There are more than sixty three Famous temples in thrissur. Thrissur is a city famous as the cultural capital of Kerala. Therefore, we can see many Hindu temples built in Kerala style here. Some of the Famous temples in thrissur are given below.
1.Arattupuzha temple
The Arattupuzha temple, located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, is a well-known Dharmashasta temple. It dates back over 3,000 years and was originally a Dravidian temple before becoming a prominent Buddhist temple in Kerala. In the 8th century, it came under Hindu ownership. Arattupuzha temple is famous for the annual Dev Mela festival, where a grand Puram is carried out with the participation of 108 elephants from different temples. Each elephant represents a different deity, with Aratupuzha Shasta being the main host.
It is believed that all the gods and goddesses gather for this festival. The main deity of the Arattupuzha temple is “Ayyappan,” and it is believed that the divine presence of all the deities can be felt in this shrine. The Shasta idol in the temple is renowned for its calm posture, with the left leg and right leg folded, holding leather, the left hand resting on the right thigh, the right leg resting on the knee, and holding an amrita kalash in the right hand.
Arattupuzha temple is said to house the divine essence of Sri Rama’s guru, Guru Vashishtha. Unlike other temples in Kerala, this temple does not have any other shrines. The deity, Aratupuzha Shasta, has a preference for offerings such as Thirut, Ata, Nalikeramdukal, and Karikabhishekam. Adayan is particularly beloved by Aratupuzha Shasta, and there are over 15 days dedicated to Aada offerings each month.
Notable events include Puraghosham in Pisces, Pratishtha Day in Gemini, Mahaganapati Homam in Cancer, Illamnira and Thruputhari on Utratam day in Leo, Navratri celebrations in Virgo, Desahavilak in Scorpio, Pathamudaya celebrations in Sagittarius, the first day of every Malayalam month, and Muvedi Saturday. The most important event of the year is Puram.
Arattupuzha temple was once the gathering place for 108 gods and goddesses from Peruvanam village. But now only 23 deities participate in the festival. Legend has it that Aratupuzhapuram is where Triprayarappan, the leader of Aratupuzhapuram, met his guru. It is believed that besides the thirty-three Parabrahmaswarupi deities, the Gandharvas also visit Aratupuzhapuram.
2.Avanangattilkalari vishnumaya temple
The Avanangattilkalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple, located in Peringottukara, Thrissur District. It is a sacred Hindu site dedicated to the revered deity Vishnumaya, also known as Chathan . The Avanangattilkalari Vishnumaya Temple in Kerala, particularly in Malabar, holds the distinction of being the principal temple among all Vishnumaya temples in the region.
It is revered as the “moolasthanam” or the primary seat of Lord Vishnumaya, who is worshipped in his fierce form, facing east, with two hands adorned with symbols of power. One hand holds a magical wand, while the other grasps a pot filled with the elixir of life. The deity is mounted on a water buffalo, symbolizing his immense power and strength. The temple is renowned for the god’s extraordinary magical abilities
The temple was given the name Avanangattilkalari because it was surrounded by Ricinus plants. In the Malayalam language, the Ricinus plant is called “avanaku,” and the word for forest is “kadu.” Thus, the name Avanangattilkalari was derived from combining avanaku and kadu. The term “kalari” refers to a location where traditional martial arts practice or teaching takes place in Kerala. The temple is often recognized as the original form of Vishnumaya and his 389 brothers. During a war between Shiva’s army and the demon Briga Rakshas, ten of Vishnumaya’s brothers sacrificed their lives. In the midst of combat, these ten brothers used the brahmastra to assist Shiva’s army in defeating Rakshas Briga.
Located at the heart of Kerala, the temple is known as the “vishnumaya chathan temple” among Tamil speakers. The term “chathan” is derived from sastha. Constructed in a distant time, the temple’s rituals embrace ancient Shakthyem traditions that are scarcely practiced in present-day Kerala temples.
The residents of Kerala have faith in the history of this temple, which used to be a small shrine. It was Kellunni Panicker who placed the statue of Vishnumaya near one of his kalari. The rituals are carried out according to direct guidance from the deity. Close to the temple, there is a mango tree and a small rock shrine known as “Valliyachan kottil,” believed to be the primary source of the deity’s powers. The priests belong to the Panicker and Thiyyar families, who hold the privilege of offering floral tributes to the God.
The Avanangattilkalari Sree Vishnumaya temple welcomes devotees from all religious backgrounds. It shares a strong connection with the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, where Lord Sastha and Lord Chathan are worshipped together. The temple also permits women of all faiths to enter, making it a unique and inclusive place of worship.
