This is the most famous Shree Rama Temple in Kerala. The Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple, located at Triprayar, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is adorned with intricate wood carvings, captivating mural paintings, and sculpted depictions of scenes from the epic Ramayana, this temple is a masterpiece of artistry and spirituality. The ancient architecture of the temple dates back to the 12th century.
Thriprayarappan or Thevar is the main deity worshipped in the temple. The belief is that the Lord Sri Rama deity in the temple protects nature after his victory in the Rama – Raavana Yuddham. Another belief is that the deity is a form of Mahavishnu who appeared before the demon Khara in the Ramayana and granted him moksha. The deity has four arms, holding a Conch, Sudarshana Chakra, Mace, and Akshamala.
The temple has a rich history, initially under the Zamorins’ rule and later passing through the hands of the Dutch, Mysore Sultans, and Cochin rulers. Now governed by the Cochin Devaswom Board.
The Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple is located on the banks of the Karuvannur River, also known as Theevra River.
The temple hosts magnificent festivals, with the annual Pooram Purappadu & Uthram Vilakku and Vrischika Ekadasi (Triprayar Ekadasi) being the two major celebrations. Commencing with the Kottippurappedal ritual, the festivities unfold joyously. Triprayar Thevar plays a central role in the renowned Arattupuzha Pooram during the Malayalam Meenam month. Another legend is that Lord Krishna in Dwaraka worshipped the same idol. Besides Rama, the temple includes shrines for Shiva, Ganesha, Shastha, and Krishna, with additional worship for Hanuman and Chathan.
Nalambalam yatra:
This ancient temple has a special significance during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam. The Nalambalam darshanam consists of four temples dedicated to the four sons of King Dasaratha. Devotees believe that the darshanam(visit) of all these temples on the same day is highly auspicious. The four temples are Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple, Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple, and Payammal Shathrughna Temple.
The Chira kettal (binding of the bund) is a sacred religious ceremony that a team of priests, from Thriprayar Temple, perform.
The temple also features a Sree Krishna temple with a goshala, chuttambalam, mukha mandapam, and a balikkallu. The Triprayar Ekadashi festival in Vrischikam month is significant, marked by the important Vedivazhipadu ritual. ‘Meenuttu'(feeding fish) in the Theevra Nadi is a unique ritual in the temple.
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