Thrissur

Thrissur (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്‍) is a city situated in the Thrissur District of Kerala (Malayalam: കേരളം) state, India. It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the "cultural capital" of Kerala. It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The festival is held near the Vadakkumnathan temple, in April or May. It has a large number of well known temples around, including the temple town of Guruvayoor.

The name Thrissur is derived from 'Tri-Shiva-Perur' (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശിവപേരൂ൪) , which means the place with three famous Shiva temples which are said to be - the Vadakkunathan temple, Kottapuram Shiva temple and the Punkunnam Shiva temple. (Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva). Thrissur was also known as Vrishabhadripuram and Then Kailasam(Kailasam of the south) in ancient days.

History

File:Vadakkunatha temple.jpg

The Vadakkunathan Temple at Swaraj Round

Main Article: History of Thrissur District

From ancient times, Thrissur district has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the district is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur district was included in the early Chera empire.

The district can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and composite culture in this part of the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the 'Premium Emporium India', also belongs to the signal honour of having first given shelter to all the three communities which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar. These three communities are the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims.

Geography

Thrissur is situated in south western india 10.52°N 76.21°E / 10.52; 76.21 and is in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 66.15 km². The center of the city is the Vadakkumnathan temple located on a small hillock.

The city enjoys a tropical climate, the monsoons start in June. The months of April-May can get pretty humid which is also one of the best time to visit the city for the famed Thrissur Pooram. The best weather is from October to February.

Culture

A formation of gold-caparisoned elephants at the Thrissur Pooram. Poorams are Hindu mandir-centered festivals popular among both Keralites and tourists.

Thrissur 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 sacted shrines. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya spent his last days here.

Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is the biggest church in South Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press. The largest christian piligrim centre in the district, St.Joseph's Shrine is situated at Pavaratty.

Saint Thomas (Apostle) is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (Formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The Saint Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram festival, celebrated during April - May, the Elephant Umbrella competition is spectacular, as richly caparisoned elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity around the main temple. The passionate drum concerts and the spectacular firework displays are all part of the Pooram celebration

Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful.

Places of Worship

Thrissur has a variety of places of worship. People of Thrissur recognises and often offer their prayers in Churches, Mosques and Temples. Truly, people of Thrissur, keeps a broad minded attitutde towards secularism and religion and mutual respect.

Temples around Thrissur

• Paramekkavu Bhagawathy Temple
• Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple
• Vadakkumnathan Temple
• Paramekkavu Bhagawathy Temple
• Thiruvambady Temple
• Poonkunnam Temple
• Mulangunnathukavu
• Thiruvilwamala Sree Rama Temple
• Guruvayoor Temple
• Koodalmanikyam Temple
• Thriprayar Temple
• Arattupuzha Temple
• Kurumali Kavu Temple
• Areswaram Temple
• Payammal Temple
• Mammiyoor Temple

Churches around Thrissur

• Puthenpalli Church

Institutions of Higher Education

Major Colleges are:

• Government Engineering College, Thrissur

• Government Medical College, Thrissur

• Amala Medical College, Thrissur

• Mission Medical College, Thrissur

• Achutha Menon Memmorial Government College, Thrissur

• Sree Kerala Varma college, Thrissur

• St. Thomas College, Thrissur

• St. Marys College, Thrissur

• St. Alosias College, Thrissur

• Vimala College, Thrissur

Government Engineering College, Thrissur is situated 2.5 kilometers away from Thrissur town. Established in 1958, GEC is one of the premier institutes in the field of technical education. The institution offers B.Tech courses in 7 branches and M.Tech and MCA courses too.

Media

Kerala's leading Malayalam news papers, Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi have Thrissur edition published from Thrissur. Athani The new Medical college Mulakunnathukavu is situated here.

External links

• Government Portal
• For travel guide, information on pilgrimage centres etc.
• For more informations
• Website of Thrissur Police

See also

• Trichur Round - (Thekkinkadu maidan)