Sage Dattatreya tells that Lord Vishnu in the form of Guruvayur, pleased with Brahmaji handed over the idol to him and Brahmaji brought the idol to Dwarka. He asked his disciple Uddhava to install it at some holy place. Uddhava entrusted the task to Guru Brihaspati Dev (the preceptor of the gods) and Pawandev (the god of the winds). He was installed near Rudra Teerth Lake. The place takes its name from Guru (Jupiter) and Vayu (wind god), who jointly installed the deity, hence the name Guruvayurappan.
This is a 16th-century temple. In the sanctum sanctorum, the four-handed idol of Lord Vishnu holds a conch shell in one hand, Sudarshan Chakra in the other, and lotus in the third and fourth hands. The idol of the deity is adorned with a garland of holy basil, and a necklace of pearls and is a bright representation of Lord Vishnu.

Service and worship
The temple opens at 3 in the morning and closes at 10 in the night. The puja is performed by celibate priests residing in the temple premises for six months.
Darshan at 3 am is considered auspicious and is called Nirmala Darshan, followed by Abhishek, Alankar and Usha Naivedyam and Ethiretu Puja.

The ten-day celebration in Ulsavam begins by hoisting the flag on the flag pillar praying for health and longevity. Where devotees are offered bananas, coconut sugar, jaggery fruits, coins and coconuts equal to their weight.
Anayottam (Elephant Race): The festival begins with an elephant race to determine which elephant will raise the flag.

Vaikuntha Ekadashi falls in December-January and is combined with a music festival which is held for 12 days.

Vishu- Malayali New Year April New Year.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami
Guruvayur festival lasts for 10 days starting from the day of 'Pooyam' constellation in the month of Kumbham (February-March).

Best time to visit: All year round

Interesting fact

• Men can enter the temple only if they are wearing a dhoti, the shirt is not allowed. Only men do Anga Pradakshina. 
• Every night, thousands of lamps are lit during the Vilakkumatham procession.
   

Nearby Places: 

• Sabarimala Temple is 214 km away from Cochin, 
• Harikanyaka Temple at Ariyannur is 7 km from Guruvayur.
• Elephant Park is at a distance of about 4 km from Guruvayur town.