GURUVAYUR’ -Dwaraka of south - is one of the most famous Sree Krishna temples in India. The divine idol installed here represents the  world–enchanting form of Sree Krishna endowed with the four lustrous arms carrying the conch, the  discus, the mace and the lotus. Adorned with the divine `Thulasi’ garland and pearls necklaces, the idol represents the majestic form of Maha Vishnu as revealed to Vasudeva and  Devaki at the time of  'Krishnavathara'.

Thousands of devotees from all over the world visit this temple daily for darsan (worship). It is believed that the Lord revels here in the same majestic form as he would at 'Vaikunda' - his celestial abode. Thus Guruvayur is known as `Bhooloka Vaikunda'. 

After the departure of Lord Sree Krishna to 'Vaikunda',  Dwaraka was submerged in the sea but the image of 'Narayana' at Dwaraka was saved by Udhava the foremost disciple of Sree Krishna. Accordingly, Brihaspathi (preceptor of Gods) accompanied by his disciple, Vayu  (the God of winds), arrived at Dwaraka. Sree Krishna had already departed to Vaikunda  and Varuna,(the Sea-God), was in occupation of Dwaraka. The image of Narayana  itself was being tossed in the sea by the surging waves . At the suggestion of Guru and Vayu, Varuna withdrew. The Wind God carried the image on his head and both began to search for a sacred place for its installation.

They wandered through lands in  North and South and finally as they entered Kerala they met  Parasurama, who had created Kerala.  Parasurama led the way for Guru and Vayu and they all came near a beautiful lake full of lotuses. On one side of the lake were Siva and Parvathi to welcome them. They advised to install the image at this place and they themselves  shifted to the opposite bank of the lake known as Mammiyoor temple.(It is belived that those devotees who come for Sree Krishna Temple must visit the Siva temple at Mammiyur). Since the installation was done by GURU and VAYU the place was named as GURVAYUPURA and later on as GURUVAYUR. The deity of Guruvayur is thus called Guruvayurappan, the Lord (APPAN) of Guruvayur.