Religious History

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region. Mathilakom in Kodungallur Taluk was a main Jain centre in the ancient days. It is believed that many Hindu temples in the region were originally Jain temples. Koodal Manikyam Temple at Irinjalakuda, Cave Temples at Irunilakkode near Wadakkanchery and Thrikkoor near Ollur were Jain temples. Buddhism did not make much impact in the district unlike southern part of the state. Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement donated much for the promotion of Hinduism. Contributions of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, Melpathur Narayana Bhattathirippad and Poonthanam Namboodiri accelerated the Bhakthi movement initially in the central region of Kerala and later to the whole state. Kunchan Nambiar, who born in the district, also contributed to the movement. Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayur was a centre of Bhakthi movement not only in the district but the whole Kerala also. Eminent personalities like Kodungallur Kunhikuttan Thampuram, Vemoni, Seevolli and Nattuvam Namboodiries also enriched the movement through their literary contributions.

Christianity and Islam came to Kerala through the Thrissur district. St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ came to Kerala by sea and landed at Kodungallur of Thrissur district (which was the capital of Cheraman Perumal, the ruler of Kerala and a major port in western coast) in the year AD 52. He preached the gospel of Christ and attracted many natives into Christianity. Similarly, Cnana community reached Kodungallur by 345 AD from Syria.  They were allotted land by the Cheraman Perumal, the then ruler of Kerala to settle down and conferred on Cnanai Thomman privileges. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity. The message of Islam too reached Kerala in Kodungallur during 7th Century A.D. The first mosque in India was also built at Kodungallur in 629 A.D. This mosque is known as Cheraman Maliq Masjid.
According to 2011 census, the population of the district is 3110327.  Among them, the Hindu community divided into Brahmin, Kshathriya, Ambalavasis (Pushpakan, Chakyar, Poduval, Varier etc.) Nair, Ezhava, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and a good number of other categories. To the Hindus, worship of god is imperative and hence temple formed an integral part of their daily life. According to a survey conducted by the Census Department, the district has 1513 temples.

Important temples

Antiquity and deities:

The Department of Census, Government of India identified 65 temples of the district as very ancient having more than two thousand years of age.  200 temples were constructed between 1st and 9th Century AD. Between 10th and 20th Century AD, 1237 temples have been constructed. The department could not ascertain the antiquity of 13 temples. 

The deities of the district are mainly Goddess Bhadrakali or Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Subramanya, Lord Sastha etc based on various kalpa or sankalpa (concept). Combination of sankalpa such as Sankara-Narayana, Lakshmy-Narayana, Siva-Vishnu, Siva-Parvathy, Siva-Subramaya etc are also there. Number of temples based on various sankalpa is given below:

Administration:
As in the other parts of the State, the temples of the district were also owned and administered by private individuals or private bodies known as Ooralars till 1812. In 1812 Diwan of Cochin State took steps to control the administration of temples. Devaswoms in the state were divided into various categories, viz., Sirkar Devaswom, Vazhipad Devaswom, Keezhedams etc. In 1907, all these Devaswoms were merged and put under the control of a Commissioner. The Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions Act of 1950 was an important enactment under which the Cochin Devaswom Board was established. The temples of Cochin Devaswom Board within the district fall under three groups viz., Thiruvillwamala, Thrissur and Thiruvanchikkulam. 505 temples of the district are directly or indirectly under the administrative control of Cochin Devaswom Board.

The temples in Chavakkad Taluk and certain temples in Kodungallur Taluk of the district are administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board. They are as follows:

Agastheaswara Temple, Kaipamangalam
Alkkal Temple, Kottapadi
Ayirur Mahavishnu Temple, Kaipamangalam
Brahmakulam Devi Temple, Brahmakulam
Cheloorkunnu Ayyappan Temple, Elavally
Chettiyalukkal Bhagavathy Temple, Edakkayur
Chettiyarakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Muthuvattur
Chirakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Annakkara
Elavally Temple, Elavally
Engandiyoor Temple, Engandiyoor
Ganesamangalam Temple, Vadanappally
Govindapuram Mahavishnu Temple, Punnayoorkulam
Kadavalloor Sriramaswami Temple, Elavally
Kapaleswaram Temple, Pookkode
Kaplingattu Bhagavathi Temple, Vadakkekkadu
Kattupuram Vettakkorumakan Temple, Andathode
Kozhuvilangu Temple, Pappinivattam
Mammiyoor MahadevaTemple, Guruvayoor
Manikandeswara Temple, Vadakkekkadu
Mankara Temple, Elavally
Maruthayoor Temple, Pavaratty
Nilathu Thekke Bhagavathy Temple, Chavakkad
Palappetty Bhagavathy Temple, Edamuttam
Palliyil Bhagavathy Temple, Perinhanam
Paluvai Temple, Chavakkad
Panayankulangara Temple, Engandiyur
Pandankulangara Temple, Nattika
Parambanthaly Temple, Mullassery
Pathiyarkulangara Temple, Anakkara
Perakam Siva Temple, Perakam
Peringottu Ayyappan Temple, Venmanad
Peruvalloorkotta Vettakkorumakan Temple, Annakkara
Sri Narayanapuram Temple, Panangadu
Thechikkovil Ayyappan Temple, Chenthrappinnni
Thirupazhanchery Temple, Pallipram
Thiruvathra Siva Temple, Manathana
Thrikkanamukku Siva Temple, Vailathur
Thrikkulasekharapuram Temple, Annakkara
Thrippatta Temple, Kadikkadu
Thrippekkulam Bhagavathy Temple, Srinarayanapuram
Thrithallur Temple, Vadanappally
Vadanappally Bhagavathy Temple, Vadanappally
Venkidangu Sankaranarayana Temple, Venkidangu
Venmanadu Mahavishnu Temple, Venmanadu

Apart from the temples administered by the Cochin and Malabar Devaswom Boards, there are a good number of temples which are still managed by Ooralars, Trusts or other Devaswoms like Guruvayur Devaswom, Koodal Manikkam Devaswom, Paramekkavu Devaswom, Thiruvambady Devaswom etc.

