The name trichur is derived
from Tiru-siva-peroor, which means the city of Lord
siva. The central feature of this town is a Siva temple,
locally known as Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple. This
spacious temple is built on a hill rock right at the centre of
the town.
Guruvayur, one of India's major hindu pilgrimage
centres lies 32 km from Thrissur. The Sree Krishna Temple,
dedicated to lord Krishna, is renowned for it's healing
powers. Several offerings are made from the simple 'archana'
to the elaborate 'udayastamana' pooja or the 'thulabaram'
where the devotee is weighed against offerings of banana,
jaggery, sugar or coconuts. It is also the site for several
weddings and 'annaprasanam' the first feeding ceremony of a
child. As in most Kerala temples, non-hindus are not allowed
entry. Near Guruvayur, 4km away, is
Punnathur Kotta,
the place where the temple elephants (over 40) are taken care
of . Visitors are allowed. Cheruthuruthy, 29km north of
Thrissur ,home to the renowned
Kerala Kalamandalam.
This institution offers training in music, drama, and other
dance forms including Kathakali, Mohiniattam and Ottam Thullal.
The
most spectacular festival here is '
Pooram' celebrated
at the Vadakkumnathan temple every year during April/May.During
Onam, there is also the annual 'Kandassamkadavu Boat Race'.
Kerala's grandest temple paegentry, which includes colourful
processions of caparisoned elephants and a midnight fireworks
display can be witnessed from the crowded streets of Trichur.
During Onam, there is also the annual '
Kandassamkadavu Boat
Race'. The town Area is about 25 sqkm.