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| Thrissur ( Thrissivaperoor) Kerala • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
101.43 km² (39 sq mi) • 2.83 m (9 ft) |
| District(s) | Thrissur District |
| Population • Density |
317,474 (2001) • 3,100/km² (8,029/sq mi) |
| Mayor | Prof. R. Bindu |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle |
• 680XXX • +0487 • KL-8 |
| Temperature Range: 22.5°C -35 °C | |
- For the district with the same name, see Thrissur district.
Thrissur I Trichur / Trissur) pronunciation (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശൂര്) is a city situated in the centre of Kerala (Malayalam: േകരളം) state, India. It is the headquarters of Thrissur District. The city has a population of around 3.2 lakhs. It is an important cultural center, 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. It has a large number of well-known temples, Thiruvambady temple, Vadakkumnatha temple and Paramekkavu temple, and two churches of note, the Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (called "Puthan Pally" - meaning "New Church" - considered to be the biggest church in South Asia). The Kerala Police Academy (second largest in India) is situated in this city.
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Etymology
The name Thrissur is derived from 'Thiru-Shiva-Perur' (Malayalam: തൃശ്ശിവേപരൂര്) , which literally translates to "The city with the name of the SACRED SIVA". Thrissur was also known as "Vrishabhadripuram" and "Then Kailasam" (Kailasam of the south) in ancient days.
History
Thrissur has traditionally been a centre of learning. With the decline of Buddhism and Jainism due to the growing supremacy of Brahminism during the revival of Hinduism, Thrissur became an important centre of Sanskrit learning. It is believed that the great Hindu Saint, Adi Shankara, was born in answer to the prayer made by Arayambal and Sivaguru at Vadakkunathan temple. Sankara's disciples Hastamalaka, Thotaka, Padmapada and Sudhachara established four Madoms(mutt) in the city, namely the Northern Madom, the Middle Madom, the ln-Between Madom and the Southern Madom respectively. Thrissur had been visited by other religious icons like Swami Vivekananda, St. Thomas, and Sree Narayana Guru, who fought against the caste system in Hindu religion, founded his first temple in Koorkanchery. For a brief period, Thrissur was the capital of the Kochi kingdom. The Shaktan Thampuran palace, which was the abode of the Cochin king, Raja Rama Varma, also referred to as Sakthan Thampuran, was recently renovated by the Archeological Survey of India. It was under his reign that Thrissur gained prominence. Raja Rama Varma rebuilt Thrissur from destruction after attacks from the Tipu Sultan's army . Thrissur city has played a significant part in the political history of South India. Even as early as 1919 a committee of the Indian National Congress was functioning in Thrissur. In the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1921, several people in the city took active part and courted arrest.
The vast open area around the Vadakkumnatha temple was a magnificent teak forest called Thekkinkaadu.
Geography and Climate
Thrissur is situated in south western India and is in the central part of Kerala state, India. Thrissur is at sea level and spans an area of about 66.15 km². The center of the city is the Swaraj Round and it lies around small hillock called Thekin Kaadu Maidan on which the famous Vadakkumnathan temple is located. The poulation of this city, as per 2001 census, is 3,63,816. Population Density per square Kilometer is 3587. The city enjoys a tropical climate, the monsoons start in June. The months of April-May can get pretty humid which is also one of the best time to visit the city for the famed Thrissur Pooram. The best weather is from October to February.
Economy
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Historians say that Sakthan Thampuran invited Brahmins from the neighbouring Pandya Kingdom, established them at Oottupura (Mass Feeding centres) and encouraged them to do business in textiles. Thrissur can also be referred as the golden capital of India, since there is around Rs. 700 crore business of gold every year in the city. Almost every major jewellery shop in Kerala has its branches in the city. It is one of the main manufacturing centers of plain gold jewellery in the South India. 70% of Kerala's jewellery is manufactured at this city. Thrissur is also known as the financial hub of Kerala. It is the headquarters of three major scheduled banks, South Indian Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank and Dhanalakshmi Bank Ltd. There are over 4200 chit companies around the city doing roaring business. The other industries are diamond polishing and tyre moulding.
Government and Politics
Thrissur has one Member of Parliament constituency. The current MP is Sri C.K.Chandrappan. The city mayor is Prof.R Bindu. The M.L.A of Thrissur City constituency is Sri Therampil Ramakrishnan. The Corporation of Thrissur was established on 30th September 2000. 50 members are elected to the corporation council from 50 wards.
