Thrissur [Trichur]
FFrom very early times
Thrissur has been a centre of
learning and,
 with
the decline of Buddism and
Jainism and the establishment of
the supremacy of Brahminism
during the revival of Hinduism,
Thrissur became an important
centre of Sanskrit learning. The
Hindu philosopher Adi Sankara
had taught Advaita here. After
his travels in different regions
of India he is believed to have
come back and settled in
Thrissur and died here. Sankara
Acharya's disciples Hastamalaka,
Thotaka, Padmapada and
Sudhachara established four
Madoms in the city, namely the
Northern Madom, the Middle Madom,
the ln-Between Madom and the
Southern Madom respectively.
This sacred land had been
visited by other religious icons
like Swamy Vivekananda ,St:Thomas
and Sree Narayana Guru, who
fought against the caste system
in hindu religion, founded his
first temple in Koorkanchery.
Thrissur was for a brief period,
the capital of the Kochi
kingdom. The Shaktan Thampuran
palace, which was the abode of
the Cochin king, Shaktan
Thampuran, was recently
renovated by the
ASI(Archeological Survey of
India)
The Cultural capital of Kerala,
Thrissur, gained prominence
under the reign of Raja Rama
Varma in 1790. It was Sakthan
Thampuran to whom the modern
Thrissur is ever indebted,
rebuilt Thrissur from the
destruction caused by the
attacks of Tippu Sultan's army.
From ancient times, Thrissur
city has played a significant
part in the political
history of south India. Even as
early as 1919 a committee of the
Indian National Congress was
functioning in Thrissur. In the
Civil Disobedience Movement of
1921, several persons in
Thrissur city took active part
and courted arrest.
Long ago, the vast open area
around the Vadakkumnatha temple
was a magnificent teak forest
called Thekkinkaadu. Today, the
forest has given way to one of
the most important cultural and
commercial hub of Kerala.
Thrissur is built around a
hillock, crowned by the famous
Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple,
believed to have been founded by
legendary Parasurama.
The temple
is a classical example of Kerala
style of architecture and houses
several sacted shrines. It is
believed that Adi Shankara spent
his last days here.
Thrissur also has added to its
name The Church of Our Lady of
Dolors, popularly known as the
New Church [called Puthenpalli
locally]. It is the biggest
church in South Asia. The
Metropolitan of the Chaldean
Syrian Church (the name used for
the Church of the East in India)
is also headquartered in
Thrissur, and many religious
publications are printed by Mar
Narsai Press.
The major cultural attraction is
the Thrissur Pooram festival,
celebrated during April - May,
the Elephant Umbrella
competition is spectacular, as
richly caparisoned elephants
carrying ceremonial umbrellas
take the deity around the main
temple. The passionate drum
concerts and the spectacular
firework displays are all part
of the Pooram celebration.
Another attraction of this city
is the "Puli Kali" ("Puli" =
Tiger & "Kali" = Play) on the
fourth day of Onam celebrations
(Nalaam Onam). It is a
procession of different clubs
from all over the city and
everyone will be in the make up
of tiger. It attracts thousands
of people to the city.
Kerala Sahithya Akademy,
Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and
Kerala Lalithakala Academy are
head quartered at Thrissur
making the epithet 'cultural
capital of Kerala' more
meaningful.
Places of Tourist importance in
Thrissur
Vadakkumnathan
Temple:
One of the oldest temples in the State, the
Vadakkumnathan temple is a classical example of the
Kerala style of architecture and has many decorative
murals and pieces of art. This is the venue of the world
famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in
April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram are a
spectacular sight. Non Hindus are not allowed entry into
the temple.
Archaeological
Museum
(Town Hall Road): Open from 1000 - 1700 hrs on
all days except Mondays and national holidays.
Zoo
(2 km
from Thrissur town): Open from 0900 - 1700 hrs on
all days except Mondays.
