Guruvayoor Temple - Thrissur

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple (Malayalam: ഗുരുവായൂര്‍ ക്ഷേത്രം, Tamil: குருவாயூர் கோவில்) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the godKrishna (an avatar of the god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindusof Kerala and is often referred to as "Bhuloka Vaikunta"^[2] which translates to the "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth". However, even though the shrine is considered to be one of the holiest spots for Vaishnavites

The temple is located about 29 km from Thrissur. The nearest railway station is at Guruvayur. Only Guruvayur-Chennai Egmore express train  from Chennai via Thiruvananthapuram, Madurai andTiruchirapalli runs up to this station. However, a regular passenger train service to Ernakulam via Thrissur is available. The nearest major railway station with better connectivity is at Thrissur. The nearest airport (75 km) is Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery near Kochi. Guruvayur is well connected from all major towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Various private and state government-owned bus companies operate regular services to this temple town.

The annual festival starts by hoisting the holy flag on the golden mast erected in front of the Temple. The holy rope for hoisting the Flag comes from Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Panangad near Kochi as a procession.