Guruvayur Temple, Hindu temple in Thrissur district, India

Guruvayur Temple is a Hindu temple in Thrissur district, India, dedicated to the god Krishna and considered one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Kerala state. The complex consists of several buildings and courtyards grouped around a central shrine, while the outer walls are marked by tall towers.

The site appears as "Kuruvayur" in the 14th-century Tamil text Kokasandesam, and by the close of the 16th century it was a principal pilgrimage centre of Kerala. A Dutch raid in 1716 burned the western gopuram, rebuilt in 1747; in 1789 the main idol was moved to Ambalappuzha for safekeeping and reinstalled on 17 September 1792.

The sanctuary follows strict entry rules that permit only Hindus to enter the inner shrine, while worshippers arrive in traditional attire. The temple kitchen serves thousands of simple vegetarian meals daily, prepared according to age-old recipes.

Visitors should expect waiting times, as crowds are especially large on weekends and holidays. Opening hours begin early in the morning, and the cooler morning hours are well suited for a visit.

The temple's name comes from Guru (Brihaspati) and Vayu, who according to legend carried the idol south after Krishna's ascent and installed it here; -ur means place. The blue sign at the entrance, in English and Tamil, bars non-Hindus from the temple.