The temple’s reconstruction was made possible by Sakthan Thampuran, who not only provided financial support but also donated a red-colored champers that can still be found inside Thriprayar Temple. According to local beliefs, during the Arattupuzha Pooram festival, the deity visits Avanangattilkalari Sree Vishnumaya temple to meet Lord Vishnumaya, an event known as “Pooram Purapad”.
At present, the Avanangattilkalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple,is under the management of a temple trust and does not receive any assistance from the Thriprayar temple. It was built by Kellunni Panicker, and the Panicker families still carry out the first Shaktheya Pooja in the Avanangattilkalari temple.
During ancient times, devotees used to offer animal sacrifices, mainly birds, at the temple to seek protection and the fulfillment of their prayers. However, in the present day, only red-dyed silks are offered to the deity. The temple is located in the middle of a ten-acre plot of land, surrounded by paddy fields. T
he “manimandapam” or “sreekovil” faces east, while on the east side, there are two Sarpakavu near the small bhagavathi shire. On the west side, there is a temple pond that serves the purpose of a well, although bathing is not allowed. The entrance to the temple is on the east and west sides through the “padipura”. On the north side, there is an “ananadhana mandapam” that serves devotees every day.
During the ritual, an oracle person called Vellichapad, also known as the god’s oracle, sits in front of the temple in a frenzied trance state called niyogam, claiming to be possessed by the god. This niyogam ritual is performed every day, while special poojas are only conducted on full moon or new moon days. All actions are carried out in accordance with the saktheya tradition. The “vellattumaholsam” festival at the Avanangattilkalari Vishnumaya temple lasts for a month, starting from the month of Kumbham and lasting for ten days.
This usually falls between the months of February and March. The festival begins with a ritual called ‘Ezhunallathu’, which is an important feature of this temple. Only members of the “Thira manar” are allowed to participate in this ritual, which is performed to appease the god Vishnumaya and the demons associated with her who enjoy the offerings. The kalampattu festival is performed four days before the Malayalam months of “karkidakam” and “vrichikam”.
3.Chowalloor siva temple
The Chowalloor Siva Temple, situated in the Guruvayoor region of Thrissur District in Kerala, India, is a revered Hindu temple devoted to the worship of Lord Shiva. This ancient temple boasts a rich history, with its presiding deity, Lord Shiva, positioned in the main sanctum sanctorum and facing west.
According to local legend, the idol was installed by the esteemed sage Parashurama. This temple is notable for being one of the 108 prominent Shiva temples in Kerala and one of five Shiva temples in the surrounding area of Guruvayoor. The temple is open to Hindus only and offers three daily poojas to Lord Shiva. The temple celebrates two major festivals, Shivaratri and Ashtami Rohini, with great fervor and devotion.
The Chowalloor Siva Temple occupies approximately 4 acres of land and is surrounded by a large structure. Unlike typical temples, the towers are not located on the temple walls. There is no flag mast as there are no festivals held at the temple. The main Balikallu in Balikalpura is approximately 10 feet tall, making it difficult to see the Shiva lingam from the outside.
Adjacent to the temple, on the north-west side, there is a shrine dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy, facing east. This Subrahmanya Temple was constructed as part of the temple’s renovation in 2001. The temple’s main sanctum sanatorium is round in shape and consists of two floors. The second roof of the Sanctum Sanctorum is made of copper, and there is a golden dam present.
4.Guruvayur temple
also known as guruvayur sree krishna temple
The Guruvayur Temple is a sacred Hindu site devoted to Guruvayurappan, a form of Vishnu, also known as Krishna, situated in the town of Guruvayur, Kerala, India. It holds great significance for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, earning the name Bhuloka Vaikuntha, meaning Vaikuntha on earth. Guruvayur Temple is recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram, a distinction within the Vaishnavate tradition.
The main symbol is a standing Vishnu with four arms, holding the Panchajanya conch, Sudarshana discus, Kaumodaki mace, and a lotus with a tulasi garland. This depiction represents the Vishnu form that appeared to Krishna’s parents Vasudeva and Devaki during his birth.
In Guruvayur Temple,the worship rituals follow the guidelines set by Adi Shankara and later documented in the Tantric tradition, a spiritual movement that originated in medieval India. Chennas Narayanan Nambudiri, whose descendants serve as the hereditary tantris (high priests) of the Guruvayur Temple, formally recorded these practices.
The Guruvayur Temple is governed by the Guruvayur Devaswom, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Kerala state government.
Guruvayur Temple celebrates several significant festivals throughout the year, including a 10-day festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, starting with a flag-hoisting ceremony on the Pooyam star day; Krishna Janmashtami, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, in the month of Chingam; Ekadasi, the 11th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Vrischikam, also known as Guruvayur Ekadasi; and Vishu, a harvest festival, on the first day of the month of Medam.