RAMA TEMPLE, KADAVALLUR

Location: Kadavallur is located 10 km north of Kunnamkulam on National Highway 17.
Panchayat: Kadavallur
Village: Kadavallur
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur (29 km)/Guruvayur (18 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (80 km)

Legend/History: The idol of Lord Vishnu of Rama Temple was believed to have been worshipped by Dasharatha Maharaja, father of Sree Rama and King of Ayodhya. It was given to Vibheeshana, who was ardent devotee of Sree Rama and brother of Ravana and king of Lanka, by Sree Rama and told to worship. Years after, Yudhishtira, the Pandava king conducted Rajasooya Yanja and he asked Khadolkacha, son of Bhima, the second among Pandavas, to visit Lanka to accept the supremacy of Yudhishtira. When he approached, Vibheeshana gladly accepted the supremacy and gave the idol to Khadolkacha with a request to consecrate at an appropriate place. On his return, Khadolkacha found the place where the temple is now situated was suitable and decided to install the idol there. As Khadolkachan installed the idol, the place is known as “Khadolkacha oor” which was later corrupted as Kadavallur. The temple was originally belonged to Para Mana of Panniyur Desom (in Ottappalan taluk). In 1920, Cochin Rajah took over the temple. Later the temple was taken over by the Cochin Devasom Board in 1949.

Famous Anyonyam is conducted in this temple once in a year. Anyonyam is a competition to prove excellence in the knowledge of Vedas. The competition is between the students of Thrissur Brahmaswa Madam and Thirunavaya Brahmaswa Madam. In olden days the competition was held for 16 days and four persons were participated in a day’s competition. Altogether 64 students participate in the contest. When the temple was taken over by the Cochin Devaswom Board in 1949, conduct of Anyonyam was stopped. In 1989 it was started again though in a small scale.

(Mandapa of the temple where
Anyonyam is held)

Deity:The principal deity is Lord SriRama having four arms with conch, disc, club and lotus in hands. The concept of the deity is of calm in the morning, fierce at noon and of blessing posture at night. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Siva and Lord Hanuman are the other deities. Though there was no idol of Hanuman, daily worship is done.

Time of worship:From 05.00 to 10.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals: Annual festival is held in the month of Makaram (November-December).

VILWADRINATHASWAMI TEMPLE, THIRUVILWAMALA

Location: Thiruvilwamala is located 20km west of Palakkad, 48 km north east of Thrissur.
Panchayat:Thiruvilwamala
Village:Thiruvilwamala
Nearest Railway Station: Ottappalam (8 km)
Nearest Airport:Coimbatore (83 km)

Legend/History: Several legends are there about the origin of the temple. One of them says that Lord Parasurama took penance to please Lord Siva and Lord Siva gave an idol of Lord Vishnu with an advice that worship of the idol would get him salvation. Parasurama travelled length and breadth of the country and found a rocky hill near the river Bharathapuzha as suitable and installed the idol facing east. This idol is now worshipped as Lord Lakshmana.

A story related to the origin of a swayambhoo idol of the shrine that faces west is as follows. Aamalaka sone of Sage Kasyapa, did penance for years to propitiate Lord Vishnu. When Lord appeared before him,Aamalaka requested the Lord to be present there forever. Lord agreed and there emerged three idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Lakshmy, and Goddess Bhoomidevi. Near that the idol of Lord Rama, there was a vilwa (bael) tree and the mala (hillock) where the vilwa tree stood was known as Thiru Vilwa Mala.

There is a legend behind the demolition of gopura of the temple. Two gopuras existed on the eastern and western side of the temple. One day one of the priest lighted lamps on the seventh storey of the western gopura so that the devotees of Thirunavaya Nava Mukunda temple (which is situated an aerial distance of 40 km) could see the lights and worship Lord Rama of Thiruvilwamala. But on the very next day the gopuras were destroyed by a lightning. Deva prasna revealed that Lord Rama did not like to worship him from a distant place and devotees should visit the temple to worship him.

Another legend is associated with the significance of Punarjani, the cave near the temple. Legend says that Viswakarma, the eternal builder, had built it on the direction of Lord Parasurama, who wished to attain salvation and to avoid re-birth as he had committed murder of Kshathriyas. He then crawled through the cave and attained salvation. It is believed that one passes through this cave can attain salvation and will not get a re-birth after death. The cave has a length of about 200 m. At the entrance the height is about 3.5 m but it is vary from 1 m to 2 m. At certain points one has to sit and move slowly and at another point where the diameter is about 50 cm. one has to lie down and crawl with great difficult.

It is believed that Lord Parasurama entrusted the administration of the temple complex to five Illams (Brahmin families). For centuries, the temple was managed jointly by these families and later it was taken over by the Perumpadappu Swaroopam (royal family). In 1789 Tippu Sulthan’s forces looted the temple but the structures were not damaged. The temple was renovated in 1861. In 1950 the Cochin Devaswom Board took over the administration.

