|Vaikuntham]],<ref name="guruvayurdevaswom.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/ |title = Offerings |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021210130541/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/ |archive-date=10 December 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref> meaning the holy abode of [[Vishnu]] on earth. The [[Murti|idol]] installed here represents a form of the deity Vishnu bearing [[Chaturbhuja|four arms]] carrying the conch [[Panchajanya]], the discus [[Sudarshana Chakra]], the mace [[Kaumodaki]], and the [[Padma (Vishnu)|lotus]]. Adorned with a [[tulasi]] garland, the idol represents [[Vishnu]] as revealed to [[Vasudeva]] and [[Devaki]] at the time of his [[Avatar|incarnation]] of Krishna. The presiding deity in the [[Garbhagriha|sanctum sanctorum]] is [[Mahavishnu|Vishnu]]. It faces east and is 4 feet tall.<ref name="G1">{{cite web |url=http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/minstallation.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050429212610/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/minstallation.shtml |archive-date=29 April 2005 |title=Guruvayur Devaswom}}</ref> There are sub-shrines for [[Ganapathi|Ganesha]], [[Ayyappan]], and [[Lakshmi|Bhagavati]] inside the complex, and also two shrines for Ganesha and [[Nāga|serpent deities]] under the temple outside the complex.
[[File:Sree pardhasaradhi temple guruvayur.jpg|thumb|right|Sree pardhasaradhi temple guruvayur]]
enchanting form of Bhagvan Vishnu endowed with the four lustrous arms carrying the conch [[Panchajanya]], the discus [[Sudarshana Chakra]], the mace [[Kaumodaki]] and the lotus. Adorned with the divine [[Tulasi]] garland the idol represents the majestic form of Maha [[Vishnu]] as revealed to [[Vasudeva Anakadundubhi]] and [[Devaki]] at the time of [[Krishna]] [[Avatar]].
The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is [[Mahavishnu]]. He faces east and his idol is 4&nbsp;ft tall. Even though this is not a much small idol, devotees consider him as Little Krishna. He has 4 hands : The upper right hand holding [[chakra]], lower right hand holding [[Padma (attribute)|lotus]], upper left hand holding [[shankha]] and lower left hand holding [[Kaumodaki|gada]]. He is worshipped according to the pooja routines laid down by [[Adi Sankaracharya]] and later written formally in the [[tantra|Tantric]] way by Chennas Narayanan [[Namboodiri]] (born in 1427). The Chennas Namboodiris are the hereditary Tantris of the Guruvayur temple.<ref name="G1">{{cite web |url=http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/minstallation.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050429212610/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/minstallation.shtml |archive-date=29 April 2005 |title=Guruvayur Devaswom}}</ref> The temple/[[puja (Hinduism)|pooja]] routines are strictly followed without any compromise. The Tantri is available full-time at the Temple to ensure this. The Melsanti (Chief Priest) enters the Shri Kovil (sanctum sanctorum) at 2:30 AM and does not drink even a glass of water up to the completion of noon poojas at 12:30 PM.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Guruvayur_Krishna_Temple |title = Guruvayur Krishna Temple - Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia}}</ref> The vedic traditions being followed here with absolute perfection and sincerity is the hallmark of the Guruvayur temple. It is important to note here that, even though the shrine is considered to be one of the holiest spots for [[Vaishnavites]], the temple is not a part of the 108 [[Divya Desams]]. There are sub-shrines for [[Ganapathi]], [[Ayyappan]] and [[Bhagavathi]] inside the complex, and also two shrines for Ganapathi and [[serpent deities]] under the temple outside the complex.

===Other===
===Other===

* [[Punnathur Kotta]] Elephant sanctuary
* [[Punnathur Kotta]] Elephant sanctuary
* [[Mammiyoor Temple]]
* [[Mammiyoor Temple]]
* [[Sree Pardhasaradhi Temple]]
* [[Krishnanattam]]


