The Cultural
Capital
The name of this town, often called the cultural capital of Kerala, derives from
'Tiru- Shiva Perur' or the town with the name of Lord Shiva. Appropriately enough, the town is built around a hillock atop which is its most prominent feature, the Vadakkumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as its presiding deity. Adi Sankaraacharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple. The Vadakkumnathan temple is also well known for its murals depicting the Mahabharatha as -well- as exquisite paintings carvings. The most spectacular festival is Pooram celebrated at the Vadakkumnathan Temple every year during April-May. Though non- Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, Kerala's grandest temple pageantry, which included colourful processions of caparisoned elephants and a midnight fireworks display, can be witnessed from the crowded streets of
Trichur.
The Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sahitya Academy and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy are all situated in and around
Trichur, as are the Nataka Niketan, the Nritta Kalalayalam and the Rama Varma Research Institute. These centres have lent the town the status of Kerala's cultural capital.
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Places to
visit
Thrissur Pooram:
Among Kerala's more colourful festivals is the annual 'pooram' festival in April/May at Arattupuzha. This is when idols from 41 temples of the neighbouring areas are brought in procession at night to Arattupuzha village.
Vadakkunathan Temple:
One of the most ancient temples in the state, the Vadakkunathan temple contains many decorative wall paintings and historically important pieces of art. The temple itself, with its thick mansonry walls and lofty gopurams is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. Exquisite wooden carvings can also be seen in the central shrines. The Pooram Festival here, is celebrated in April- May, on a grand scale.
Guruvayoor:
It is one of the most sacred and imported pilgrim centers of Kerala. Its main attraction is the Sree Krishna temple known as 'Guruvayoor Ambalam'. This historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to belief, the temple is the creation of Guru, the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu the Lord of Winds. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. In the chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the tall 33.5 mt. high gold-plated Dwajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 mt. high Deepasthambham (pillar of lamps), whose 13 circular receptacles provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The square Sreekovil is the sacred sanctum sanctum of the temple, which houses the main deity. Within the temple there are also images of Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy.
Arattupuzha:
It is famous for the Arattupuzha Pooram Festival held in March - April every year. During this festival, idols of deities from 46 neighboring villages are brought to the temple at night in procession on caparisoned elephants. This colourful festival attracts a large number of people from different parts of the state.
Athirampally Waterfalls:
It is near to the entrance of the Sholayar range is a place of great scenic beauty. Here, the water plunges from a height of nearly 80 feet before joining the Chalakudi river.
Vazhachal is just a drive from Athirampally, this picturesque spot is adjacent to Jense green forest, and is a part of Chalakudi River....
Cheruthuruthi:
The Kerala Kalamandalam established by the Poet Sri. Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930, to impart training in traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal and Folk Dances is located here. Special performances can also be arranged on request.
Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary:
Established in 1984, the Chimmoni Wildlife Sanctuary lies contiguous to the Peechi-Vazhani sanctuary, it is endowed with scenic beauty and a rich and varied wildlife. Elephant, sambar, gaur, Malabar squirrel, sloth bear etc. can be seen here.
Irinjalakkuda Koodal Manikam Temple:
This temple is situated 10 Km. away from Irinjalakkuda railway station. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the brother of Lord Sree Rama. It is perhaps the only temple in India with Bharatha as the deity. The colourful annual festival with thirteen caparisoned elephants is held for eleven days in April-May every year. Festivals in this temple mark the end of the Hindu temple festival season in Kerala.
Peechi dam:
This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi Dam.
Archaelogical Museum:
Open from 1000-1700 hrs on all days except Mondays and national holidays.
Zoo:
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.
Town Hall:
Houses the Picture Gallery where mural paintings from all parts of Kerala are on display.
Vilangankunnu:
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
neighboring temples to this village.
Peechi dam:
This picnic spot offers boating facilities. There are frequent private buses from Thrissur to Peechi dam.
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