Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the town of Guruvayur in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is one of the most important and popular pilgrimage sites in Kerala. The temple is also known as Guruvayoorappan Temple, or simply Guruvayoor Temple.
The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century CE by the Perumals of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Krishna. The temple is also home to a number of other deities, including Shiva, Ganesha, and Parvati.
The temple is a beautiful example of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex is surrounded by a high wall, and the main entrance to the temple is through a gopuram, or gateway tower. The temple has a number of shrines, including the main shrine, which houses the idol of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is open to visitors from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. There is a dress code for visitors to the temple. Men are required to wear dhotis and shirts, while women are required to wear saris or salwar kameezes.
Here are some tips for visiting Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple:
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen as it can get hot and sunny in the afternoon.
- If you are visiting during the monsoon season, be prepared for rain.
- Carry water and snacks as there are no shops inside the temple complex.
- Respect the religious sentiments of others.
Thiru Venkatachalapathy Temple is a beautiful and holy place. It is a great place to learn about Hinduism and to experience the culture of Kerala.