==Transport==
==Transport==
⚫
===Railway===

⚫
The main rail transport system in Guruvayur is operated by the [[Southern Railway Zone (India)|Southern Railway]] Zone of [[Indian Railways]]. [[Guruvayur Railway Station]] lies in the [[Thrissur-Guruvayur Section]]. It is the last station in this section. There are two passenger trains operating from [[Guruvayur Railway Station]] to [[Ernakulam Junction]] and another two passenger trains to [[Thrissur railway station]] every day. An overnight express train to [[Chennai Egmore]] via Ernakulam Junction, [[Kollam Junction railway station|Kollam Junction]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Nagercoil Junction]], [[Madurai]], [[Trichy]] is also running from Guruvayur Railway Station every day. [[Thrissur railway station]] is the major rail head near to Guruvayur from where you can get all South Indian and North Indian trains.<ref name="Accessing Guruvayoor">{{cite web
===Road===
Guruvayur can be accessed from [[Kochi]] city by National Highway [[NH 17|NH 66]], which starts from Edapally in Kochi and interchange from Chavakkad. Guruvayur can be accessed from [[Thrissur]] city by state highway 49, which starts from Guruvayur and ends in state highway 69 at [[Choondal]]. Guruvayur can be accessed from [[Kozhikkode]] city by Chamravattom, interchange from Chavakkad. SH50 connecting chavakkad Kunnamkulam and wadakkancheri passes through Mammiyur Junction at Guruvayur. SH60 starting from Guruvayur ends at Ponnani the norther town to Guruvayur. From Guruvayur there are regular State-owned [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) buses. There is a KSRTC [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] bus stand in Guruvayur which run inter-state, inter-district and city services. There are good frequency of buses from Palakkad, Calicut also<ref name="Accessing Guruvayoor">{{cite web
|url=http://www.dtpcthrissur.com/info.html
|url=http://www.dtpcthrissur.com/info.html
|title=Accessing Guruvayoor
|title=Accessing Guruvayoor
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|publisher=Kerala Tourism
|publisher=Kerala Tourism
|access-date=2010-11-26}}</ref>
|access-date=2010-11-26}}</ref>

⚫
===Railway===
⚫
The main rail transport system in Guruvayur is operated by the [[Southern Railway Zone (India)|Southern Railway]] Zone of [[Indian Railways]]. [[Guruvayur Railway Station]] lies in the [[Thrissur-Guruvayur Section]]. It is the last station in this section. There are two passenger trains operating from [[Guruvayur Railway Station]] to [[Ernakulam Junction]] and another two passenger trains to [[Thrissur Railway Station]] every day. An overnight express train to [[Chennai Egmore]] via Ernakulam Junction, [[Kollam Junction railway station|Kollam Junction]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Nagercoil Junction]], [[Madurai]], [[Trichy]] is also running from Guruvayur Railway Station every day. [[Thrissur Railway Station]] is the major rail head near to Guruvayur from where you can get all South Indian and North Indian trains.<ref name="Accessing Guruvayoor"/><ref name="Guruvayoor"/>


===Air===
===Air===
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{{Weather box/concise_C
{{Weather box/concise_C
| location=Guruvayur, Kerala
| location=Guruvayur, Kerala
| source=Climate-Data.org<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{Cite web|url=https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/kerala/guruvayur-767043/|title=Guruvayur climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Guruvayur water temperature|website=En.climate-data.org|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref>
| source=Climate-Data.org<ref name="Climate-Data.org">
"CLIMATE: GURUVAYUR",
Climate-Data.org. Web: [http://en.climate-data.org/location/767043/].</ref>
| 31.3|32.5|34.8|35.1|33.9|29.2|28.3|28.6|29.5|30.4|31.2|31.8<!--highs-->
| 31.3|32.5|34.8|35.1|33.9|29.2|28.3|28.6|29.5|30.4|31.2|31.8<!--highs-->
| 20.6|22.3|24.7|25.7|25.3|23.7|23.0|23.5|23.6|23.7|23.5|21.2<!--lows-->
| 20.6|22.3|24.7|25.7|25.3|23.7|23.0|23.5|23.6|23.7|23.5|21.2<!--lows-->
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* [[Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur]]
* [[Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur]]
* [[Little Flower College]]
* [[Little Flower College]]
* Sree Krishna Higher Secondary School
* Guruvayoor Dewasom English Medium School
* Aryabhatta College, Guruvayoor


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Guruvayur&params=10_35_40.6_N_76_02_12.8_E_type:city(67006)_region:IN-KL GeoHack - Guruvayur]

{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Guruvayoor}}
{{Wikivoyage|Guruvayoor}}

