Start your spiritual journey from Triprayar Sree Ramaswami Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama in Thrissur, Kerala. This 12th-century temple is a masterpiece of Kerala architecture, inviting everyone to experience its divine atmosphere and history.
When you enter the temple, you’ll see the serene Thevara River. It was earlier called Purayar. The wood carvings of the temple and the murals of scenes from Ramayana are amazing. The circular sanctum houses Lord Rama in his Chaturbhuj form, which amazes everyone who sees it.
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The temple is close to Cochin International Airport (COK) and Irinjalakkuda Railway Station (IJK). It’s open from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM every day. Visitors should wear traditional Indian clothes, like dhotis for men and churidars or sarees for women, as a sign of respect.
The temple festivals are really exciting. The Ekadasi procession involves 21 elephants and the Arattupuzha Pooram festival lasts for seven days. These events highlight the cultural importance of the temple and attract many visitors.
Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple
The Thriprayar Sri Rama Temple is about 24 kilometers from Thrissur. It’s a place of deep spiritual meaning. It honors Lord Rama, known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar, a form of Lord Vishnu.
The idol of Lord Rama is special. It shows him holding a conch, disc, garland, and bow. This idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna before it was lost at sea.
Years later, fishermen found it near Chettuva, Kerala. This led to the temple’s creation. Its architecture, with a square base and conical roof, is stunning.
The Thriprayar Temple is part of the Nalambala pilgrimage circuit. It includes four temples dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. Devotees visit these temples during the Karkadaka month for blessings.
The temple’s daily rituals are known as thriprayar temple rituals. There are five worship services: usha, etirthu, panthirati, uccha, and athazha. These rituals fill the temple with devotion and spirituality.
Festivals like Angya Koottu in Virchika month and a seven-day festival in Meenam month highlight the area’s culture. Devotees offer Vedi to Lord Hanuman and feed fish during Meenoottu.
The temple’s grand twelve-day annual function is a major event. It features processions of Saasta and Sri Rama, attracting thousands of devotees.
History of Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple
The Thriprayar temple is in the heart of Thrissur district. It has a history that spans centuries. It’s 28 km from the nearest railway station and 65 km from the Cochin International Airport. This sacred shrine has been a beacon of faith and devotion for generations.
The Legend of Triprayarappan
Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar, stopped at this spot during his journey to Thrikkakkara. He searched for water to cleanse his feet but found his Kamandalu, or water pot, dry. Undeterred, he used the remaining water, and to everyone’s amazement, it never dried up.
This miraculous event gave the place its name, “Thriprayar” or “Thiru Purayar,” meaning “sacred water source.”
The Origins of the Temple's Name
The temple’s name comes from the legend of Triprayarappan. Triprayarappan is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The name “Triprayarappan” combines “Thriprayar,” the sacred water source, and “Appan,” a term of endearment for the deity.
This divine connection has made the Thriprayar Temple a revered pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Vishnu.
Throughout its long and storied past, the Thriprayar Temple has seen the rise and fall of various rulers and dynasties. It was first under the powerful Zamorins, then the Dutch, the Mysore Sultans, and lastly, the Cochin rulers. Today, the temple is governed by the Cochin Devaswom Board, ensuring its preservation and continuation of sacred traditions.
Architecture of Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Temple showcases Kerala’s rich architectural heritage. As you enter, you’ll be amazed by the detailed wood carvings and ancient mural paintings. The temple’s design is a mix of elegance and grandeur, showing the talent of the artisans.
Intricate Wood Carvings and Mural Paintings
The Thriprayar Temple is known for its stunning wood carvings. It has 24 panels of carvings, each telling a part of the Ramayana. These carvings are a testament to the artisans’ skill. The mural paintings, centuries old, add to the temple’s beauty.
The Circular Sreekovil and Namaskara Mandapa
The heart of the temple is its circular sanctum, the sreekovil. It’s filled with sculptures of Lord Rama’s life. The copper-plated namaskara mandapa, with 24 panels of wood carvings, is also impressive. These carvings show the nine celestial bodies, highlighting the temple’s cultural richness.
Architectural Feature | Number of Panels/Sculptures |
Wood Carving Panels | 24 |
Sculptures in Sreekovil | Numerous |
Navagraha Carvings in Namaskara Mandapa | 24 |
The Thriprayar Temple’s architecture is breathtaking. From the wood carvings to the mural paintings, each part has its own story. The sreekovil and namaskara mandapa show the artisans’ hard work and dedication. Exploring the temple, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a world of beauty and history.
Experience the Vibrant Festivals at Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple in Kerala’s heart buzzes with life all year. It’s famous for the Triprayar Ekadashi and Arattupuzha Pooram festivals. These events draw many to see the temple’s spiritual and cultural beauty.
Triprayar Ekadashi Celebrations
The Triprayar Ekadashi happens in Vrischikam (November–December). It’s a big event that shows the temple’s love for Lord Rama. On Ekadashi, the temple has a grand procession with 21 elephants carrying the Sree Rama idol.
Many people come to the temple to get blessings and join in the fun. It’s a day they won’t forget.
