TRICHUR

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.