Introduction
Thrissur, with its rich history, cultural heritage and archeological wealth is called the cultural capital of Kerala. The name of the district is said to have been derived from ‘Tiru-Shiva-Perur’ (The town with name of Lord Shiva). From ancient times, this district has played a significant role in the political history of South India. Many rulers and dynasties beginning with the Zamorins of Kozhikode, Tipusultan of Mysore and Europeans including the Dutch and the British have had a hand in moulding the destiny of this region. Raja Rama Varma popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran was the architect of the present Thrissur town.
History
The word 'Trichur' is the anglicized form of the Malayalam name of the town 'Thri-Siva-Perur', meaning the town of Lord Siva. The name is appropriate, for Trichur derives its main glory from Vadakunnathan Temple, (Vadakunnathan, Lord of the North, is a name of Siva) that dominates the topography of the town.Trichur is of hoary fame, and the origin of Vadakkunnathan Temple is ascribed to Parasurama, the legendary hero who is said to have reclaimed Kerala from the sea by a miraculous feat. In historical times it was a suburb of Musiris (present Cranganore) the capital of the ancient Chera Empire, an international Emporium where most of the ancient trading nationals of the world had their settlements. From very early times Trichur 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 Hinduisum, Trichur became an important centre of Sanskrit learning. The great Sankara Acharya had taught Advaita here. After his travels in different regions of India he is believed to have come back and settled in Trichur and died here. Sankara Acharya's disciples Hastamalaka, Thotaka. Padmapada and Sudhachara established in the town four Maddams, namely the Northern Madham, the Middle Madham, the ln-Between Madham and the Southern Madham respectively, all of which are extant except the In-Between one.
In the political convulsion that rent Kerala after the disruption of the Second Chera Empire, Trichur too, like many cities and towns of Kerala, suffered a set back. Things had come to such a pass that Vadakkunnathan Temple itself was neglected and a teak forest grew around it. It is interesting to note that the present extensive temple ground, about 63 acres in area, is even now called Thekin Kad (Teak Forest) though there is not a single teak tree in or near the temple ground.
The by-gone glory of the town was revived by Sakthan Thampuran, the enlightened Maharajah of Cochin (1790-1805), This was the time when the struggle for empire by the European powers and their incessant wars for the supremacy of Kerala coast made the traditional residence of the Cochin rulers at Thripunithura, near Cochin, unsafe, and Sakthan Thampuran decided to shift his residence to Trichur because of its salubrious climate and comparative safety from the depredations of the naval powers of the West. He had the teak forest cleared, revived the cultural traditions of the town, and built it up as a commercial centre too. It was, in fact, Sakthan Thampuran who settled several Syrian Christian families in the town from their business centres in adjoining areas, and these astute business men with their traditional flair for trade soon built up Trichur into the most flourishing centre of internal trade in Kerala. Their financial acumen has been mainly responsible for founding and building up the Kuri system of financing which has now become an all-India institution, and for making Trichur the most important banking centre in Kerala. The town is also famous for its gold and jewellery business.
The Trichur area today is the inheritor of this glorious tradition in art and culture and Trichur is today termed officially and otherwise the CULTURAL CAPITAL of Kerala. All the famous cultural institutions and organisations of the state are located here, such as the Kerala Sahitya Academy, The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, The Kerala Lalitkala Academy, the Kerala Kala Mandalam, the Trichur Museum, the Archaeological Museum, etc.
Trichur was perhaps the first district of Kerala to achieve actual 100 % literacy. Some of the best educational institutions in the State are in Trichur, led by the first Catholic College of Kerala viz. the diocesan St. Thomas' College, Trichur. Trichur also led in women's education with its plethora of colleges and schools run mostly by the Church and now also by others.
Culture
Culture of Thrissur is represented in the traditional customs of the place. Thrissur is referred to as the cultural nerve center of the state of Kerala. Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the state of Kerala, Thrissur houses several literary and cultural societies that impart training in performing arts of the region.
Thrissur celebrates numerous religious and social festivals with much pomp and glory. Onam, Pooram and Pulikkali are some of the prominent festivals of the local population of Thrissur. The unique culture of the beautiful place of Thrissur is reflected through the various festivities of the place. During the Onam festival, the artists of Thrissur perform the traditional dance of Kathakali.
On the special festive occasion of Pooram, the elephants of the near by temples are highly decorated. The procession of elephants attracts several tourists who are awed by the rich glory and grandeur of the place. Pulikkali is a unique festival of Thrissur where the participants paint themselves with yellow and act like tigers much to the amusement of the audience.
Reflecting the architectural splendor of the ancient times, Thrissur has several religious shrines that draw tourists from far and wide. The ancient place of Thrissur houses several literary and cultural societies that are known for upholding the traditional ancestry and cultural legacy of the state of Kerala by giving proper training to the interested candidates in the field of drama, dance, music and theatre.
The cultural hub of Kerala, Thrissur maintains a harmonious balance between traditional arts and modern values.
Pooram Festival
The annual Pooram festival held in April/ May , is one of the biggest in the south. It include fireworks, colourful processions and brightly decorated elephants. This festval was first introdused by Sakthan Thamburan, the maharaja of the former state of Kochi
Places of Tourist Interest
Vadakkumnathan Temple
One of the oldest temples in the state, the Vadakkumnatha 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 Thrissur pooram celebrated annually in April - May. The fireworks at the pooram are a spectacular sight. Non Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.
Guruvayoor
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 goods, 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.
Punnathoor Fort
Over forty Elephants are groomed at the Punnathoor Fort. It is situated 2 km away from Guruvayoor Temple.
Arattupuzha
This village is known for the annual Pooramfestival 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. Aarattupuzha is just 14 kms south of Thrissur town
Town hall
Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.
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.
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. Temple is situated 25 km away from Thrissur in the Kodungallur route
Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple
This Sree Rama Temple is situated at Thriprayar about 32 km away from Thrissur
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary comprising of the dense, moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests is situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams.
Kerala Forest Research Institute
This institute, estsblished in 1975, undertake research on a range of issues including medical plants, entomology, clonal propagation of plants, disease control and methods for reforestation.
Peechi Dam
20 km east of Thrissur, this picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur. Built across the Manali River, the dam is a vast catchment area of nearly 3200 acres with extensive botanical gardens and cascading fountains offer numerous inviting avenues for tourists.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal Waterfalls
Athirappalli and Vazhachal Waterfalls are two scenic and popular waterfalls located about 63 km away from Thrissur, on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges, 5km apart
Ariyannoor Temple
This temple has a carved entrance gable, which has been compared to the sculptures of American artist, Louise Nevelson. The Sree Krishna Temple at Thirukulashekharapuram as well as the Siva Temple at Thiruvanchikulam are believed to belong to the 9th century.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Also known as Palace Thoppu, the campus covers an area of 6 acres. Here one can see three tombs (Shavakudeerams) including that of Shakthan Thampuran, the greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
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 Thiruvanchidulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese Fort.
Dream World Water theme park
Dream world is situated at Kanjirappilli 32 Km away from Chalakkudi.
How To Reach There
Nearest international airport is at Nedumbassery, 58 kms away.Thrissur is an important railhead of the Southern Railways.The place is well connected with almost all the major towns and cities of India.
.jpg)