Thrissur
(Trichur)
Introduction :
Thrissur, meaning 'town with
the name of Lord Siva', is regarded as the cultural
capital of Kerala. An important religious and cultural centre
for centuries, Thrissur was occupied by the kingdoms of Kochi
(Cochin) from 16th to 18th century. It features one of the
largest temple in Kerala, the Vadakkumnatha Kshethram and is the site for renowned Pooram Festival. Trichur or Thrissur
district is in the central region of Kerala and is rich in
history, culture, and archaeological remains.
From ancient times, this district was the capital of Cochin
state and was captured by the Zamorin and later by Tippu Sultan
in the second half of the 18th century. In the subsequent
centuries the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English dominated
the scene. In 1790 Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan
Thampuran, ascended the throne of Cochin and was the architect
of present Thrissur town.
Travel
Attraction :
Vadakkumnatha
Kshethram :
Vadakkumnatha Kshethram temple sits atop a hill in the centre
of Thrissur. This temple is a classic example of the Kerala
style of architecture. The temple contains the sacred shrines
of Paramashiva, Parvathi, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathi, Sri
Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam
exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that
this temple was founded by Parasurama. Thissur Pooram, the
grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in
April every year. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Guruvayoor Kshethram:
The Hindu-only Sreekrishna Temple at Guruvayoor,33km. north
of Trissur, is one of the most famous in Kerala. The temple's
40-plus elephants are kept at nearby Punathur Kota.
Kerala
Kalamandalam:
This important academy of arts 32km north-east of Trissur
at Cheruthuruthy was founded in 1930 by the late poet Vallathol
Narayana Menon and his associate Manakkulam Mukunda Raja.
Triprayar:
This is famous for the temple of Sri Rama located on the banks
of the Triprayar river. Its architecture is similar to that
of the Vadakkumnatha Kshathram.
Koodal
Manikyam Temple:
This temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyal and selfless
hero and strong supporter of Rama. The diety at the temple
is said to embody the joy rapture experienced by Bharata,
when he learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. It's believed
that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata
and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health.
St.
Thomas Church:
The original St. Thomas Church, a stone and wooden construction,
was established in 1845 and dedicated to St. George Foraine.
Travel Information :
Air : The nearest
airport is Cochin 78 kms connected by Indian Airlines with
Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi, Goa, Madras, Trivandrum.
Rail : Trichur
is a Railway station directly connected with Bombay.
Road : Trichur
is connected by road with many tourist centres in south India.
Cochin- 78 km, Coimbatore- 114 km, Kalady- 55 km, Kanyakumari-
376 km, Madras- 720 km, Palghat- 67 km, Palani- 229 km, Rameswaram-
222 km, Udhagamandalam (Ooty)- 202 km etc.
Bus Service : Trichur is connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation
and private bus services to various places in Kerala. It is
also connected by direct buses to Palani, Madurai, Bangalore,
Mysore, Erode, Madras etc.
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