Deity:The temple has two shrines; one dedicated to Lord Rama and the other to Lord Lakshmana. The shrine of Lord Rama faces west and that of Lord Lakshmana faces east. Goddess Mahalakshmy, Lord Ganapathy and Goddess Parvathi are the other deities.
Time of worship:From 04.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20 hrs.

Festivals:Thiruvilwamala Ekadashy and Sri Rama Navami are important festivals. Guruvayur Ekadashy day is also important for passing through Punarjani.

THIRUVAMBADI SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, THRISSUR

Location: Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is located about 1 km north of Thrissur municipal town.

Municipality: Thrissur
Village:Thrissur
Nearest Railway Station:Thrissur (3 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (52 km)

Legend/History: It is believed that the original seat of the temple was at Idakkalathur village near Thrissur and the idol of Lord Sri Krishna was shifted to Kachanapalli Illam (a Brahmin house) at Thrissur during 16th Century due to certain conflicts between two religions and a threat to demolish the temple. The Brahmin family built a temple and consecrated the idol. Though the idol is that of Parthasarathy, it was continued to be worshipped as Unnikrishnan. Later when the family became extinct, Goddess Bhagavathy, their tutelary deity, was also consecrated in a separate shrine within the temple complex. It was the Godess Bhagavathy is the participant of Thrissur Pooram from Thiruvambady Temple. The temple was renovated by Sakthan Thampuran, the King of Cochin. There is a legend behind the renovation of the temple. In the year 1800, Sakthan Thampuran to provide granite water tanks at the Thekkinkadu Maidan (around the Vadakkunathan Temple) at Thrissur so that the cattle could drink water. They were made at Viyyur, some 10 km away from Thrissur town and brought to Thrissur with the help of elephants. When elephants reached the place where the temple is located, all elephants stopped in front of the shrine and they did not obey to move forward. Hearing this news, Sakthan Thampuran visited the spot. Having seen the dilapidated condition of the temple, he decided to renovate the temple. Immediately, the elephants resumed to their work. As promised, Sakthan Thampuran renovated the temple.The temple is now administered by Thiruvambady Devaswom, a body elected by the devotees.

Deity: The temple has two shrines dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and Goddess Bhagavathy. Both the shrines are facing west. Lord Ganapathy and Dampadi Rakshas are the other deities.

Time of worship:From 05.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.30 hrs

.Festivals: Ashtami Rohini and annual festival conducted in Kumbham (February_March), Navarathri and Pooram in Medam (April-May) are the important festivals. Among this Pooram has much importance as the Godess Bhagavathy from this temple is one of the participants of Thrissur Pooram.

PARAMEKKAVU BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, THRISSUR

Location: The temple is located right on the heart of Thrissur town at the eastern side of the Vadukkunathan Temple.

Municipality: Thrissur
Village:Thrissur
Nearest Railway Station:Thrissur (2 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (51 km)

Legend/History: The early history of the temple is not traceable as the temple is so ancient. Legend says that a Karnavar (elder member) (nair family) of Kuruppal Tharavad (nair family) used to visit Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy regularly. When he became old, he had decided to make a final visit and to discontinue his further routine visits. He sought permission of the Goddess for the same through his prayers and returned. On his return journey, he took rest below an Ilanhi tree near Vadakkunatha temple. When he tried to take his palmyrah umbrella, he could not take it as it fixed on the earth. A devaprasna revealed the presence of Goddess Bhagavathy in the umbrella and the Karanavar arranged to worship the Goddess there. When Vadakkunatha temple was renovated and expanded the chaithanya (divine powers) of Goddess was shifted to its present location below a Paro tree. Since the Goddess was consecrated below a Paro tree, the Goddess came to know as Parokkavu Bhagavathy, later altered as Paramekkavu Bhagavathy. As he original seat of the Goddess was beneath the Illanhi tree at the Vadakkunatha temple, the first lit of temple lamp is shown in the direction of Illanhi tree every day. The famous Illanhi Thara Melam in connection with Thrissur Pooram is in reverence of Goddess.

The temple complex has two shrines; Paramekkavu and Melekkavu. The legend behind the Melekkavu narrates as follows. In ancient days there was a practice of offering guruthi ritual by people of the Kizhakkumpattukara desom (village) on the ground near the present Paramekkavu temple. Animals and birds are killed in connection with the guruthi ritual. When slaughter of animals was prohibited the system of offering guruthi discontinued. A devaprasna held in 1960 recommended its revival and suggested to offer the guruthi ritual on the festival day of Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple. Later, an idol of the Goddess got from the temple tank and it was consecrated at the place where guruthi ritual was performed. A shrine was also built there in 1997.

The idol of the Goddess Paramekkavu Bhagavathy was a wooden idol (daru silpa). It was found that the wooden idol was damaged and hence decided to make a new wooden idol. The newly carved daru silpa (wooden idol) of Goddess having eight arms and in sitting posture was had been consecrated in 1997. A divine funeral was given to the old daru silpa idol observing Jeeva Kalasam ritural.

The thattakom (jurisdiction) of the Goddess spread over five desams (villages) around Thrissur. Three members elected from each desam constitute the temple committee, which looks after the administration of the temple.

Deity:Goddess Bhagavathy (Durga) is the principal deity of both the shrines. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Veerabhadra worshipped as Lord Siva are the other deities. Idols of Brahmarakshas and Nagas are also installed and worshipped in the temple.

Time of worship:04.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 16.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals:Thrissur Pooram is the most important festival. Goddess Paramekkavau Bhagavathy is the most prominent among the nine deities participated in the pooram festival. Navarathry, Makara Chowa, Sivarathri are the other important festivals.

