TRICHUR
Trichur occupies a
prominent place in the history and culture of Kerala and is said to be the
Cultural Capital of the State. It is also one of the main trade centers in the
state. The present Trichur District was carved out of a bigger District of the
same name on 1st April , 1958. It derives its name from the location of its
headquarters at Trichur. The name Trichur derives from 'Thrishivaperur' or the
place with 'Lord shiva's name' . The town is is thus built around a hillock
atop which is the Vadakkaumnathan Kshetram or temple which has Shiva as the
presiding deity. Adi Sankara is supposed to have spent his last days in this
temple; a shrine dedicated to him lends credence to this belief. Trichur rose
in importance due, it is believed, to Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as
'Sakthan Thampuram' who ascended the throne of Kochi in 1970. Large areas of
Trichur were captured by the zamorins of Kozhikode in the 14th and 15th
centuries. Later, in the latter half of the 18th centuries, Tipu Sulthan held
sway over Trichur until the European domination began under the Portuguese, the
Dutch and the English. Long ago, the vast open area around the temple was a
magnificent teak forest called Thekkinkadu. Today the forest has given way to
one of the most important examples of Kerala's architecture which often does
away with the imposing 'gopurams' of South Indian temples. This temple features
low, tiled roofs, an abundance of woodwork, and the famous 'Koothambalam' of
theatre hall with sloping roofs of metal plates within which is performed the
dramatic art for 'Chakiar koothu'. The Vadakkumnadam temple is also well known
for its murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharatha as well as exquisite
paintings and carvings.
South East corner of the district is bounded by Tamil Nadu.
The Periyar, The Chalakkudy, The Karuvannur and Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are
the main river systems in the district. A place of great antiquity, Trichur was
also known by such names as 'Vrishabhadripuram' and 'Ten Kailasm' in ancient
days. The famous Kerala Kalamandiram, Cheruthuruthi, founded by the late poet
Vallathol Narayana Menon, is in Trichur District. The Kerala Sahitya Academy
and Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka are situated in Trichur town.
GURUVAYUR
Located 29 km
north-west of Trichur District in God's Own Kerala, Guruvayur is one of the
most important pilgrimage centers of South India. Guruvayur is also called the
Bhoolokavaikunta- the haven on Earth . The square Sreekovil
is the sacred sanctum sanctorum of the temple, housing the main deity of
Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. It is this temple that
Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'. The
temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the
deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and
elaborate 'Udayastamana pooja' or 'Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed
against offering of Bananas, sugar, Jagger or coconuts. Guruvayur is
the site for weddings and Annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of a child.
This is probably the only site for several wedding and ' Annaprasanam', the
first feeding ceremony of child. Within the temple, there are also the idols of
Ganapathy, Sree Ayyappa and Edathathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus are allowed
inside the temple. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite
mural paintings are carvings. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the
shrine. Just in front of the temple there is a huge tower of light, it has
thirteen discs including basement and is 24 feet in height. There are four Deepasthambams made of brass, inside the
temple. One at northern wing was smashed by the Gajarajan Kesavan. The eastern
tower, Kizhakke Gopuram (eastern tower ) is 27 feet in height. In the
Chuttambalam (outer enclosure) is the
tall 33.5 o high gold slated wajasthambam (flag post). There is also a 7 o high
dipastambham (pillar of lamps), with its thirteen circular receptacles, which
provide a truly gorgeous spectacle when lit. The temple is dedicated to Krishna
known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur.
PUNNATHOORKOTTA
Punnathoorkotta which is 2 km from Guruvayur. Is the largest
elephant park in the world with over 60 elephants. The devotees of
Guruvayurappan have donated all them. Brought as ritual of ferings to the
temple, there elephants are groomed at this fort. It is an interesting site to
visit as one gets to see at close quarters so many turkers together.
MAJOR ATTARACTIONS
Zoo and Art Museum- Situated at a distance of 2 km from
Trichur center, the State Art Museum and Zoo are both enclosed within the same
boundary and offer a fine dwelling place to a variety of endangered species. It
also has a famous snake park The ask museum displays collections of wood
carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewellery, religious idols, kathakali
figures, traditional jewellery of Kerala and a vast collection of traditional
lamps.
ATHIRAPILLY - VAZHACHAL WATER FALLY
Sited at 62 km south of Trichur, Athirapilly and Vazhacgal
are one of the most attractive waterfalls in the State. Being 400 meters wife
and falling through a height of 80 meters. There waterfalls make an enchanting
experience for any visitor. The lovely forest and cool water offer a quiet
tranquility for the jaded mind. Aughsarilly and Vazhachal water falls are
situated just 5 km apart from each other.
PEECHI
A fascinating picnic spot, is well known for the Peechi dam,
located 23km east of Trichur. This dam project, which started as an irrigation
project, offers coating facilities at the reservoir. The 125 sq. Km Peechi
Vazhani Wild Life Sanctuary, located here is good to wild tuskers, Tigers,
Leopards and Wild Dogs, Sambar and the Spotted and Barking deer. With more than
50 species of orchids and medicinal plants, the sanctuary is a veritable
treasure trove of rare flora and fauna. The place is congenial for boating and
trekking.
ANAKKAYAM-
Anakkayam, which is
roughly 20 km from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Perimgalkuthu route, is popular
tourist spot. It is famous for its lake with cool and plaid waters. The place
derived its name from the fabled incident of a herd of elephants, which got
drowned in this very lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its
pushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
