Beautiful Kerala, often referred to as 'God's Own Country' has many temples the dot every city, town and village in the state. Having a stronghold on the cultural fabric of the society, these temples often play roles that transcend simple places of worship. Many of the temples are located in the heart of the region and is easily accessible for people. The temple in many towns is the light that shows the way of life to the locals. Every step in life from the first feeding of a baby to education and other matters such as marriage and new business, is all done in consultation with the local temple, seeking the blessings of the higher powers.
Various temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses, following varied ritual patterns. However, all temples commonly sport the Kerala style architecture, which is akin to a large home structure and far removed from the stone temples seen elsewhere in South India. The architecture that is made to feel personal is what adds to the charm of these religious centres. Thrissur district is one of the most beautiful and culturally significant regions in the state. Here is a look at Thrissur district's mystic temples.
Trikkur Mahadeva Temple
Among the fascinating temples to visit in Thrissur is the Trikkur Mahadeva temple. The temple has a fascinating history, tracing its origins back to the 7th century, this rock-cut temple is originally believed to have been a Jain holy place. Today. It is revered as one of the most powerful Shiva temples in the country. Today, the temple is a protected monument.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna
Vilwadrinatha Temple
A place to visit among the temples of Thrissur is the Vilwadrinatha Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to the worship of Chaturbahu Lord Vishnu. It is said that the temple used to have Gopurams so high, that the light from on top of the structure could be seen even from a distance of 40 km. The temple has the myth of an underground golden Vilwa tree under the sanctum, this could be one of the origins of the temple's name.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna
Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple
A unique temple to visit in Thrissur is the supposedly 1,000 years old Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple, located in Thrissur city. Among the largest Bagavathi temples in the state, it is also a key contender at the festival of Pooram. The Temple also houses the art school Kalakshethram, that provides training in Chenda, Thimila, classical dance, music, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Rameshng
Poonkunnam Siva Temple
The Punkunnan or Poonkunnam Siva Temple is among the popular temples of Thrissur. The ancient Hindu temple in worship of Lord Shiva is located in the Punkunnan area of Thrissur. The beautiful place is a great example of temple architecture and the lush greenery surrounding the place adds to the spiritual ambience.
Photo Courtesy: Lakshmanan
Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple
Located at a short distance of just one kilometer from the famous Vadakkunnathan Temple is the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple. The temple though small has immense standing among the temples of Thrissur, the main deity is of Unnikrishna or Lord Krishna in his infant form. The temple is also among the most popular contenders at the Pooram festival.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna
Guruvayur Temple
Arguably one of the most famous temples in Thrissur district, Guruvayur Temple plays an important role in the religious, spiritual and cultural activities of the people of the region. The main deity at the temple is Lord Krishna and it is famous for rituals including; bringing infants for the first feeding of solids and the event of the first writing, done on rice grains before the child is ready to join school. The temple is popular across the country also for its tradition of accepting offering from the devotees in the form of fruits, coconuts, rice, sugar or any such product in quantities equivalent to the weight of the person as seated on the 'Thulabaram'.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna Radhakrishnan
Vadakkunnathan Temple
One of the temples to visit in Thrissur is the Vadakkunnathan Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The temple holds immense religious significance in the region and is also among the most traditionally built Kerala temples. The temple is considered a piece of art and has been declared as a National Monument. Travellers can be lost in observing the four massive gopuras that surround the temple and the spellbinding Shiva Lingam covered in ghee that has collected over the years to form a 16 ft tall lingam!
Photo Courtesy: Aruna Radhakrishnan
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
The lovely Kurumba Bhagavati Temple or Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple in the worship of Goddess Bhadrakali is among the temples in Thrissur that is worth a visit. The temple complex is situated across ten acres covered in greenery. The main shrine of the goddess is made from the wood of jackfruit tree and stands tall at 7 ft. The unique idol has eight arms that carry multiple items. The temple is famous for the Bharani festival that sees animal sacrifice taking place.
Photo Courtesy: Dinakarr
Ammathiruvadi Temple
Another ancient Hindu temple in Thrissur district is the Ammathiruvadi Temple believed to have been built more than 700 years ago. Among the foremost and important temples of the 108 Durgalayams in the state, the temple worships Goddess Durga and has many legends associated with its birth. The temple structure consists of two large gopurams, the ootupura or temple hall and a two-storey sanctum among others.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna
Annamanada Mahadeva Temple
The beautiful Annamanada Mahadeva Temple in Thrissur district is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The temple has a Shiva Lingam that is nearly four feet tall and considered to be in a pleased mood. The legends associated with the temple date back to the events of Mahabharata.
Photo Courtesy: Rameshng
Arattupuzha Temple
The famous Arattupuzha temple in Thrissur is known to have antiquity that date back many thousand years. It is popular for the annual Devamela festival where all the gods and goddesses come together at the temple complex. The main deity of the temple is God Aiyyapan.
Photo Courtesy: Aruna
Koodalmanikyam Temple
Did you know that Kerala has a set of four temples dedicated to the brothers in Ramayan, including; Rama, Bharata, Lakshman and Shatrughna, known as the 'Nalabalam'. The Koodalmanikyam is one of these four temples and is the only such dedicated to Bharata. However, the principal shrine at the temple is of Lord Vishnu. Noteworthy feature of the temple are the four ponds that surround it, among which the largest is the Kuttan Kulam.
Photo Courtesy: Haribhagirath
How to Reach Thrissur
By Road: Thrissur is well-connected by roads and can be reached by taking highways such as the NH-47. Inter-state roads can be taken to access other destinations in the state.
By Rail: The Thrissur Railway Station is well-connected to major destinations in the region with regular and direct trains.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Cochin, around 55 km from Thrissur city. Both domestic and international flights are available to all major destinations.
Photo Courtesy: Challiyil Eswaramangalath