VADUKKUNATHA (MAHA SIVA) TEMPLE, THRISSUR

Location: Situated at the heart of Thrissur town. The name of the place is derived from the temple, Thiru Siva Peroor, the town of Lord Siva, and later it was shortened as Thrissur.

Municipality: Thrissur
Village:Thirssur
Nearest Railway Station:Thrissur (1 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (51 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that after creating Kerala from the sea, Lord Parasurama requested Lord Siva to visit and bless the land. Lord Siva came here with family and with Rishabha. On reaching the place where the temple is located, the Rishabha changed as a small hillock and thereafter the place got the name Rishabhachala. At Rishabhachala, Lord Parasurama started meditation and he consecrated the idol of Lord Siva. When he continued his meditation he saw the presence of Lord Vishnu and hence he installed the idol of Lord Vishnu with the sankalpa as Sri Rama also. He again noticed that the divine powers of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu were merging to one; he installed a third idol of Sankara-Narayana between the idols of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu.

Archaeologists are of opinion that Vadakkunnathan temple is one of the oldest in South India. Some believed that Perunthachan who lived in the 7th Century constructed the temple. Legend says that Adi Sankaracharya, the great exponent of Hinduism, was born to his parents as a boon from Vadakkunathan (Lord Siva).

Hyder Ali and Tippu Sulthan invaded Thrissur in 1776 and 1789 respectively. Both these occasions the temple was closed for about two years. In ancient days, the temple administration was controlled by Yogathirippad. Later the temple was taken over by Samoothirippad till 1762 A.D. In 1763, the temple administration was entrusted to Thrissur Grammakkar and Santhikkar. When Sakthan Thampuran crowned as the King of Cochin State in 1790, he took over the administration of the temple. In 1950 the temple was transferred to the control of the Cochin Devaswom Board.

The temple is one of the largest temples of the state. The temple complex is vast with sreekovil, sub-shrines of minor deities, namaskara mandapam, chuttambalam, vilakkumadam, pradikshina vazhy, koothambalam, kokkarani, well, outer wall and gopurams in four sides. The temple owns 77 acres of land including Thekkinkadu Maidan.

Deity:Four separate shrines are there – three major shrines for Lord Mahadeva (Siva), Lord Sankaranaryana, Lord Rama and a sub-shrine for Lord Ganapathy. Goddess Bhadrakali, Rishibha, Simhodara, Vasuki, Lord Ayyappa, Gosala Krishna, Lord Parasurama are the other deities/idols installed within the complex. A separate shrine for Sri Sankaracharya is also there. Sila idol of Lord Mahadeva is not visible as it is covered with a mount of ghee. The ghee abhisheka is done continuously every day and the ghee mount is growing. It is a wonder that in spite of several lit lamps inside the shrine the ghee does not melt.

Time of worship:From 04.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals:The main festival is Sivarathri. The famous Thrissur Pooram is celebrated at the premises of Vadkkunatha Temple.

SASTHA (THIRUVULLAKKAVU) TEMPLE, CHERPU

Location: Cherpu is located 10 km south to Thrissur town between Thrissur-Irinjalakuda road.
Panchayat:Cherpu
Village: Chowur
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur (10 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (40 km)

Legend/History: The temple is an ancient one of the district. It is believed that the Lord Parasurama consecrated the idol of Lord Sastha. Legend says that it was Mazhamangalam Namboodiri built the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. There was no sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) for the idol of Lord Sastha. One day Mazhamangalam Namboodiri went near the idol for worship, he saw a corpse of a cow. Being a Brahmin, he was reluctant to remove the carcass. Next day also he went there to found another carcass of a tiger with arrows in its mouth. Having understood that the hunter who killed the tiger was none other than Lord Sastha, Mazhamangalam Namboodiri constructed the sreekovil of the temple.

Thiruvullakkavu Sastha is considered as the Lord of wisdom and devotees take their children for Vidyarambham (a ritual to initiate to first letters of alphabet). There is a legend behind the concept of Lord Sastha as the Lord of wisdom. Vasudeva Bhattathiri of Pathat Illom, who later became famous for verses of Yamaka style, was a dullard by birth and he could not pronounce a word correctly. His mother took him to the Lord Sastha for meditation. One day while he was boating with his friends in the nearby lake, the boat capsized and all his friends escaped. Somehow, Vasudeva also reached land and when he reached the temple, he found it was closed but the thidappally (temple kitchen) kept open. He entered thidappally and with the help of a burning charcoal he lit the firewood to warm up. Due to fatigue and hunger he fell asleep. When he woke up after some time he saw an old man who offered him some plantain fruits. Next day when the varasyar who was in charge of thidappally came, she found that the young Vasudeva was chanting Yamaka verse in a beautiful voice. Having seen the pod of plantain fruits near him, varasyar could guess what had happened. This legend made the Lord Sastha of Thiruvullakkavu as the Lord of Wisdom. In olden days, the temple belonged to Chittoor Mana (Illom - Brahmin family). Now a committee constituted by the Yoga Kshema Sabha is managing the administration of the temple.

Deity:Lord Sastha is the principal deity. It is believed that the divine powers of Goddess Saraswathy, the Goddess of Letters, has amalgamated with Lord Sastha and the idol has immense powers to impart knowledge. Therefore, children are brought before the deity for Vidyarambham on all days except Uthram asterisk in Meenom (March-April) and Mahanavami day. Lord Ganapathy is the other deity.

Time of worship: From 04.30 to 10.30 and from 16.30 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals: Navarathri is the important festival period. Lord Sastha is one of the prominent participants in the Peruvanam-Arattupuzha Pooram.

