THRISSUR
GENERAL
INFORMATION
| District Area |
3032
sq. km. |
 |
| District
Population(1993) |
274,225 |
| Altitude |
Sea level |
| Temperature |
Mean Max.
- 35 deg. C
Mean Min. - 22.5 deg. C |
| Clothing |
Tropical
Cottons |
| Tourist season |
September to March |
Thrissur, the name derived from
'Tiru-Shiva-Perur' (the town with the name of Lord Shiva) is often called the cultural
capital of Kerala. The town is built around a hillock. Its most prominent feature is the
Vadakkunathan Temple which has Shiva as its deity. Sankaracharya is supposed to
have spent his last days in this temple. South East corner of the district is bounded by
Tamil Nadu. Periyar, Chalakudy, Karuvannur and Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are
the main river systems in the district. Thrissur's rise as a town of importance is
attributed to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as 'Sakthan Thampuran', who ascended the throne of the State of Cochin in 1790. This former
capital of Cochin State was captured by Zamorin of Calicut in the 14th and 15th centuries.
In the latter half of the 18th century, Tipu Sultan held sway over Thrissur until
the European domination began under the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. The wave of
nationalism and political consciousness which swept through the country since the early
decades of this century had its repercussions in the district as well.
HOW TO GET THERE:
| Air |
The nearest airport is at Cochin,
78 kms away. |
| Rail |
Thrissur is linked to most major
towns inside and outside Kerala. |
| Road |
Motorable roads connect Thrissur
to several important centers. |
PLACES OF INTEREST:
 |
Athirapally
and Vazhachal Waterfalls East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are
the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. |
| Cheraman Juma
Masjid Built
in 629 A.D., Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque
in India. This resembles a temple in appearance. It is situated in
Kodungaloor. |
 |
Cheruthuruthy
 |
(Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the
Shoranur Railway Junction, Kerala Kalamandalam at Cheruthuruthy, was founded in 1930 by
Mahakavi Vallathol. It's main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and
traditional art forms of Kerala, particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala Kalamandalam is
functioning at Vallathol Nagar, with its new building complex at Natyagraha. The old
Kerala Kalamandalam is still at Cheruthuruthy on the shores of Nila River (Bharathapuzha).
The Samadhi(Tomb) of Poet Vallathol, the founder of this famous
institution, is in the
premises of the old Kalamandalam |
| It is in this academy that the
best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also
offers training in music, drama and other dance forms including Mohiniyattom, Koodiyattom
and Ottan Thullal. |
 |
Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre) Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrimage
to Guruvayur, 32 km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centers
and is also
known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands
of pilgrims is said to date, prior to the 16th century. It is believed that the temple
was created by the Guru - the Preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the Lord of the Winds. The
temple is dedicated to Krishna, known as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, here, and
the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. |
| It is at this temple that Melpatur
Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The
temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here
from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate
'Udayastamana' pooja or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of
bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Not surprisingly, Guruvayur is the site for several
weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of a child. |
 |
Peechi Dam: Peechi
Dam, 23km from Thrissur is an irrigation project site with boating facilities at
the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested
banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km. Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Punnathur Kotta:
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants
(numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at
one time. Visitors are allowed.
 |
Vadakkunathan Temple This temple is a classic example of the
Kerala style of architecture. The temple contains sacred shrines of Paramashiva,
Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna, The central shrines and
Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. |
| Trissur Pooram Legend goes that Vadakkunathanam
Temple was
founded by Parasurama. 'Thrissur Pooram', the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is
celebrated here in April, every year. Thirty caparisoned elephants, the glitter of gold,
blazing colours, trundling beats of Chendamelam - the quintessential Kerala music,
spectacular fireworks, etc. offer festive gaiety. Its a festival of gods. |
 |
Hill Palace Museum
13
km from Cochin,
this museum displays the erstwhile wealth and prosperity of the royal family of Cochin,
including the king's throne and crown. Also on show are other trappings of royalty like
majestic beds, paintings , carvings and samples of epigraphy. Tripunithura is also known
for the nearby Chottanikkara Temple and the Tripunithura Temple. |
|
 |
Town Hall and
Archaeological Museum
Also known as the
Kollengodu House, this majestic hall houses a picture gallery with mural paintings from
all over Kerala. (Open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays and national
holidays) |
|
