History

Thrissur is a city (located at 10.31 North and 76.12 East) in the central part of Kerala state, India. The name is derived from 'Tri-Shiva-Perur', which means the place with three famous Siva temples which are said to be 1)the Vadakkunathan, 2) Kottapuram Siva temple and 3)Punkunnam Siva temple. [Alternately, the name can be parsed as 'Thiru-Siva-Perur', the place with the holy name of Siva.]It is an important cultural centre, and is known as the "cultural capital" of Kerala.

It is famous for the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. The festival is held near the Vadakkumnathan temple, in April or May. The temple city of Guruvayoor is also nearby.

Thrissur also has added to its name The Church of Our Lady of Dolors, popularly known as the New Church. It is one on the biggest Catholic churches in south Asia. The first church of India is also situated in Thrissur, the St. Thomas church at Palayoor.

Physiography

54 km long coastal area. South East corner of the District is bounded by Tamil Nadu. Mountains-Machad, Paravattani, Palapalli, Kodeswary & Athirapalli. The Periyar, The Chalakudy, The Karuvannur and The Ponnani (Bharatha Puzha) are the main river systems in the District.

Educational Institutions

Kerala Agricultural University is located at Vellanikkara, about 9 km away from Thrissur. One of the important animal research institution in the State College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences is located at Mannuthy , 5 km away from Thrissur.

The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is established under the Science and Technology policy adopted by the Government of Kerala as an autonomous institution to undertake research in areas like forestry, biodiversity etc., that are vital to the development of Kerala State. The Institute was registered as a society on 3rd July 1975 under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act, 1955. The institution fulfills number of economic, social and environmental objectives set by the Government.

The city also has three engineering colleges on one two medical colleges.

The nearest airport is at Nedumbassery, which is privately owned and close to Cochin. It is well connected by roads and railways too. Thrissur's location in central Kerala gives it a unique mosaic culture of the erstwhile Cochin and Malabar regions.

Kerala's leading Malayalam news papers, Mathrubhumi and Malayala Manorama have Thrissur edition published from Thrissur.

Pilgrim centres

• The Kodungallur Bhagavati Temple
• Vadakkunnathan Temple
• Paramekkavu Bhagawathy Temple
• Thiruvambady Temple
• Poonkunnam Temple
• Mulangunnathukavu
• Thiruvilwamala Sree Rama Temple

External links

• For travel guide, information on pilgrimage centres etc.