MAHADEVA (IRATTAYAPPAN) TEMPLE, PERUVANAM

Location: Peruvanam is located about 12 km south of Thrissur town.
Panchayat:Cherpu
Village: Oorakam
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (38 km)

Legend/History: Peruvanam is one of the most important grammas (villages) among the 64 gramas established by Lord Parasurama. Literaly Peruvanam means large forest. But legend says that the earlier name of Peruvanam was Puru-vanam the forest region where sage Puru lived and meditated. Puruvanam later transformed as Peruvanam. There are two shrines in the temple complex. The northern shrine is dedicated to Irattayappan. Legend says that Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy visited the Peruvanam grama (village) immediately after its establishment based on the plea of Lord Parasurama and chose the place where the temple is located as their abode. The presence of Lord and Goddess appeared as two swyambhoo idols. The concept of the idol is that of Ardhanareeswara. The southern shrine is that of Madathilappan. It is believed that Sage Puru consecrated the idol of Madathilappan.
Peruvanam temple was under the management of Yogathirippad elected by the Naboodithiri families of the region. When Sakthan Thampuran crowned as Rajah of Cochin, he terminated the reign of Yogathirippad and took over the administration of temple. The Travancore prince had also some special privileges in the temple of help extended to Cochin Rajah to defeat Samoothiri. In 1950 Cochin Devaswom Board took over the administration of the temple.

Deity: Irattayappan (Lord Siva) with thesankalpa of Ardhanareeswara and Madathilappan are the main deities. Goddess Parvathy, Lord Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Ganapathy, Rakteswari, Manikandan, Gosalakrishnan, Sage Puru are the other deities.

Time of worship: 04.30 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 21.30 hrs.

Festivals: In ancient years Vasantholsavam was celebrated in the temple with the participation of neighbouring deities. Pooram is the most important festival. This festival started in the year 583 A.D. Once 108 deities participated in the pooram festival; but now the number of participating deities has been reduced to 12. Sivarathri, Meda-punartham, Thiruvonam are the other festivals.

SASTHA TEMPLE, ARATTUPUZHA

Location: Arattupuzha is situated 15 km south of Thrissur. The temple is located on the banks of River Karuvannur, a confluence of Manali and Kurumali rivers.
Panchayat:Vallachira
Village: Arattupuzha
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur (15 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (40 km)

Legend/History: The temple is a very old one datable back to very ancient period. It is believed that the deity has the powers of all the Thrimoorthies (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) and considered as supreme in all respects. The Arattupuzha Pooram is the oldest Pooram that started in 583 A.D. Legend says that Lord Vishwanatha of Kasi (Varanasi) attends the Arat ritual of the Pooram with His concert Goddess Ganga and hence athazha pooja at the Kasi Viswanatha Temple is performed before dusk on the Arattupuzha Pooram day. It is believed that if one dips in the Ganges after dusk on that day, he or she would not get relief from sins. Sankaracharya laid down procedure for the rites and rituals to be followed in the temple. The Arattupuzha Pooram was celebrated with full participation of 108 deities from the temples of in and around Thrissur till 1775 A.D. Thereafter, the festival was disrupted due to political reasons, invasion of Tippu Sulthan, starting of Thrissur Pooram by Sakthan Thampuran in the year 1788 A.D., ego of local chieftains etc. Now 24 deities are participating in the festival. The temple was owned by eight Brahmin families of Arattupuzha till 1938 when Government of Cochin took over its control. In 1950 the temple was transferred to Cochin Devaswom Board.

Deity: Lord Sastha is the deity. No other deities and sub-shrines are there.

Time of worship:From 05.00 to 10.00 hrs and from 16.30 to 21.00 hrs.

Festivals: Arattupuzha Pooram is the major festival of the temple. Mandala pooja, Navarathri are the other festivals.

BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, THANIKKUDAM

Location: Thanikudam is located about 10 km north east of Thrissur town.
Panchayat: Madakkathara
Village: Madakkathara
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur (10 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (50 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that the sila idol of the Goddess was originally installed beneath a Poovam tree by an aristocratic Nair of the region. Once an old Brahmin who was hungry approached a Brahmin house and requested food. One of the arrogant member of the family directed the Brahmin to reach near the Poovam tree where the idol was installed and to call Varasyar for food. The old man did accordingly and a lady appeared and gave food and asked him to visit next day also. When he visited next day, to his astonishment, he could find the entire buildings and surroundings of the Brahmin who directed to him to the varasyar had been destroyed by fire. The old Brahmin then realized it was none other than the Goddess that gave him food on the previous day. Thereafter, a temple was constructed and Goddess Bhagavathy consecrated. Three trees – Poovam,Thanni and Arayal – at the temple complex are considered as sacred. During 19th century the Nairs, who became a major class, took over the temple even though the Brahmins tried to establish their power. The ownership of the temple belonged to a ‘Desam’ and not to any individual. The temple was taken over by the Cochin Government in 1850 A.D. In 1950, Cochin Devaswom Board took over the control.

Deity:Goddess Bhagavathy is the principal deity. Idol of Kshethrapalan is also installed.

Time of worship:05.30 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.30 to 19.30 hrs.

Festivals: Annual festival in Medom (April-May) and Vishu Sankramam are the important festivals.

Normally Arat of deities of the temples are held at the near river or pond. Here, Arat of the temple is done when the waters of Thanikudam river enters the temple and submerges the idol.

SRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, GURUVAYUR

Location: Guruvayur is situated 27 km west of Thrissur.
Township: Guruvayur
Village: Guruvayur
Nearest Railway Station: Guruvayur / Thrissur (27 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (77 km)

Legend/History: Guruvayur is one of the most prominent pilgrim centres of South India. The temple is also known as Bhooloka Vaikunta. It is believed that the Guruvayur temple was constructed 5000 years ago by Guru (Brihaspathy) and Vayu with the blessings of God Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. Legend says that the idol of Lord Vishnu (Guruvayurappan) was worshipped by Vasudevar, father of Lord Sri Krishna and later Sri Krishna himself. When Lord Krishna decided to end his avatar (incarnation), the idol was given to Uddhava, Minster of Dwaraka, with a direction to install at an appropriate place. Uddhava sought the advice of his Guru, Lord Brahaspathy and Lord Vayu, the Lord of Wind. When both reached Dwaraka they found that Lord Sri Krishna had already ascended to Vaikunda and the entire kingdom was submerged under sea. The idol of Lord Vishnu was floating on the surface of sea. They took the idol and started to search for an appropriate place. After travelling several places, they find a suitable site as advised by Lord Parasurama and consecrated the idol on the southern side of Rudratheertha. Rudratheertha was a tank where sages meditated Lord Siva standing in the waters and studied verses to praise Lord Vishnu from Lord Siva. It is also believed that Viswakarma, the divine architect, had marked the site and constructed the temple in such a manner that the first rays of Sun fall directly at the feet of Guruvayurappan on the Vishu day as if the Sun himself bends before Him.

The modern history of the temple can be traced back as early in 16th Century. Historians are of opinion that Guruvayur must have come into existence before 52 AD. In ancient days, the temple was managed by 72 Namboodiri families. The temple in its present condition was rebuilt in 1638 AD. In 1716 AD, the Dutch raided Guruvayur temple and set fire to the Western Gopuram, which was rebuilt in 1747 AD. In 1755 the Zamorin of Kozhikode became the trustee of the temple. In 1766 AD, Hyder Ali, the emperor of Mysore attacked Guruvayur. Again in 1789 Tippu Sultan invaded Zamorin's country. Foreseeing the threat from the Tippu Sultan, the idol was taken to Ambalapuzha. When Tippu lost to the Zamorin the idol was brought back to Guruvayurin 1792. Thereafter, the management of the temple was vested with the Ullanad Panicker for about a century. In 1938, the administration of temple was handed over to two hereditary trustees – the Sammothiri Raja (Zamorin of Calicut) and senior member of Mallisseri Mana. In 1978, the Government of Kerala enacted the Guruvayur Devasom Act and the management of temple vested with a committee consisting of nine members including the Samoothiri Raja, senior member of Mallisseri Mana, Thanthri (chief priest) and six members nominated by the Kerala Legislature.

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri (Author of Narayaneeyam), Poonthanam Namboodiri (Author of Jnanappana), Vilwamangalam Swamiyar (great Vaishnavite saint who marked his foot prints throughout Kerala), Manavedan Raja (who made immortal contribution to Krishnanattom), Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar (legendary Carnatic musician) are some devotees who have been showered with the blessings of Guruvayurappan.

Deity:Lord Sri Krishna is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Sastha are the other deities.

Time of worship:From 03.00 to 13.00 hrs and from 16.30 to 22.00 hrs on all days.

Festivals:Annual festival [in the month of Kumbham (February-March)], Ashtami Rohini, Navarathri, Ekadashi, Vishu are other important festivals.

SRI RAMASWAMY TEMPLE, THRIPRAYAR

Location: Thriprayar temple is located about 22 km south west of Thrissur and 18 km south of Guruvayur. Thriprayar River flows on the east of the temple. Earlier the name of the place was Purayar and when the temple established, Thiru was prefixed in reverence and the place came to be known as Thiru Purayar and later corrupted as Thriprayar.

Panchayat: Nattika
Village: Nattika
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur (22 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (59 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that some fishermen found four idols from the sea. The idols were that of Sri Rama and his three brothers; Bharatha, Lekshmana and Sathrugna. They presented them to Vaikay Kaimal, a local chief. (Another story tells that the Vaikay Kaimal himself had a dream that four idols had been washed off the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea.) The Kaimal had arranged for the installation of idols in accordance with rituals and astrological findings at Thriprayar, Irinjalakuda, Muzhikulam and Payammal respectively. When the idol of Sri Rama was about to install a spiritual voice heard saying that a peacock would appear there and hence Kaimal and his men waited. When the rituals are going on, a man with peacock feathers arrived there. Assuming that it was the peacock itself they installed the idol. Soon after the idol was installed, the peacock appeared in the sky and a balikallu (sacrificial stone) was formed below the bird appeared but it started moving until Naranathu Bhranthan who was also present on the occasion nailed and set the stone stable. The mark of nail can be seen in the stone. In the past the temple was governed by a Namboodiri Yoga consisting of 42 Manas but later all the families became extinct except three Brahmin families viz. Jyanappally Mana, Chelur Mana, and Punnappilli Mana. Blahayil Nair managed the administration of the temple. Government of Cochin took over the administration in 1864 A.D. When the Cochin Devaswom Board was formed in 1950, the administration was handed over to the Board.

Deity:Sri Rama, the incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu is the main deity of the temple. Sree Lekshmi and Bhumi Devi (Goddess of wealth and earth respectively) can be seen on the both sides of the main deity. It is believed that Vilwamangalath Swamiyar had installed the idols of the Goddesses. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Sastha, Lord Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Krishna, are the other deities. Though there is no idol of Hanuman, Sri Rama’s best devotee, it is believed that His presence is always there at the ‘mandapam’ of the temple.