*[http://www.guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/ Guruvayoor Municipality ]
*[http://www.guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in/ Guruvayoor Municipality ]
*[http://www.guruvayuronline.com/ guruvayuronline.com - Divine Gateway]
*[http://www.guruvayuronline.com/ guruvayuronline.com - Divine Gateway]
*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/home.shtml guruvayurdevaswom.org]
*[http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/home.shtml guruvayurdevaswom.org] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205095512/http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/home.shtml |date=5 December 2008 }}
*[http://www.guruvayoor.com/ Guruvayoor.com - The first Guruvayoorappan website, since 2003]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070715092209/http://www.religiousportal.com/GuruvayoorTemple.html Read the details about Sri Guruvayoor Temple]
*[http://harivaramyuga.com/explore.php Read the details about Sri Guruvayoor Temple]


{{Hindu holy cities}}
{{Hindu holy cities}}

Latest revision as of 10:37, 2 April 2024

Guruvayur
Municipality
Guruvayur temple entrance
Guruvayur temple entrance
Nickname: 
Dvaraka of the South
Guruvayur is located in Kerala
Guruvayur
Guruvayur
Guruvayur, Kerala
Coordinates: 10°35′40.6″N 76°02′12.8″E / 10.594611°N 76.036889°E / 10.594611; 76.036889[1]
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictThrissur
Government
 • BodyGuruvayur Municipality
Area
 • Total29.66 km2 (11.45 sq mi)
Elevation
24.86 m (81.56 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Total67,006
 • Density2,300/km2 (5,900/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
680101
Telephone code+91487xxxxxxx
Vehicle registrationKL-46
ClimateAm/Aw (Köppen)
Avg. summer temperature35 °C (95 °F)
Avg. winter temperature20 °C (68 °F)
AKG Gate in Guruvayur
Government School
Government Guest House (Currently demolished to make space for new structure)
Guruvayur Library
Guruvayur Railway Station

Guruvayur IPA: [guɾuʋɐːjuːr]) is a municipal temple town in Thrissur district, of Kerala State in India. It is a suburban town of Thrissur city, located 27 kilometres (17 mi) from Thrissur towards the north-west. It houses the Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple. It is located at a distance of 292 km (181 mi) from the state capital Trivandrum towards the north-west, 80 km (50 mi) from Kochi towards the north, 90 km (56 mi) from Calicut towards south.

Etymology

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According to Hindu legend, the deity Krishna is said to have asked a deity and a sage to take the idol from his temple in Dvaraka before it was destroyed by a flood, and establish it in Kerala. Accordingly, the idol of Krishna is believed to have been brought by the wind deity Vayu and Sage Brihaspati and was placed in Guruvayur. The name Guruvayur is a portmanteau of their names: Guru referring to the title of Brihaspati, Vayu referring to the deity.[2] Ur is a Malayalam suffix that means city or settlement.

Demographics

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In 2010, the Municipality was upgraded to Grade 1 by merging nearby Pookode and Thaikkad panchayats.[3] The Municipality consists of Perakam (CT) village, Pookode Village, Iringappuram(CT) Village , Thaikkad(CT) Village, Chavakkad Village, and Guruvayur Village part, revenue villages of Chavakkad Taluk. Thus the Municipality total area is 29.66 square kilometers, total number of wards (43), population (67,006) and population density (2,259 per square kilometer) are changed.[1]

Government

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Guruvayur Township was formed on 26 January 1962 with four electoral wards with an area of 6.49 square kilometres (2.51 sq mi). Later the wards were increased to 10 and in 1994 to 20 when the township was upgraded to Municipality status with an area of 12.41 km2 (4.79 sq mi). In 2010, the electoral wards were increased to 43. Guruvayur is a Grade-1 Municipality. Guruvayur assembly constituency is part of Trichur (Lok Sabha constituency).[4]

Festivals

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Guruvayur Ekadashi

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Ekadashi, the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight, is very auspicious to the Hindus. Of the 24 Ekadashis in a year, the Vrishchika Ekadashi (Sukla paksha) has got special significance in Guruvayur temple. A memorial honour for Gajarajan Keshavan is conducted in Guruvayur. The Karanavar or head of the elephant family places a wreath at the statue of Keshavan in front of Sreevalsam guest house and all the other elephants stand around and pay obeisance. On Ekadashi day, the Udayasthamana Pooja (dawn to dusk pooja) is conducted by the Devaswom itself . After the morning seeveli, on Ekadashi there is a grand elephant procession to the Parthasarathi temple since it is regarded as Geethopadesam Day also. On Ekadashi after night pooja, the famous Ekadashi Vilakku with elephant procession takes place and provides a fitting finale to the festival.[citation needed]

