|
THE
CULTURAL CAPITAL OF KERALA
|
|
Thrissur
district constitutes the central region of the State.
The district has played an important role in the
political history of the Kerala as well as the entire
South India. It is bounded by Malappuram and Palakkad
district in the north, Palakkad district and Coimbatore
district of Tamil Nadu in the east, Idukki and Ernakulam
districts in the south and Arabian Sea in the west.
|
|
PLACES OF INTEREST
|
 |
Thrissur
The
'Cultural Capital' of Kerala. The town is built around
a hillock, crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan
(Siva) Temple,
believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama.
The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture
and houses several sacred shrines. It is believed that
Adi Shankaracharya spent his last days here. The major
attraction is the Pooram
festival, celebrated during April May, the Elephant
Umbrella competition is spectacular as beautifully
decorated elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas, takes
the deity on a chariot around the main temple. Other interesting
sites are the Zoo, Fort, Palace and Churches.
Physiographically,
the district is divided into three distinct regions
viz., the highlands
comprising of
extensive ravines and dense forests in the terraces and
hills. The midlands or plains consisting
extensive paddy fields, interspersed by canals. The lowlands
as a narrow stretch bordering the coastline is made
of the sand, silt and alluvium brought do by the
rivers. The district is watered by four major river, viz
Bharathapuzha, Keecheri (Wadakkancherry), Karuvannur and
Chalakudy. Thrissur district has about 50 km. long coastline.
The backwaters, locally called as Kayals, lie parallel
to the coast interconnected with canals, which
provide facilities for inland navigation.
The district has more than 75 % of its total geographical
area under cultivation. The most important crops grown
are paddy and coconut. Other important crops include tapioca,
arecanut, cashew, banana, rubber, pepper, turmeric, pulses
etc. Thrissur is one of the industrially backward district
of the State. It has more than 20 large and medium
scale industries. Various traditional industries
like handloom, weaving, oil crushing, pottery, coir, basket
making, bell metal, mat weaving, fish curing etc.
flourish in the district.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guruvayur
It
is a major Hindu pilgrim centre, located 31 km.
north west of Thrissur. The town is also known as
the 'Dwarka of
South', and is famous
for the Sree Krishna Swamy temple. The presiding deity of the temple
is Lord Krishna popularly known as "Guruvayurappan"
or the Lord of Guruvayur. The antiquity of the temple
can be traced prior to 16th century, but it is believed
that the temple was created by Guru, the preceptor
of the Devas and Vayu, the Lord of Winds. The idol
of the Lord Guruvayur is said to have been worshipped
by Lord Brahma himself at Dwarka. The temple is
also closely associated with Sree Maelpathur Narayana
Bhattathiri, the great composer of Sanskrit devotional
poem 'Narayaneeyam'
as an offering to the Lord. Tipu Sultan of Mysore
during his invasion of Malabar and Cochin not only
left the temple untouched but also gave an annual
grant for the conduct of daily poojas and offerings.
The temple is also renowned for the healing powers.
Several offerings are made by the devotees
to the Lord, from the simple 'Archana'
(offering of flowers) to more elaborate 'Udayastamana
Pooja' or 'Thulabharam',
where a devotee is weighed against offerings
of banana, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. This is also
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 in the temple attracting thousands
of pilgrims from all parts of the country. The festivals
are Ulsavam
in Feb./Mar. which has elephant processions,
Vishukani
in April, Ashtami Rohini
in Aug./ Sept. and the most important Ekadasi
in Nov./Dec.
|
|
 |
Cheruthuruthi
The town is located
35 krn. from Thrissur. It is renowned
for the Kerala Kalamandalam,
established by the poet Sri Vallathol
Narayana Menon in 1930. The prestigious
institution imparts training in various
traditional art forms like Kathakali,
Mohiniattam, Thullal and folk dances.
Special performances can be arranged
on request.
|
|
|
|
Kodungallur
(Cranganore)
A
town of immense historical importance and
an ancient centre of trade and commerce with
the Jews, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and
the Arabs. Located 50 km. southwest of Thrissur,
the town was earlier known as Muziris. Pliny,
the great traveller described it as the 'first
emporium in India'. It has been the first
settlement for the Jews, Christians and Muslims
in India. St. Thomas the Apostle, is believed
to have been first landed at Muziris port
in 52 AD. The town also has the distinction
of having the first mosque in India. The striking
feature of the mosque is that it faces east
unlike other mosques which face Mecca. The
town is also known for the Kururnba
Bhagavathi temple and its Bharani
Festival in Mar. Apr. The pilgrimage to
the temple during festival is believed to
be potential deterrent to infectious diseases
like smallpox and cholera.
|
|
|
|
Chalakkudy
The
historical town is located 30 km. south
of Thrissur. Chalakudi is an important
'timber centre', and was the base of
Tipu Sultan during the attack on the
'Travancore Lines', known as Krishnakotta
or Nedumkotta. It is an important Rly.
station.
|
Arattupuzha
It
is located 12 km. south of Thrissur
town. The town is known for the colourful
festival of Arattupuzha Pooram,
held every year in the month of Meenam
(March-April). The deities of 46
temples from the neighbouring villages
are brought at night in colourful processions
on rows of caparisoned elephants accompanied
by music to the local temple of Lord
Sastha, during the festival. The festival
attracts large number of devotees from
different parts of the State.
|
|
|
|
|
Communication
Air: Nearest airport is at Nedumbassery,
Kochi.
Rail: Thrissur is one of the
important railway station of Southern
Railway.
Road:
The district has good road network.
Thrissur is well connected by
bus services .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
