Guruvayur is most famous for its temple, which is many centuries old and one of the most important in Kerala. The temple is famous as a site for pilgrimage and also a cultural centre as it is one of the centre-points along which Kerala literature and art-forms have been developed. The temple's deity is Lord Guruvayurappan. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple.

Legend

The most prominent legend regarding the temple's idol relates to Guru Brihaspathi and Vayu, the Wind God.

At the start of the current yuga, Brihaspathi found a floating idol of Lord Krishna. He and Vayu installed the idol in this temple to help mankind in this yuga. This legend forms the basis for the names of both the idol (Guruvayurappan) and the town.^[2]

this information is gathered by jaison

Other Attractions

Another attraction is the famous Elephant Sanctuary (Punnathur kotta) near the temple where elephants are trained for temple purposes. There are currently more than 60 elephants, all of whom were offered by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappan.

The temple is a main site for hindu marriages. a record number of marriages take place each day at the temple some times crossing 100 in a single day. Devotees of guruvayurappan think it is a blessing to start married life in front of the lord.

GOLOKA RETREATS The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has recently started on its center and guest house for pilgrims to the town.

ISKCON is now establishing a welfare center in the holy land of Guruvayur to facilitate pilgrims and visitors from far and wide with a rich spiritual experience. One of the element of the complex is an International Guest House, the first phase of which is underway. Set in the core of the land of Guruvayur, Goloka Retreats is a five minute walk from the main Guruvayur temple and is sandwiched between the same and the famous Mamiyur Lord Shiva temple.

The Retreat will house a restaurant, one among 80 odd restaurants of the society all over the world, with select cuisine. An Ayurvedic spa and Yoga studio will keep you fit in a spiritual ambience designed for the change that you so much desire in your life.