Thrissur

This is known as the cultural capital of India for many reasons. Firstly it has many historic temples. It contains various academies. The city hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala.

The city is also home to scholarship of the 2 branches of Hinduism - that of Vishnu and Shiva.Thrissur has historically been a centre of Hindu scholarship. The city has one of the most important temples of Hindu Shaivism, that is the Vadakunnathan temple. The district is also home of one of the most holiest Hindu Vaishnava temples, the Guruvayur temple

Early Christian scholars claim St Thomas the apostle entered Muzris near Thrissur nearly 2000 years ago. The country's first mosque opened in CE 629.

Thrissur attracts shoppers for silk and jewellery and the highest number of domestic shoppers from Kerala.

Temples

Vadakkunnathan Temple

This is a temple dedicated to Siva. The style is totally different from eg the Chola kings' temples in Tamil Nadu. There are various murals inside the temple showing scenes from the Mahabharata. (Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple).

Festivals held in the temple

  • Maha Shivaratri is the main festival which is celebrated in the temple. Cultural and musical programmes are held in the temple premises. Around one lakh temple lamps (hundred thousand)are lighted in the festival. The idol of Vadakkumnatha is not taken out for procession

  • The Aanayoottu of feeding of elephants, is the second biggest festival held in the temple. The devotees refer to elephants as Lord Ganesh's incarnation. The festival falls on the first day of the month of Karkkidakam (timed against the Malayalam calendar), which coincides with the month of July.

Guruvayur Temple

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Krishna (an avatar of the god Vishnu), located in the town of Guruvayur in Kerala, India. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus of Kerala and is often referred to as "Bhuloka Vaikunta" which translates to the "Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth".

Kuramba Bhagavati Temple

This is one of the most ancient temples in India. It is said that the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, Parasurama, built this temple. Two festivals:

  • Bharani Festival In between March and April, involving the sacrifice of cocks.
  • Thalappoli Festival January February. Over 4 days. Elephants, much decorated, taken out from the temple.

Amma Thiruvadi Temple

Situated in Urakam, 12km from Thrissur. Beautifully designed. 700-1000 years old.

Festivals

Vishu

This marks the beginning of the harvest year and is celebrated with fireworks and light. Usually second week of April.

Thrissur Pooram Festival

This is held in Vadakkunnathan Temple. It is a massive festival involving fireworks and elephants. There have recently been controversies involving this festival as over 100 people were killed in 2014 at a Kollam temple. Additionally a court has ruled against sound displays at night. The festival uses all the temples surrounding the main temple. (Normally end April).

Koodalmanikyam Festival

This begins one day after the end of the Pooram Festival. It has colour, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts; the like of which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala or outside.

Travel Information

By Air

Kochi International Airport, is 58 km away. Kozhikode Airport is 80 km away from Thrissur City.

By Train

Thrissur City is a hub for trains to all major cities in India. Additionally Kerala's largest Railway Junction- Shornur Junction is just 33 Kms away from the city and is considered as Rail Gateway of Kerala, where all trains from and to Kerala touches.

By Bus

Buses from major cities like Chennai annd Mumbai.

Climate

Summer March to May high average 33C Winter December through February 32C Highest Rainfall June-July (Low).