Thrissur
an abbreviation of Thiru-Siva-Peruru has
always been referred to as the cultural
capital of Kerala. Thiru denotes holiness
and not three. The central and the most
important feature is Vadakkunnathan Kshetram
where the reigning deity is Lord Siva.
Centrally located in the State of Kerala
this district is a rich reservoir in history,
culture and archaeological remains. Thrissur
Pooram, for long as one can remember the
two dominant temple groups hallowed by many
temples in Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu
clans look into a friendly combat for supremacy,
is celebrated every year during April- May.
There are several important points
of tourist attraction in Thrissur.
Vadakkunnathan
Temple
This
is not just another place for worship. It
has been the repository of culture and heritage
unparalelled in Kerala history. Vadakku
does not represent North and it is the corruption
of the word 'Edvam' or 'Sacred Bull'. Kunnu
is the Malayalam word for a hillock Edvakkunnathan
thus became Vadakkunnathan. The deity is
Lord Siva represented by 'Mahalingam' which
now cannot be seen due to the mount formed
by the traditional offerings or abhisheka
with ghee. The exquisite murals on this
shrine narrate the story of the epic Mahabharatha.
The decorative wall paintings and carvings
alone are worth a visit.
On the left of the entrance one can
see the famous Kuthambalam a beautiful structure
with an elegant sloping roof of metal plates.
Ancient dramatic form of Chakkiar Koothu
is staged here.
Archaeological
Museum
This
is situated beside the Town Hall Road. Several
relics and heirlooms of archaeological importance
are kept here.
Art
Museum
The
art museum in a separate building in the
Zoo compound, is a treat for the connoisseur
of art. Good collection of wood carvings,
metal sculptures and ancient jewelry are
preserved here.
Puthan
Palli
This
is one of the tallest churches in Asia and
is known for its Gothic model of architecture.
Vilangankunnu
Eight
Km. journey from the town on the Kunnamkulam
road leads to this picturesque hillock known
for its scenic splendour overlooking the
sprawling town and country side.
Academies
Kerala
Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy
and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head
quartered at Thrissur making the epithet
'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.
Arattupuzha
Arattupuzha
Temple, situated 16 Kms away from the town
on the Thrissur- Kodungallor road, is known
for its annual pooram festival held in April-May
every year which is one of the most colourful
carnivals of Kerala.
Peechi
Dam
This
enchanting picnic spot situated 20 Kms east
of Thrissur offers boating facilities in
the reservoir. One can see tuskers on the
bank of this reservoir
Cheraman
Juma Masjid:
Kodungallur
constructed in AD.629 is famous as the first
mosque erected in India and also the first
in India and second in the world where the
Juma prayers were started. People from far
and near irrespective of caste and creed
visit this holy place and pay their homage.
Idul Fitar (Ramsan) and Idul-Asha (Bakrid)
are celebrated here on a grand scale.
Athirappally
and Vazhachal water Falls
A
shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty this
waterfall, of 80 feet height 30 Kms.east
of Chalakkudy. Athirappally attracts a large
number of eco tourists. Vazhachal another
water fall is 5 Kms. away from Athirapally.
One cannot but watch this without breath
taking splendour.
Guruvayoor
Temple
Guruvayoor,
one of the most sacred and important pilgrim
centres of Kerala, is 29 Kms. north west
of Thrissur. The main attraction is a temple
dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known
as Guruvayoorappan. People throng here in
large numbers for worship the year round.
Kerala
Kalamandalam
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 form of
Kerala particularly Kathakali. Now the Kerala
Kala Mandalam is functioning at Vallathol
Nagar with its new building complex at Natyagraha.
The old Kerala Kala Mandalam is still at
Cheruthuruthy on the shore of Nila River
(Bharathapuzha). The Samadhi (Tomb) of the
Poet Vallathol the founder of this famous
institution is in the premises of old Kala
Mandalam.
Palayur
Church:
The
Catholic Syrian church of Palayur is one
of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas.
The feast falls on July 15 and many pilgrims
from different parts of India visit the
church.
Koodalmanickam
Temple (Irinjalakuda):
The
Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient and
historic one situated in Manavalassery village
about 10 Kms. from Irinjalakuda Railway
station. Lord Bharatha is the deity of the
temple. The festival is held annually for
11 days in Medom (April-May)
Mar
Thoma Pontifical Shrine Kodungallur (Azhikode):
Nineteen
hundred years ago the first missionary of
Christianity to India, St.Thomas, the Apostle
set his foot at Kodungallur. The Mar Thoma
Pontifical Shrine a monument to him is situated
here. It is a historic pilgrim centre of
the Indian Christians. The main feast of
the church is celebrated on November 21
every year.
