Guruvayur has been a serene temple town with the Shrine of Krishna adorning its centre. The town located in the Thrissur District of kerala is full of surprises. Besides the Shri Krishna Temple, there are some other pilgrim places too in and around the place. Besides there are a variety of tourist places too and the travel desk at Hotel Rajavalsam will assist you in exploring them all.
Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple
Legend has it that the temple was established by the Teacher of the Gods (Guru) and Lord of the Winds (Vayu) to honour the sacred idol of Krishna that was submerged in a flood in Dwarka and that's how the name "Guruvayur" was derived. The central icon of this temple is in the form of Vishnu as revealed to Devaki and Vasudeva at the time of Shri Krishna’s birth. This is why the deity is worshipped in the form of a baby.The temple opens at 3.00 am in the morning for ‘Nirmalyam’ and the devotees wait to get a glimpse of Krishna, chanting sacred verses from Poonthanam’s ‘Jnanappana’, believed to be the deity’s favourite poem.Held together by beautiful architecture, lores and legends, a tapestry of stories are woven into the corners and streets of this 14th- century temple. The locals also mention a plethora of myths and legends about the unique installations and sights in and around this temple.
Manjulal
One visiting the temple would sure notice this Banyan tree named as ‘Manjulal’. Placed 1 km away from the temple, the tree connects to the story of “Manjula’ an ardent devote of Krishna. A majestic and beautiful deity of Shri Garuda is also there installed under the banyan tree.
Maraprabhu & Guruvayur Keshavan
Inside the premises of Sree Valsam guest house are located the magnificent and towering statues of Maraprabhu and Guruyaur Kesavan. The place is one of the most popular tourist places in Guruvayaur owe to the presence of these statues. The 54 feet terracotta statue of Maraprabhu statue is a creative representation of Lord Krishna in the form of a giant banyan tree. While, the statue of Guruvayur Kesavan is dedicated to one of the most celebrated elephants in the Lord’s stables which was crowned Gajaraja several times. The place is visited by people every year to witness these pieces of art.
Punnathurkotta
A fort and former palace located in Kottapadi, Punnathurkotta is located about 2 km from the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. It was once the palace of a local ruler, but the palace grounds are now used to house the elephants belonging to the Guruvayur temple, and has been renamed Anakkotta (meaning “Elephant Fort”).The compound also has a naalu kettu, a traditional rectangular home with a central courtyard, which belonged to the Punnathur Raja. It presently houses a training school for Papans (Mahout).This complex also contains a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bhagavathy and it has also been sought after movie location.
Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple
Mammiyur mahadeva temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva along with shrines of Lord Mahavishnu, Ganapathi, Muruga, Darma Sastha, and Brahmmarakshas, Serpent Gods, and Mother Bhagavati Amman.Besides being a spiritual center, the place is famous for the gorgeous wall paintings and exquisitely crafted sculptures. A devotee should visit Mammiyoor temple after revering the deity at Guruvayur Shri Krishna temple, so goes the staunch belief of the localities.
Devaswom Museum
Guruvayur Devaswom Museum is located inside the Shri Guruvayurappan Temple complex towards the east gate. The museum is a must visit destination for cultural and religious enthusiasts because of its extensive collection of gorgeous and expensive offerings that have been made to the 5000-year old deity of the temple.The collection features antiques, musical instruments, mural paintings and other valuable materials. It also includes some unusual items like elephant teeth, rifle and toys.
Institute of Mural Paintings
The Institute of Mural paintings falls under the jurisdiction of Devaswom Museum and is located within the shree Guruvayurappan Temple complex. The place is famous for the exquisite art of mural paintings and students travel from all over the world to pursue diploma courses in mural paintings, sculptures, aesthetics and art.The institute follows Gurukula system to ensure an optimum environment for students. Seminars and exhibitions can be attended by art loving tourists to gain an insight into the art of mural paintings.
Chavakkadu Beach
Chettuva is a popular tourist destination in Kerala mainly for its backwaters. Its serene backwaters and verdant ambience surely make Chettuva an inviting place to visit. Blessed with mangrove vegetation, small islands, migratory birds, Chinese fishing nets etc, this destination is known for the tranquility it offers to the visitors. Besides, Chettuva is known marked as a heritage village by the Government of Kerala in 2010.
Chettuva Backwaters
The Institute of Mural paintings falls under the jurisdiction of Devaswom Museum and is located within the shree Guruvayurappan Temple complex. The place is famous for the exquisite art of mural paintings and students travel from all over the world to pursue diploma courses in mural paintings, sculptures, aesthetics and art.The institute follows Gurukula system to ensure an optimum environment for students. Seminars and exhibitions can be attended by art loving tourists to gain an insight into the art of mural paintings.
Palayur Church
St. Thomas Church was established in 52 AD by St Thomas is located at Palayur. It is the oldest church in India and one of the seven founded by St. Thomas the Apostle. Original small Church structure has been retained at the oldest site. During the 17th century substantial improvements around it were carried out without relinquishing the main sanctitude of the place. However, after the church was fully completed and after the priest had delivered a proper sermon, the local people agreed to demolish the old wooden structure, which resulted in the Church looking elegant. The original altar consecrated by St. Thomas is still retained.