Time of worship: From 04.00 to 12.00 hrs and from 16.00 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals:‘Ekadasi’ in the month of Vrichikom (November-December) is the important festival of the temple. Thriprayar Thevar (Lord Sri Rama) is one of the prominent participants of Arattupuzha Pooram. The annual festival of the temple is celebrated in Idavam (May-June).

KURUMBA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, KODUNGALLUR

Location: Kodungallur is located 34 km south-west of Thrissur.
It is believed that the name Kodungallur was derived from Kodi-linga-puram (the land of 10 million Siva lingas). Historians are of opinion that this place was perhaps the revenue collection centrer of Kudakons (customs duty of the Chera rulers) for the goods coming to the nearby port and hence the place known as Kudakonallur which later shortened to Kodungallur. In ancient period, the place was known in different names. Jangli, Gingaleh, Cyngilin, Shinkali, Chinkli, Jinkali, Shenkala, Cynkali are some of them. Columguria, Kudalingapuram, Kodunkaliyur, Thiruvallur, Ravivisvapuram, Balakreetapuram are some other ancient names.To the Greeks and Romans it was Muziris. It was referred to as Muchiripattanam in Tamil works and epics. During the reign of Cheras the place was known as Mahodayapuram or Mahodayapattanam. Another name given to the place is Thiruvanchikulam. The British called the place Cranganore. Government of Kerala officially changed its name as Kodungallur.
Historically Kodungallur is an important place. It was a major port in the western coast and centre of trade with foreigners. Islam, Jewish and Christianity entered India through Kodungallur. The first mosque in India was established here. The flood of Periyar in 1341 AD damaged the port and the glory of Kodungallur.

Municipality: Kodungallur
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (23 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (35 km)

Legend/History: Kodungallur Bhadrakali (Bhagavathy) temple is considered as the Mother shrine for a large number of Bhadrakali temples established throughout Kerala. Among the legends, the earliest one is that the temple was established by Lord Parasurama. He had established four Goddess Bhagavathy temples at Kanyakumari (that of Balambika), Kodungallur (that of Lokambika), Palakkad (that of Hemambika) and Kollur in Karnataka (that of Mookambika). Among these, the fiercest form is that of the Goddess at Kodungallur. Another legend is that the dynast Cheran Chenkuttuvan had installed the image of Kannaki, later known as Kodungallur Bhagavathy. However, historians disagree with this story. When Srimad Sankaracharya visited the temple, he experienced the divine powers of the deity and hence he installed the Meru Chakra, which was worshipped by him, at the original seat of the temple and closed the room. It is opened only on special occasions. He also prescribed the rituals to be followed in the temple. During Mysorean invasions, the temple was destroyed, but the power of Goddess was invoked in a sword before the attack and kept in a nearby Illam (Brahmin house). When Tippu retreated, the power of the Goddess was re-invoked and temple was renovated. The temple belonged to Kodungallur Kovilakam (royal family) till 1949. In 1950, Cochin Devaswom Board took over the temple administration.

Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali is the principal deity. LordSiva, Lord Ganapathy, Kshethrapalan, Vasurimala, Naga and Tavittumuthi are the other deities.
Time of worship: From 04.00 to 12.00 hrs and from 16.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Aswathy Kaavutheendal	Sreemoolasthana where meruchakra installed

Festivals:Thalappoli in Makaram (January-Februvary), Bharani in Meenam (March-April), Chanthattam in Medam (April-May) and Navarathri are the important festivals. Among the festivals Bharani, celebrated for a period of one month, is the important festival. Aswathy Kaavutheendal, Kozhikkallu modal, and Bharanippaat are the important rituals of Bharani festival.

MAHADEVA TEMPLE, THIRUVANCHIKULAM

Location: Thiruvanchikulam is situated 36 km south of Thrissur.
Panchayat:Methala
Village: Methala
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva (21 km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (33 km)

Legend/History: The temple is an ancient one and historically important. It is the only temple in Kerala belonging to 274 Siva Thirupathies. It is one of the 108 Siva Temples of Kerala. It is the only temple in Kerala with largest number of sub-shrines (28). It is believed that Cherman Perumal had constructed the temple in 9th Century A.D. on the advice of Sundaramuthy Nayanar, a great saivite saint. Renovation of the temple had been made in 1801 A.D. and 1831 A.D. Kokilasandesha and Sukasandesha, two great literary works written during 14th Century have mentioned about the temple. History revealed that the temple played a pivotal role in saivite worship in South India for a millenium. The temple was owned by Cochin Rajah. In 1950, Cochin Devaswom Board took over its administration.

Deity: Lord Siva in the form of Sila-linga is the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy, Saptamathrukkal (seven mothers), Veerabhadran, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Durga, Lord Dakshinamoorthy, Lord Hanuman, Sandhya Velaikal Siva, Lord Nandi, Lord Pasupathi, Konnattal Siva, Gopura Thevar, Kottarathil Thevar, Chandikeswaran, Unni Thevar, Nagar, Sakthi Panchakshari, Lord Nataraja in dancing pose, Goddess Bhagavathy, Cheraman Perumal and Sundaramuthry Nayanar are the other deities worshipped in the temple.

Time of worship: From 05.00 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.00 hrs.

Festivals:Annual festival,Sivarathri and Thiruvathira are the important festivals.

BHARATHA TEMPLE, IRINJALAKUDA (KOODALMANIKYAM)

Location: Bharatha Temple of Irinjaklakuda is situated 21 km south west of Thrissur. According to legend Irinjalakuda is one of the 64 gramas (villages) established by Lord Parasurama. There are many stories behind the name of the place. According to one the name has been derived from the Iru (means two) Chaal (means stream or small river) Koodal (means confluence). Thus “Iru-chal-koodal” means Confluence of two rivers. Earlier two rivers had their confluence at this place. Gradually the name converted as Irinjalakuda. Another legend says that the name is a corrupted form of “Irunnu Salayil koodal”.