Guruvayur Temple also has sub-deities, including Ganapati, Ayyappan, and Bhagavati, and there are two smaller temples dedicated to Ganapati and Nagadevathas (snake deities located near the main temple). Additionally, there is a replica temple called Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, revered as Guruvayurappan, the deity of the famous Krishna Temple in Guruvayur Town, Kerala. Guruvayur Temple holds great significance for Malayalis and Tamilians.
5.Mammiyur mahadeav temple
The Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple is a well-known Shiva temple located in Guruvayoor, Thrissur district in Kerala, India. It is customary for every devotee who visits the Guruvayur Temple to also visit Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple. Only individuals who practice Hinduism are permitted inside the temple grounds.
Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple is part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala and is one of the five Shiva temples that surround Guruvayoor. The primary deity is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of ‘Uma Maheshwara’ with Goddess Parvathi to his left. Additionally, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Other deities worshipped here include Lord Ganapathi, Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Ayyappan, Goddess Kali, and Serpent deities.
The management of the Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple falls under the responsibility of the Malabar Devaswom Board. Three daily poojas (ritualistic prayers) are conducted here, and the hereditary Thanthri of this temple is Puzhakkara Chennas Mana. The major festivals celebrated at this temple are Shivaratri and Ashtami Rohini.
6.Kodungallur bagavathy temple-one of the famous temples in thrissur
Kodungallur bagavathy temple, also known as the kurumba bagavathy Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine located in Kerala’s Thrissur District. Dedicated to the powerful goddess Bhadrakali, a manifestation of Mahakali or Durga, the temple is considered one of the oldest functioning temples in India.
The deity is worshipped in her fierce form, facing north, with eight hands adorned with various symbols, including the head of the demon king Daruka, a sickle-shaped sword, an anklet, a bell, and others. Kodungallur bagavathy temple’s daily worship rituals take place between 3:00 AM and 9:00 PM local time.
Kodungallur bagavathy temple is frequently recognized as the authentic manifestation of Goddess Kali.[citation needed] In the time of Later Cheras, Mahodayapuram (Kodungallur) served as the capital of the Chera empire and held great significance in the area. Situated in the Thrissur district of central Kerala, the temple was constructed in a distant era and its worship embraces ancient customs of Shaktyeism that are seldom witnessed in modern Kerala temples.[citation needed]
The Kodungallur bagavathy temple has a rich history, passed down through generations by its priests. According to legend, Kodungallur bagavathy temple was originally a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it was Parasurama who installed a murti of Bhadrakali near one of Shiva’s. The goddess herself is believed to guide the priests in performing the pujas, which are considered to be of great significance.
Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is also home to five ‘Sri Chakras’, believed to be the source of the deity’s power, installed by the revered Adi Shankaracharya. The priests who serve at the temple are Namboodiris (Tanthri) and Adikals, who have the privilege of performing ‘Pushpanjalis’ to the Goddess.
7.Koodalmanikyam temple
The Koodalmanikyam Temple, located in the Irinjalakuda Municipality of Thrissur district in Kerala, India, is a Hindu place of worship that boasts a unique history and architecture. This ancient temple, dedicated to the worship of Bharata, the second brother of Rama, features a main structure, a walled compound with citadels, and four ponds, one of which is situated within the temple’s walls.
Interestingly, the deity worshipped here is actually god Vishnu, and the temple is also known as “Sangameshwara” or “the Lord of the Confluence.” The Koodalmanikyam Temple is one of four temples in Kerala that form a set called “nalambalam” each dedicated to one of the four brothers from the epic Ramayana: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
The spiritual leader and leader of the Koodalmanikyam Temple and its lands is known as the Thachudaya Kaimal, also referred to as “Manikkam Keralar”. This lineage can be traced back to ancient times and is documented in the holy Skanda Purana. The authority over the temple, specifically the position of the kaimal (in contrast to “Manikkam Keralar”) and the position of “melkoyma”, is held by the temporal ruler.
8.Mathur shiva temple
The Mathur Shiva Temple, situated in Kunnamkulam, Thrissur District, India, is a sacred Hindu site. The temple houses a unique Siva linga, believed to be Rudrakshasila, characterized by its irregular shape, red hue, and untouched surface, unsculpted by human hands. The main sanctum sanctorum is home to the temple’s presiding deity, Lord Shiva, facing west, while Lord Parvathi resides in the same sanctum, facing east. According to local legend, the idol was installed by the revered sage Parashurama. The Mathur Shiva Temple is one of the 108 renowned Shiva temples in Kerala, attracting devotees from far and wide.