Transport
Thrissur is well connected to other cities in Kerala by both rail and road. It is located 55 km from the new Kochi International Airport and 80 km from the Kozhikode Airport. Thrissur Railway Station is on the artery of the railway line that connects the Southern part of Kerala with the rest of India. Thrissur also lies on the National Highway NH-47,NH-17. It is well connected to nearby cities and towns like Kochi, Kozhikode, Coimbatore and Palakkad. Thrissur has one KSRTC Bus Station and three private bus stands. The southern private bus stand is named after the ruler Sakthan Thampuran and is in S.T. Nagar. The northern bus stand is known as Vadakke Stand, which is a translation for Northern Bus Stand in the local language, Malayalam. The third bus stand is at the M.O. Road and is called The Municipal Bus Stand or old Bus Stand.
Demographics
As per 2001 Census, Thrissur had a population of 2,975,440. Males constitute 49% and females constitute 51% of the total population.10% is coming under six year of age. Thrissur has an average literacy rate of 86.5%, which is higher than the national average of 59.5%. male literacy rate is 87% where as female literacy rate is 86% in the city [2].
Culture
![Town Hall at Thrissur where public meetings and cultural programmes are held, [1]](http://wiki.bookrags.com/thumb/0/07/Thrissur_Townhall.JPG/250px-Thrissur_Townhall.JPG)
Thrissur, often hailed as the cultural capital of Kerala, is built around a hillock crowned by the famous Vadakkunathan (Siva) Temple, believed to have been founded by legendary Parasurama. The temple is a classical example of Kerala style of architecture and houses several sacred shrines. It is believed that Adi Shankara spent his last days here. Thrissur also has added to its name The Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, popularly known as the New Church [or Puthen Palli in Malayalam]. It is the biggest and tallest church in South Asia. The Metropolitan of the Chaldean Syrian Church (the name used for the Church of the East in India) is also headquartered in Thrissur, and many religious publications are printed by Mar Narsai Press.
The major cultural attraction is the Thrissur Pooram festival, celebrated during April - May, the Elephant - Umbrella Display competition is spectacular, as richly caparisoned elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas take the deity around the main temple. The passionate drum concerts and the spectacular firework displays are all part of Pooram celebration. Another attraction of this city is the "Puli Kali" ("Puli" = Tiger & "Kali" = Play) on the fourth day of Onam celebrations (Nalaam Onam). It is a procession of different clubs from all over the city and everyone with pastes smeared over their body like the stripes on tiger's body, captivate the onlookers with their energetic dances. It attracts thousands to the city. Also, Thrissur is widely acclaimed as the land of elephant lovers. Kerala Sahithya Akademy, Sangeetha Nataka Akademy and Kerala Lalithakala Academy are head quartered at Thrissur making the epithet 'cultural capital of Kerala' more meaningful. Thrissur is also the birth place of Kerala's Indian Coffee House movement. The first ICH of the state opened in Thrissur in 1959 as Advocate T.K. Krishnan and Nadakkal Parameswaran Pillai the founders. Jos Theater, the first theater in Kerala equipped with a movie-projector, is in this city, . Malayalam, Tamil, English and Hindi movies are being released in the eight major theaters in the city. Thrissur is also famous in the Indy-Pop Scene. Bands like Seven'(Franco,Sangeeth and Stephen)' and Jigsawpuzzle are from this city.They are the only bands featured on MTV from Kerala. For the last few years, city has been hosting the International Film Festival of Thrissur(IFFT). Around 100 films from 35 countries take part in the festival. It is the second largest film festival in Kerala after the one in Thiruvananthapuram. In 2006, there was another International Film Festival started in Thrissur, named Thrissur International Film Festival(TIFF). Lulu International Convention Center (Second Largest in India) with helipad facilities is situated in this city.
Education
Thrissur can also be called as the Educational Capital of Kerala as Coimbatore to Tamil Nadu. Kerala Agricultural University is situated in this city. Government Medical College, Thrissur, Jubilee Mission Medical college, Amala Medical college, The Government Engineering College, Thrissur (currently celebrating its Golden Jubilee GECT GoldenJubilee), Govt. Law College, Ayurveda College, Govt.Fine Arts College, College of Co-operation & Banking and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, College of Horticulture, College of Forestry,Maharaja's Technological Institute (Polytechnic), a number of priavte Engineering and Arts Colleges etc make the name "Educational Capital" more meaningful. There are a lot of famous Arts Colleges like St.Thomas College(One of the oldest in Kerala), Sri Kerala Varma College, St.Mary's College, Vimala College etc in City. This city is considered to be the most appropriate place for entrance(Engineering & Medical) coaching in Kerala.
Media
The first newspaper which published from Thrissur was Lokamanyan in 1920. Then came Deenabandhu in 1941. Now the leading newspapers like Malayala Manorama, Express, Mathrubhumi ,Desabhimani, Kerala Kaumudi, Deepika and Madhyamam have Thrissur editions. Doordarshan and a number of private Malayalam Channels are having regional studios in city. The Press Club of Thrissur [3] is situated at Round North. The first FM Radio Station in the city, Club FM 94.3 is inaugurated on 14th December 2007. Three more FM Radio Stations will start functioning in city soon.