Art Museum:
Located in the Zoo compound, the art museum displays
collections of wood carvings, metal sculptures and
ancient jewellery. (Open 1000 - 17 00 hrs on all days
except Mondays)
Town Hall:
Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings
from all parts of Kerala are on display.
Aquarium:
This is near Nehru Park (open 15:00 - 20:00 hrs).
Vilangankunnu
(7 km from Thrissur): This is a beautiful hill which
is a good picnic spot.
Arattupuzha:
This village is known for the annual Pooram
festival at the temple in April/May. The uniqueness of
this festival is the ceremonial processions carrying the
images of the deities of 41 neighbouring temples to this
village.
Peechi dam
(20 km east of Thrissur): This picnic spot offers
boating facilities. There are frequent private buses
from Thrissur to Peechi dam.
Christian
Divine Retreat Centres:
They are
located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the
Kochi - Thrissur route.
Guruvayoor
(29 km west of Thrissur): Guruvayoor is one of the
most sacred and important pilgrim centres of Kerala. Its
main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple. This
historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to
belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the
preceptor of the Gods , and Vayu, the God
of winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance
to the shrine. In the Chuttambalam (outer
enclosure) is the tall 33.5 m high gold plated
Dwajasthambam (flag-post). There is also a 7 m high
Dipastambham (pillar of lamps), whose thirteen
circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle
when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum
sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity. Within
the temple there are also the images of Ganapathy, Lord
Ayyappa and Edathedattu Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus
are allowed inside the temple.
Conducted
tours:
DTPC conducts daily tours from Guruvayoor. Bhakti Marg
Circuit: Tour starts from Guruvayoor in the morning.
Proceeds to Thriprayar, Kodumgalloor, Koodal Manikyam,
Vadakkunathan Temple, Velangan Kunnu and returns to
Guruvayoor by late evening.
Punnathoorkotta
(2 km from
Guruvayoor): This place is home to the temple
elephants numbering over 40. Visitors are allowed.
Irinjalakuda
Koodal Manikyam temple
(21 km from Thrissur): Situated 10 km away from
Irinjalakuda railway station, this ancient temple is
dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Sri Rama. It
is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the
deity. The colourful eleven day annual festival with a
pageant of thirteen caparisoned elephants is held in
April/May. The festival in this temple marks the end of
the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.
Cheruthuruthy
(32 km north of Thrissur): Cheruthuruthy is the
seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam, renowned the world over
for its Kathakali training centre. The music and dance
academy was founded by the famous poet, Vallathol
Narayana Menon. Training in Kathakali, Mohiniyattom,
Thullal and other art forms of Kerala is imparted
here.
Ariyannoor
temple,
Kandanisserry: This temple has a carved entrance
gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures
of American artist Louise Nevelson. The Siva temple at
Thiruvanchikulam as well as the Sri Krishna temple at
Thirukulashekharapuram are believed to be monuments
from the 9th century.
Athirapally
(63 km from Thrissur): At the entrance to the
Sholayar ranges, this 80 foot high waterfall is a
popular picnic spot.
Vazhachal
(68 km from Thrissur): Just a short drive from
Athirapally, this picturesque waterfall is close to
dense green forests and is a part of the Chalakudy
river. Athirapally and Vazhachal are
the most famous waterfalls of Kerala and favourite
destinations of tourists.
Shakthan
Thampuran Palace:
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area
of 6 acres. Here you can see 3 shavakudeerams
(tombs) including that of the renowned Shakthan
Thampuran.
Saint Thomas
Memorial,
Kodungalloor: St. Thomas is believed to have
landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52
AD. The St. Thomas Church established by the apostle
houses holy relics from the olden days.
Cheraman Juma
Masjid,
Kodungalloor: Located 2 km from Kodungalloor town,
this mosque resembles a Hindu temple in appearance.
Built in 629 AD, this is the first mosque in India and
the second in the world where Juma prayers were started.
Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu,
the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi
Temple and the Portuguese fort.
|
