Trichambaram Krishna Temple is a 11th century shrine situated at
Trichambaram, just 2 km south of
Taliparamba in
Kannur District. It is 20 km from
Kannur on
National Highway 17. The temple dedicated to
Lord Krishna is one of the best known Krishna temples in
Kerala. The temple enshrines Lord Krishna in his child-form, soon after slaying
Kamsa.
Trichambaram Krishna Temple is believed to be built by Lord Parashuram, the mythological architect of Kerala, who had laid down the rituals, routine, worship and details of the annual festival. The temple is of great archeological importance. The sanctum sanctorum is double storied and has a pyramid shaped copper roof with a golden stupa (pinnacle) at the top. The sanctum has beautiful carvings and murals which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The beautiful statues, mural paintings and the wood carvings illustrating scenes from Mahabharata, adorning the temple walls testifies the craftsmanship of the bygone days.
The temple complex also has a tank with a shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga in the center.
The annual festival held here in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February – March) is attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over the state. At this time the idol of Krishna's brother Lord Balram is brought from Dharmikulangara Temple at Mazhoor and they are said to play together at Trichambaram, before being separated again at the end of the festival. The Kootipiriyal ceremony, held on the last day of the festival, represents the parting of the brothers Krishna and Balram.
Ayiram appam of Trichambaram Temple, a special kind of sweet offering made in thousands, is quite famous. This is the only temple in Kerala where women from Namboothiri families prepare the offering.
Trichambaram Krishna Temple is just 14 km from Pappinisseri Railway Station.
