Guruvayur Temple

Facts for Prelims

Guruvayur Temple

News: Recently, PM Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala.

About:
• The Guruvayur Temple, located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Guruvayurappan, a form of Vishnu. The deity is popularly known as Krishna.
• The temple is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntha, which translates to \'Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth\'. It is also known as the “Dwarka of South India” due to Krishna’s widespread presence.
• The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana, the mace Kaumodaki, and a lotus with a tulasi garland. This image represents the form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of his birth.

Other significant details:
• The temple is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The rituals here are designed by Adi Shankara, the legendary philosopher.
• The temple is managed by a special administrative authority under the control of the Government of Kerala.
• It is also noted for being home to a large population of captive male Asian elephants. The Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary, where 56 elephants live, is very close to the temple.