Sports
Thrissur has a lot of Sporting tradition behind it. The veteran footballer I.M Vijayan (former Indian captain) & Joe Paul Anchery hails from this city. Thrissur has a floodlit Football Stadium, known as The Corporation Stadium. There are three more stadiums (Thope, Kerala Varma College and Agricultural University). It also has two Indoor Stadiums (V.K.N.Menon Indoor Stadium & Thope Stadium) and a Sports Authority of India (SAI) maintained Swimming Pool with International facilities. The Largest & Highest Temporary Stadium in the World (As per Guinness Book of World Records)built here in 1991.Capacity 40,000pax Height 70 feet.It is designed by Er.T.J.Antony. Thrissur has contributed many national and international body building stars to India, T.V.Poly and V.M.Basheer to name a few.
Specialities Of Thrissur City
- Kerala Police Academy Spread over an area of 348 acres, the Academy, built at a cost of Rs. 220 million, is designed to have a capacity of training 1950 trainees of various ranks (1500 constables, 400 officers and 50 women constables) at a time, which is one of the highest in India.
- Swaraj Round Also known as Thrissur Round, which is the heart of the city, is the largest ring road in India around a ground.
- Vadakumnathan temple One of the Oldest Mahadeva temples is situated in the Centre of the city around which the city is built, is more than a 1000 years old.
- Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours Also named as Puthan Pally is the biggest and tallest church in Asia, situated in the heart of the city. It is famous for its Gothic style architecture.
- Lulu International Convention Center It is the second largest convention center in India with helipad facilities.
- Dog Training Center The second Dog Training Center in India after the one in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh is in this city. It is the only one in South India.
- Head Offices Many Government and private organiztions have head quarters in Thrissur. Three nationalized banks (The South Indian Bank, The Catholic Cyrian Bank, The Dhanalakshmi Bank), The Kerala State Development Corporation For SC/ST Ltd, The Kerala State Financial Enterprises Limited(KSFE), The Pharmaceutical Corporation (I.M) Kerala Limited (Oushadhi), Kerala fishermen's Welfare Fund Board are head quartered in this city.
Places of interest in Thrissur City
- Shakthan Thampuran Palace Named as Vadakkekara Palace, was reconstructed in Kerala-Dutch style in 1795 by Sri. Ramavarma Thampuran of the erstwhile Princely State of Cochin, well as Sakthan Thampuran(Greatest ruler of the Cochin dynasty) is preserved by Archaeological Department.
- Archeological & Art Museum It has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers
- Thrissur Zoo It is a major attraction for children and students with a variety of animals.
- Kerala Sahitya Academy Kerala Sahitya Academy was established on August 15, 1956. It aims at the development of Malayalam Language and Literature and works in co-operation with the Kendra Sahitya Academy in New Delhi. There is a good library attached to the Academy consisting of 2 sections the General Section & the Research Section.
- Kerala Lalitakala Academy This was established in 1962, the aim of the Academy is to promote the sculpture, painting and visual arts.
- Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy It is also located in city and was established on April 12, 1938. It's aim is to foster and develop Kerala Dance, Drama and Music and to promote through the cultural unity of Kerala. It works in close collaboration with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy in New Delhi for the enrichment of Indian culture. A regional theatre is constructed in Thrissur with all modern facilities.
- Appan Thampuran Smarakam Established in 1976 at Ayyanthole where Sri. Ramavarma Appanthampuran who lived the Kumarapuram Palace. This is also a cultural Museum
- Vilangan Kunnu This hillock has been converted by the tourism department as an amusement park. While grown ups relish the scenic splendor from the hill top. Children can relax and play to their hearts.
External links
- Satellite image of Thrissur
- Government Portal
- Government Portal 2
- Our Lady of Dolour's Basilica
- Website of Thrissur Police
- Government Engineering College Thrissur
- For more information
- Article at indianetzone
Notes
 M.O Road as seen from Swaraj Round. |
 An elephant carrying Thidambu during Thrissur Pooram festival |
 An elephant saluting Vadakkunathan during Thrissur pooram. |
 Kuda Mattam during Thrissur pooram festival. |
 Elephant Feeding (Aaanayoottu) in front of Vadakkunnathan Temple |
 Gate to Vadakumnathan Temple. |
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| Capital | |
| Topics |
History | Economy | Geography | Flora and Fauna | Culture | Arts | Tourism |
| Districts |
Alappuzha | Ernakulam | Idukki | Kannur | Kasaragod | Kollam | Kottayam | Kozhikode | Malappuram | Palakkad | Pathanamthitta | Thiruvananthapuram | Thrissur | Wayanad |
| Cities |
Kochi | Kozhikode | Thiruvananthapuram | |
