The Arattu festival at Guruvayur is the annual Guruvayoor Temple Festival celebrated in the month of Kumbham (February – March). Guruvayur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple, famous as the Dakshina Dwaraka, is one of the most famous Lord Krishna Temples in India, located at Guruvayoor in Thrissur district of Kerala. Guruvayoor Festival Begins with Aanayottam, Gopi Kannan wins Elephant Race
Guruvayur Arattu Ulsavam is the 10 days annual festival, and 10th day is celebrated as the Arattu day (Arattu is the ritual bathing of the idol in the temple pond). On the Arattu day the temple will be opened late after 6:00 am (usually the temple opens at 3:00 am for Nirmalyam darshan) and all usual poojas, except the usha pooja, will be performed. At 6:30 pm the Arattu procession begins and the Lord Guruvayoorappan’s idol is taken to the Rudra Theertham (holy water tank) for Arattu. After Lord’s Arattu, the devotees will also take a holy dip to get rid of any sins. An interesting feature of Guruvayur festival is that, after the Arattu Lord’s idol is taken on elephants top and the elephant runs eleven times around the temple.
The opening of the 10-day festival at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple festival was inaugurated by this elephant race . This is a unique event. The winning elephant is conferred with the honor of carrying the idol of the deity.
The 10-day Guruvayur festival signifies the occasion of restoration of divine Chaitanya (conscious). The Guruvayur festival also showcases the cultural heritage of the region as the locals perform the traditional dances and music. The enticing dance dramas based on the myths and legends of Lord Krishnas life are regular proceedings during the festival days.
How to reach Guruvayur?
By Road
Guruvayur is around 29 km Thrissur, Kerala. Guruvayoor being an important pilgrimage place for Hindus is well connected with other important towns/cities by road/bus transport. NH 17 (National Highway) passes through Kunnamkulam about 8 km away from Guruvayur Temple.
By Rail
Guruvayur Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach Guruvayoor. Thrissur Railway Station (29 km) is the next nearest major railway station to reach Guruvayur.
By Flight
Nedumbassery Airport (Kochi International Airport), about 80 km, is the nearest airport to reach Guruvayur.
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