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Guruvayoor Tours
Even if you are vaguely familiar with Hindu mythology, the name "Gruver" should ring a bell in your mind. A prosperous town in richer district of Kerala state in the South of India, it is famous for its picturesque and breathtaking beauty. However, Gruver is synonymous with the Sere Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple located there so that when anybody says he is going to Gruver, it is understood that it may be to this famous temple. Guruvayoor is located 29 km north-east of Thrice. The nearest airport is the Nedumbassery located 87 kms away. The temples of Kerala, known for their marvellous architecture and impeccable design are frequently visited by tourists. The Guruvayoor Temple devoted to Lord Krishna is the most admired and most frequented Hindu pilgrimage centre in Kerala. Entry to the temple is restricted to Hindus only though people from other religions can admire the temple from its ramparts.
Legend goes that the original deity was situated in Dwaraka. When Dwaraka began sinking in the sea, Guru, (Brihaspathi) and Vayu, the God of the air brought it to Kerala where they spotted a beautiful lake sheltered with lotuses, with Lord Shiva meditating by the side of the lake. The idol was installed there and named Guruvayurappan. The Rudratheertham or the temple tank can still be found today. The Guruvayoor temple is the most commonly chosen site for marriages and rice feeding ceremonies. Another major tourist attraction is the renowned elephant sanctuary (Punnathur kotta) near the temple where jumbo elephants are trained for religious purposes. The sanctuary currently has more than 60 elephants, all of whom were offered by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappan.