Chembai Sangeetholsavam

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Chembai Sangeetholsavam is an annual Carnatic music festival held in Guruvayur by the Guruvayur Devaswom as a kind of homage to Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, one of the titans of Carnatic Classical Music. Chembai had conducted the festival in the temple town on his own for about 60 years. He used to invite all the great Carnatic Musicians to perform in the temple town and in course of time, the scale of the festival rivalled the Thyagaraja Aradhana at Thiruvaiyaru, which is recognised as one of the most important festivals of homage paid to Saint Thyagaraja.[citation needed]

The Guruvayur Devaswom decided to take charge after his death in 1974, and renamed it as Chembai Sangeetholsavam in his memory. About 2000-2500 musicians participate in this festival every year, and it is held for about 12–15 days culminating on the Guruvayur Ekadashi day, when all the musicians sing 5 favourite songs of Chembai and also the Pancharatna Kritis of Thyagaraja.

Notable landmarks

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Guruvayur Temple

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Main article: Guruvayur Temple

The Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple of Krishna. It is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntham,[5] meaning the holy abode of Vishnu on earth. The idol installed here represents a form of the deity Vishnu bearing four arms carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki, and the lotus. Adorned with a tulasi garland, the idol represents Vishnu as revealed to Vasudeva and Devaki at the time of his incarnation of Krishna. The presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorum is Vishnu. It faces east and is 4 feet tall.[6] There are sub-shrines for Ganesha, Ayyappan, and Bhagavati inside the complex, and also two shrines for Ganesha and serpent deities under the temple outside the complex.

Sree pardhasaradhi temple guruvayur

Other

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Transport

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Railway

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The main rail transport system in Guruvayur is operated by the Southern Railway Zone of Indian Railways. Guruvayur Railway Station lies in the Thrissur-Guruvayur Section. It is the last station in this section. There are two passenger trains operating from Guruvayur Railway Station to Ernakulam Junction and another two passenger trains to Thrissur railway station every day. An overnight express train to Chennai Egmore via Ernakulam Junction, Kollam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, Nagercoil Junction, Madurai, Trichy is also running from Guruvayur Railway Station every day. Thrissur railway station is the major rail head near to Guruvayur from where you can get all South Indian and North Indian trains.[7][8]

Air

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Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, which is 72 km (45 mi) from Guruvayur. All international, domestic and chartered flights are available here. Calicut International Airport at Karipur is about 100 km (62 mi) away.

Climate

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Climate data for Guruvayur, Kerala
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 31.3
(88.3) 		32.5
(90.5) 		34.8
(94.6) 		35.1
(95.2) 		33.9
(93.0) 		29.2
(84.6) 		28.3
(82.9) 		28.6
(83.5) 		29.5
(85.1) 		30.4
(86.7) 		31.2
(88.2) 		31.8
(89.2) 		31.4
(88.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 20.6
(69.1) 		22.3
(72.1) 		24.7
(76.5) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.3
(77.5) 		23.7
(74.7) 		23.0
(73.4) 		23.5
(74.3) 		23.6
(74.5) 		23.7
(74.7) 		23.5
(74.3) 		21.2
(70.2) 		23.4
(74.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 2
(0.1) 		13
(0.5) 		21
(0.8) 		98
(3.9) 		291
(11.5) 		711
(28.0) 		743
(29.3) 		411
(16.2) 		250
(9.8) 		275
(10.8) 		142
(5.6) 		26
(1.0) 		2,983
(117.5)
Source: Climate-Data.org[9]

Education

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References

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  1. ^ a b "പൊതു വിവരങ്ങള്‍ | Guruvayoor Municipality". Guruvayoormunicipality.lsgkerala.gov.in. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  2. ^ Knapp, Stephen (1 January 2009). Spiritual India Handbook. Jaico Publishing House. p. 426. ISBN 978-81-8495-024-3.
  3. ^ "Seven panchayats in Kerala to be upgraded as municipalities". Thehindu.com. 11 November 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  4. ^ "Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies" (PDF). Kerala. Election Commission of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2008.
  5. ^ "Offerings". Archived from the original on 10 December 2002.
  6. ^ "Guruvayur Devaswom". Archived from the original on 29 April 2005.
  7. ^ "Accessing Guruvayoor". DTPC Thrissur. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  8. ^ "Guruvayoor". Kerala Tourism. Retrieved 26 November 2010.
  9. ^ "Guruvayur climate: Average Temperature, weather by month, Guruvayur water temperature". En.climate-data.org. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Guruvayur.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Guruvayoor.
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