Lord Krishna Swamy		Temple Of Guruvayoor

Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrimage to Guruvayur, 32 away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centers and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date, prior to the 16th century. Tradition has it that the temple was created by the Guru - the Preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds. The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka.

It is at this temple that Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The temple

is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana' pooja or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Not surprisingly Guruvayur is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of a child.

The temple opens at 3 am for the 'Nirmalyadarshan' to themelodious strains of the Nadaswaram and the devoted chanting of  'Narayana, Narayana' in his especially auspicious Dersan. the lord is still adomed with the flowers and garland of previous day. The is then rituly bathed and dressed to represent Balagopala or Krishna as a child. The importent Ucha Pooja takes place at midday. During the Diparadhana the eleboratly bedeked idol glows in the warm lamps of the temple lamps. The temple closes at 10 am after day long poojas, rites and processions.

Festivals
Utsavam 10 days (February / March) with elephant race, Processions and several rituals. Astami Rohini (August / September) Vishukani Festival . Among aother several other interesting festivals 'Chembai Sangeetha Mela' is held at this time.