Vasthu

Guruvayur temple is an epitome of Kerala's temple Vastuvidya .

1. one at East (*Kizhakkenada*) and 
2. other at West (*Padinjarenada*). 
3. The entire area between these *Gopurams* is roofed with tiles and known as *Anapanthal* . 
4. At the centre of this is a square shaped pillared hall called *Nalambalam*, the outer wall of which is fixed with a gallery of oil lamps.

The shrine is tiered in tandem with Kerala's traditional "vaastu" principles. The tiers represent the three aspects of a man's life -

1. 'artha' (money), 
2. 'kama' (desire) and 
3. 'dharma' (religion).

At the 

1. north-east side of this shrine is the *Koothambalam* , where, in olden times, dance performances were held. In the front and the east side of *Nalambalam* , the *Belikkal* and *Deepastambas* - Pillar of lights are located. There are a number of such light pillars in the Temple. The *Deepastambas* ,at each Gopurams ,are of special interest. In the north-eastern side of the Sree Kovil is the temple well called *Manikinar*.
2. The eastern side *Deepastambam* is 24 feet in height and has thirteen circular receptacles to hold the wicks. 
3. Of the other two at West Gopuram, one is in the shape of a tree. Dwijasthamba - It is a flag-staff ,around 70 feet height, fully covered with gold. The square shaped *Sri Kovil* has two stairs and three rooms inside. The inner most room is known as *Garbhagriha* (The Moorty of Bhagavan Krishna is placed here). Here, the two doors and the roof are covered by Gold. All the articles inside the *Garbhagriha* are in Gold. The outer room is called *Mukhamandapam* . The wall of Sree Kovil is decorated with ancient (17th century) murals. In front of the Sree Kovil is the *Namaskara Mandapam*, square in shape and with a pyramidal roof. Surrounding this is a pillared square hall called *Nalambalam* or *Chuttambalam* . A gallery of oil lamps is fixed on the wall of *Nalambalam * . 
4. The *Oottupura*, the place for *prasadauttu* is also located in the north side Here, the daily lunch is arranged for the devotees .Next to it is the temple tank *Rudratheertha* which is located near the north side of the temple.

The high point of the traditional Kerala architecture in the pillared courtyard surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is a 33.5-foot gold-plated flag mast that draws cosmic energy to rejuvenate the deity every day. The pillars are inscribed with sacred mantras

Vishwakarma, the divine architect was requested to built a Temple , which he made in such a way that

1. on the day of Vishu (Summer equinox), the sun himself makes his obeisance . 
2. His first rays on that day fall straight on the Lord's feet. 

The idol was installed 

1. in the solar month of Kumbha. (February - March). 
2. The ceremony was begun on the seventh asterism of Pooyam (Puozhya) and completed on the day of Anizham (Anuradha)