9.Paramekkav bagavathy temple
Located in Thrissur City, Kerala, Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple is one of the largest Bagavathi temples in the region. The temple is part of the two groups, “Paramekkavu side” and “Thiruvambady side,” which were established by Sakthan Thampuran for the annual Thrissur Pooram festival. The principal participants of these groups are the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple at Thrissur Swaraj Round and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple at Shoranur road, which are only 500 meters apart. The Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the participating groups in the Thrissur Pooram festival. Additionally, the Paramekkavu temple devaswom operates a school called Paramekkavu Vidya Mandir near Kutoor and has a KG section near the temple itself.
10.Poonkunnam siva temple
Punkunnam Shiva Temple is situated in Punkunnam within Thrissur, Kerala. This temple exemplifies the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The primary god worshipped here is Shiva. Additionally, there are other secondary deities such as Parvathy, Ganapathy, Sastha, Nagaraja, and Partha Sarathi (Lord Krishna in his role as the charioteer to Arjuna). The Ganeshotsavam festival is celebrated in a grand manner at this temple. Moreover, during the Sabarimala season, pilgrims are provided with complimentary meals. Nearby, one can find the Poonkunnam Seetha Ramaswamy Temple.
11.Trikkur mahadeva temple
The principal deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, as the name implies. According to beliefs, the large Shivalinga here was consecrated by Lord Agni, and as a result, it is believed that Lord Agni continuously worships Lord Shiva and remains by his side. Because of this belief, the idol is not taken outside for processions on rainy days.
The sacred temple is situated atop a gentle hill, within a spacious natural cave that measures 30 feet in length and 12 feet in width. The impressive Shiva Linga is positioned at the southern end of the cave, above a waterhole that miraculously never dries up, even during the hottest summer days.
The Linga faces east, while the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum is directed towards the north. The Linga is placed on a sturdy rectangular pedestal, and an serene pond adorns the summit of the rock. Since 1966, the temple has been safeguarded as a protected monument under the auspices of the Department of Archaeology.
12.Thiruvambadi sri krishna temple
The Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, India is a sacred Hindu site where devotees worship Krishna as a child and Bhadrakali, both considered equally important deities. The temple complex also houses smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Sastha, and Brahmarakshas, and a separate sub-temple for Ganesha located behind the main temple. The Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of two rival groups that participate in the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival.Thiruvambadi Sivasundar, an elephant, resided at the temple until his passing in 2018.
13.Triprayar temple
Thriprayar, located in the Thrissur District of Kerala, India, is well-known for its Thriprayar Temple. This town is included in the Thrissur Metropolitan Area and is home to one of the four temples visited during the Nalambalam Yatra, which includes Rama, Bharta, Lakshmana, and Shaturghna.
The Thriprayar Temple has had a diverse history, having been under the control of various rulers and empires throughout the centuries. Initially, it was part of the Zamorin dynasty, who ruled over Calicut. Later, the Dutch gained possession of the temple, followed by the Mysore Sultans and the rulers of Cochin. Currently, it is one of several temples managed by the Cochin Devaswom Board.
The town’s location is influenced by its proximity to prominent religious sites, with the Sree Rama Temple (Thriprayar Temple) at its center. The distance between Triprayar and Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple is approximately 23 km, while the distance to Irinjalakuda temple is around 20 km. The Kodungallur temple is located 24 km away. The nearest railway station is in Thrissur, which is 22 km east of the temple.
14.Vadakkunnathan temple
https://youtu.be/8QBQ1xByNpI?si=G2XsnSxwb2vWF32c
The Vadakkumnathan Temple, located in Thrissur, Kerala, India, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple showcases the traditional architectural style of Kerala and features four monumental towers, one on each side, along with a koothambalam. The interior of the temple boasts beautiful mural paintings that depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata.
The shrines and Kuttambalam of the temple are adorned with intricate wood carvings. The temple, along with its mural paintings, has been declared a National Monument by the Indian government under the AMASR Act. According to local legend, the temple was built by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Thekkinkadu Maidan, surrounding the temple, serves as the main venue for the famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) suggested in 2012 that 14 locations in Kerala, such as Vadakkumnathan Temple and palaces, should be considered for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among the 108 ancient Shiva Temples in Kerala, the temple is the oldest and was founded by Parashurama.
15.Vilwadrinatha temple
The Vilwadrinatha Temple, located in Thiruvilwamala, Thrissur, Kerala, India, is a sacred Hindu site dedicated to the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, Rama, and his brother Lakshmana. The temple is one of the four prominent Rama temples in Kerala, with the other three situated in Thriprayar, Kadavallur, and Thiruvangad. What sets this temple apart is the presence of an idol of Lakshmana, a unique feature not commonly found in other Indian temples.
The Vilwadrinatha Temple sits atop a hill in the heart of Thiruvilwamala, towering 100 feet above the surrounding landscape. From its lofty perch, the temple offers a stunning view of Bharathappuzha, the second-longest river in Kerala, which meanders through the northern part of the temple’s domain, its gentle flow a soothing sight from afar.