Municipal Town: Irinjalakuda
Nearest Railway Station: Irinjalakuda / Thrissur (21km)
Nearest Airport:Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (45 km)

Legend/History: There are different legends regarding the origin of temple. Some are of opinion that this was a Jain temple. According to them the Bharatha idol is that of Bharatha, the brother of Bahubali and it was converted as a Hindu temple only in 9th century. Another legend says that this was a Siva shrine and later converted as a temple of Sangameswara or the Lord with powers of different deities. The legend behind the conversion goes like this. A Brahmin, who wished to establish a temple with a deity possessing powers of all Gods and Goddess, went on a pilgrimage to all temples and started to invoke the powers of the deity from each temple in a conch. When he reached here and tried to invoke power of the deity the conch fell down and broken. All the divine powers contained in the conch had a sangamam (merging together) with that of the deity of Irinjalakuda temple. Thus the deity is known as Sangameswaran or Lord possessing merged powers of all deities.
Another legend says that some fishermen found four idols from the sea. The idols were that of Sri Rama and his three brothers; Bharatha, Lekshmana and Sathrugna. They presented them to Vaikay Kaimal, a local chief. (Another story tells that the Vaikay Kaimal himself had a dream that four idols had been washed off the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea.) The Kaimal had arranged for the installation of idols in accordance with rituals and astrological findings at Thriprayar, Irinjalakuda, Muzhikulam and Payammal. The idol of Lord Bharatha was consecrated at Irinjalakuda.
The temple is also known as Koodalmanikyam temple. The legend behind this is as follows: Once a blazing light emanated from the forehead of the idol. A prominent Nair by name Kumara Kurup from Kayamkulam suggested that the brightness can be compared with that of a manikyam (precious gem) with the Kayamkulam Rajah. He managed to bring the manikyam to Irinjalakuda for comparison. When the chief priest of the temple took the manikyam near to forehead of the idol, the manikyam was attracted and fixed to the idol. Though he tried to take it back, he could not. Since the manikyam was merged (koodal in Malayalam) the temple came to be known as Koodalmanikyam. When the story was told to the Kayamkulam Rajah, he demanded a right over the administration of the temple in lieu of the manikyam. First Thachudaya Kaimal was the Kumara Kurup himself. The power of administering the temple was thus vested with the Kayamkulam Raja, who in turn nominated Thachudaya Kaimal as his ambassador to the temple. After the Kayamkulam region annexed with the Travancore Kingdom, Maharajah of Travancore appointed Thachudaya Kaimal, who held the administrative powers till 1917 A.D.

Yet another legend tells that the temple site was a dense forest area where Sage Kulipini performed meditation and conducted Yagas to please Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and accepted Sage Kulipini’s request to bless the place with his eternal presence. Sage Kulipini then prayed to Goddess Ganga to bless the land with Her presence. Goddess Ganga blessed with a spring of water that formed a large pond on the northern side of the temple, now known as Kulipini Theertha. It is believed that the temple and pond are situated where Sage Kulipini prepared homa-kundas (altar for sacrifice).

There are some unique offerings in the temple. Vazhuthananga Nivedyam (offereing of brinjal), Mukkudi Nivedyam (offering of Ayurvedic medicine) and Amguleeyangam koottu (another offering of medicines), Meenoottu (giving food to fish at the temple pond) are some of them. All these offerings are for relief from ailments and diseases.

It is said that this is the one and only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharatha. In 1971 the temple was taken by the Kerala Government through Koodalmanikyam Temple Act of 1971. Now the temple administration is held by a committee nominated by the Government.

Deity: Lord Bharatha, brother of Lord Sri Rama is the deity of this temple. There are no sub-shrines or minor deities. However, devotees worship Lord Hanuman and Goddess Bhagavathy.

Time of worship:From 03.00 to 11.30 hrs and from 17.00 to 20.30 hrs.

Festivals: The Annual Festival of the temple is held for 11 days in Medam (April-May). The festival starts one day after the famous Thrissur Pooram and comes to a close on the next Thiruvonam day.

SATHRUGNASWAMY TEMPLE, PAYAMMAL

Location: The temple is located 28 km south west of Thrissur.
Panchayat: Poomangalam
Village: Poomangalam
Nearest Railway Station: Irinjalakuda (7 km) / Thrissur (28 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin (Nedumbassery) International Airport (40 km)

Legend/History: Legend says that some fishermen found four idols from the sea. The idols were that of Sri Rama and his three brothers; Bharatha, Lekshmana and Sathrugna. They presented them to Vaikay Kaimal, a local chief. (Another story tells that the Vaikay Kaimal himself had a dream that four idols had been washed off the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea.) The Kaimal had arranged for the installation of idols in accordance with rituals and astrological findings at Thriprayar, Irinjalakuda, Muzhikulam and Payammal. The idol of Lord Sathrugna was consecrated at Payammal. The temple was owned by Tarananellur Illam (Brahmin house) till 1978. Thereafter, the administration of the temple was transferred to Sathrugnaswamy Kshethra Seva Samithy.

Deity: Lord Sathrughna is the principal deity.

Time of worship: From 05.30 to 11.00 hrs and from 17.30 to 20.00 hrs.

Festival: The Annual festival is held in the month of Kumbham (Fenruary-March). The Ramayana Month is also celebrated in the month of Karkidakam (July-August).