Triprayar Sree Rama Swami Temple
Triprayar Sree Rama Swami Temple, located in Thrissur district of Kerala is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. Thriprayar is in the middle of Guruvayoor – Kodungallore route.
The deity Lord Rama in the Triprayar Temple is popularly known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. The idol of Lord Rama was initially worshipped by Lord Krishna at Dwaraka. After the swargarohana of Lord Krishna the idol was immersed in the sea. Later some fisher men got the idol from the sea near Chettuva region of Kerala, and the local ruler Vakkayil Kaimal constructed a temple at Triprayar and installed the idol. The image of Rama (Triprayar Thevar) resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu form with four arms, bearing a conch (Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a bow (Kodanda) and a garland respectively. It is believed that the deity worshipped here possesses some of the aspects of Shiva too. It was after killing the asura, Khara that Sri Rama got both the Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects. Thus, Triprayar Thevar is also called Khara Samhara Moorthy. It is also believed that the portrayal of Rama with a garland held in the image's hand is also suggestive of aspects of Bhrahma and hence the deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimoorthis.
The idol of this temple is Sree Rama who resembles Maha Vishnu with chathurpujam (four arms) bearing a conch, a disc, a bow and a garland. He is popularly known as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. The idol of Sree Rama is adorned with necklaces and other jewelry.
Triprayar temple is rich in wood carvings. The sreekovil or karpagriham is circular in shape with a copper covered conical roof. The sanctum has several sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana Its walls are decorated with beautiful Kerala mural paintings. The namaskara mandapa is copper plated and has 24 panels of woodcarvings representing Navagrahas.
Feeding the fishes in Purayar river in front of the temple, after getting a token from the temple is a custom here. It is believed that the fishes are the pets of Triprayar Thevar and feeding them will please Him. This custom called 'Meen Oottu' (Feeding the Fish) is believed to reduce Asthma and for improving their health.
Visiting Nalambalams in the month of Karkidakam (July-August) is considered as sacred and known as Nalambala-yathra which is becoming popular as Pilgrimage Tourism.
Location
Triprayar
Main Deity
Lord Sree Ram
Other Deities
Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesh, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lord Ayyappa, Gosala Krishnan
Festivals
The Ekadasi festival in the month of Vrichikam (November - December) is the main festival. On Ekadasi day, Sree Rama is taken in procession with around 21 elephants participating. Pooram in March- April
Main Offerings
Meen Oottu, Chathan Bhandaram, Kathina Vedi Vazhipadu, Chakyar Koothu, Palpayasam, Chandanam Charthu.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated at 55.1KM from the temple.
By Rail: Irinjalakuda Railway Station is 17.9KM from the Temple.
By Road: Irinjalakuda KSRTC Bus Station is 16.4KM from the Temple.