Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur is a masterpiece of the typical Kerala architecture style, bearing a Koothambalam and an Aanappanthal. Dedicated to Sree Guruvayurappan - a form of Krishna, the whole temple is in the form of a rectangle and features exquisite mural paintings in the walls which depict episodes from the Puranas. The Sreekovil is square in shape with pyramidal roofing and abodes the idol of the Lord. Its door and roof are covered in gold. Two statues of dwarapalakas are seen on either side of the door. The Nallambalam or the Chuttambalam is a wall structure that surrounds the Sree Kovil. A small temple well called Manikkinar is located on the left side and the temple kitchen known as Madappalli is seen on the right side of the Sreekovil. To the left of the Sreekovil is the shrine of Lord Ganapathi. Next is the Namaskara Mandapam which is seen in front of the Sreekovil. This rectangular shaped hall has pyramidal roofing.
Kodimaram or Dhwajastambham (Flagpole of the temple) is seen outside the Nallambalam, in front of the entrance. Balipeetams are also seen here. The outer wall of Nallambalam is fixed with a group of oil lamps called Vilakkumatam. The shrines of Sastha (Lord Ayyappa) and Devi (Bhagawati) are seen on the southern side and the upadevathas are seen on the northern side.
A tiled roof called Aanappandal or Nadappura covers the area between the east gopuram and the west side of the Nalambalam. Decorated with pictures and paintings, the Aanappandal affords shelter for elephants and for the pilgrims who wait for worship. Koothambalam, located at the south-east corner of the temple, is where Koothu is conducted. Pattayappura (the granary) on the south-western side and the Agrasala (the dining hall) on the northern side are of special interest. On the north side of Guruvayur temple is the sacred pond called Rudratirtham.
Kodimaram or Dhwajastambham (Flagpole of the temple) is seen outside the Nallambalam, in front of the entrance. Balipeetams are also seen here. The outer wall of Nallambalam is fixed with a group of oil lamps called Vilakkumatam. The shrines of Sastha (Lord Ayyappa) and Devi (Bhagawati) are seen on the southern side and the upadevathas are seen on the northern side.
A tiled roof called Aanappandal or Nadappura covers the area between the east gopuram and the west side of the Nalambalam. Decorated with pictures and paintings, the Aanappandal affords shelter for elephants and for the pilgrims who wait for worship. Koothambalam, located at the south-east corner of the temple, is where Koothu is conducted. Pattayappura (the granary) on the south-western side and the Agrasala (the dining hall) on the northern side are of special interest. On the north side of Guruvayur temple is the sacred pond called Rudratirtham.
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