Arattupuzha Pooram Festival
The Arattupuzha Pooram is a seven-day event in Meenam (March–April). It’s led by Thriprayar Thevar, or Lord Rama. The festival is a colorful display of Kerala’s culture.
The highlight is a stunning fireworks show at the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple. It lights up the sky and fills the air with wonder.
Festival | Month | Duration | Highlights |
Triprayar Ekadashi | Vrischikam (November–December) | 1 day | Procession with 21 elephants, Sree Rama idol |
Arattupuzha Pooram | Meenam (March–April) | 7 days | Presided by Thriprayar Thevar, fireworks display |
Seeing these festivals at the Thriprayar Temple is unforgettable. It lets visitors dive into Kerala’s spiritual and cultural world. The temple’s festivals show the people’s strong faith and draw many each year.
Seek Blessings from the Upadevathas at Thriprayar Temple
At Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple, people seek blessings from Lord Rama and the upadevathas. These divine beings add to the temple’s spiritual vibe. They offer comfort and guidance to those who visit.
Lord Hanuman's Presence in the Namaskara Mandapam
When you enter the Namaskara Mandapam, you meet Lord Hanuman. He is Lord Rama’s loyal friend. It’s believed he resides here, watching over and blessing visitors. Take a moment to pray to him for protection and strength.
Lord Dakshinamoorti and Lord Ganapati
In the Garbhagriha, you’ll find Lord Dakshinamoorti, a form of Lord Shiva. He’s revered for his wisdom. Also, two Ganapathy Pratishtha are in the Nalambalam, removing obstacles and granting success. Seek their blessings and let their presence guide you spiritually.
The Ayyappa Shrine and Goshala Krishna Temple
In the temple courtyard, you’ll see the Ayyappa shrine in the south. It’s dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, known as Shastha. Many devotees visit to seek his blessings for a good life. Near the north, the Goshala Krishna temple worships Lord Krishna as a cowherd. Take a moment to appreciate their divine presence and let their energy fill your heart.
By seeking blessings from the upadevathas at Thriprayar Temple, you connect deeply with the divine. You’ll find comfort in their presence. Let their grace lead you to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
Nalambala Yatra: A Spiritual Journey
The Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple is a key spot in the Nalambala Yatra. This spiritual journey happens every year in the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July 17 to August 16). Tens of thousands of devotees come to visit four famous temples in central Kerala, including Thriprayar.
The Nalambala Yatra is like the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Both involve visiting sacred temples. The Nalambala Yatra starts at the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple. Then, devotees visit the Shatrughna temple at Payammal, the Kudalmanikyam Bharata temple at Irinjalakkuda, and the Muzhikulam Lakshmana temple.
Each temple in the Nalambala Yatra has special rituals and meanings. The Thriprayar temple is famous for its divine origins and architecture. The idol of Lord Rama at Thriprayar is very important, and there are stories of divine help during its installation.
The Nalambala Yatra includes more than just these four temples. There are four more Nalambalams in different Kerala districts. Each has four temples close to each other. This shows Kerala’s rich spiritual heritage and the value of temple visits.
As more people learn about the Nalambala Yatra, more devotees from Kerala and nearby states are going on this journey. The Thriprayar temple, with its unique deity, remains a key pilgrimage site for those seeking blessings and spiritual growth.
Explore the Serene Surroundings of Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple sits on the banks of the Karuvannur River. It’s a beautiful sight. The temple’s location adds to the area’s natural beauty, making it a peaceful place for everyone.
Just 5 kilometers away, the Arabian Sea comes with its clear waters and sandy beaches. The Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach is a favorite for those looking for calm. It’s known for its stunning views and the soothing sound of waves.
The area around Thriprayar temple is a great escape from city life. The temple’s spiritual vibe and the natural beauty nearby make for a magical experience. Whether you’re looking for peace or stunning views, Thriprayar will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Don’t miss the chance to see the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple’s surroundings. Take time to enjoy the Karuvannur River’s calm. And be sure to visit the Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach by the Arabian Sea. These places will make your visit to this sacred temple in Kerala unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is the significance of Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple?
Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple is an ancient Hindu temple. It is dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is famous for its wood carvings, mural paintings, and sculptures of Ramayana scenes.
The temple’s architecture dates back to the 12th century. It holds great historical and spiritual value.
Q: Who is the main deity worshipped at Thriprayar Temple?
The main deity is Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar, a form of Lord Rama. The idol of Lord Rama is seen holding a conch, a disc, a garland, and a bow with his four arms.
Q: What is the legend behind the idol of Lord Rama at Thriprayar Temple?
It is believed that Lord Krishna worshipped this idol of Lord Rama. Before it was submerged in the sea, it was later found by fishermen near the Chettuva region of Kerala.
Q: How did Thriprayar get its name?
According to legend, Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar stopped at this location. He couldn’t find water to wash his feet. He used the water from his Kamandalu, which kept flowing, giving the place its name “Thriprayar” or “Thiru Purayar.”
Q: What are the major festivals celebrated at Thriprayar Temple?
The Triprayar Ekadashi celebration happens in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December). Up to 21 elephants participate in the procession of Sree Rama on Ekadashi day.
The Arattupuzha Pooram is a seven-day festival in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). It is presided over by Thriprayar Thevar or Lord Rama.