THRISSUR
ABOUT THRISSUR:
- Thrissur or ‘Thiru-shiva-peroor’ is named after Shiva and is the ‘Cultural Capital’ of Kerala.
- It has been of great religious and cultural significance for many centuries.
MODE OF COMMUNICATION:
- Airport: Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK), 78 kms away from Thrissur town.
- Rail: Thrissur Railway Station, Thrissur, 2 kms away from Thrissur centre of town.
- Road: Well connected with NH47.
SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:
|
HOLY CENTRE |
Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple Martha Mariam Big Church Arattupuzha Guruvayur |
|
OTHERS |
Cherutharuthi |
|
FAIRS & FESTIVALS |
Onam |
For more information visit https://thrissur.nic.in/
ATTRACTIONS OF THRISSUR
Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple:
- Ancient shrine atop a hillock in the heart of the town is believed to be founded by legendary sage Parasurama.
- Built in Kerala style and is one of the largest temples of Kerala.
- Temple has an amazing Mahalingam concealed under a huge mound of ghee, which is offered to the deity as a ritual.
- Miraculously the ghee never melts or emits any smell, even in the hot climate of Thrissur.
- Temple is also associated with the great sage Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have spent last days over here.
- Pooram festival (April-May) celebrated at the shrine is the main attraction of Thrissur.
- Elephant Umbrella competition during this time is spectacular.
- Beautifully decorated elephants adorned with ceremonial umbrellas carry the deity on a chariot around the main temple.
- Excellent fireworks are on display during the celebration.
Martha Mariam Big Church:
- Grand church built in 1815, is noted for its exquisite carvings.
- It is a must visit site in the town.
ATTRACTIONS AROUND THRISSUR
Arattupuzha:
- 12 kms away from Thrissur town.
- Famous for the colourful festival of Arattupuzha Pooram held every year in the month of Meenam (March-April).
- During the festival, the deities of 46 temples from the neighbourhood villages are brought at night in a colourful procession on rows of caparisoned elephants to the local temple of Lord Sastha.
Cherutharuthi:
- 35 kms away from Thrissur town.
- Famous for the Kerala Kala Mandalam, established by poet Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930.
- Centre imparts training in various traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullai etc.
- Various instrumental and vocal art forms are also taught here.
Guruvayur:
- 31 kms away from Thrissur town.
- The ‘Dwarka of South’ is one of the most important pilgrim centres of Kerala.
- Idol of the Lord Guruvayur is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwarka.
- The antiquity of the temple can be traced prior to 16th century.
- Believed that shrine was consecrated by Adi Shankracharya.
- Main entrance to the shrine is from eastern nada and at the entrance is a 33.5 metres high gold plated Dwajasthambam (flag post) called as Garuda Gamba and a 7 metres high Dipastambha (pillar of lamps) with thirteen circular receptacles.
- Square Sreekovil is the sanctum enshrining the idol of Lord Krishna, the presiding deity popularly known as “Guruvayurappan” or the Lord of Guruvayur.
- Temple is also renowned for the healing powers.
- A good place to watch Kerala Hindu marriage ceremony as it is the favourite venue for weddings and ‘Annaprasanam’, the first feeding ceremony of the child.
- There are four main festivals celebrated here – Ulsavamin (February/ March), Vishukani (April), Astami Rohini (August/ September), Ekadasi (November/ December).
Onam:
- The most important festival of Kerala.
- It is celebrated in the month of August/ September and commemorates the home coming of legendary king Mahabali.
- ‘Tourist Week’ celebrations are organised during this time in the State.
- It is also an occasion of family get-together.
