Situated on the banks of Triprayar River, Triprayar Rama Temple is 25 km from
Thrissur near
Irinjalakuda in
Thrissur District. The temple is dedicated to
Ram (an incarnation of Lord
Vishnu). This temple is a combination of beautiful legend, attractive locations and artistry of structure.
The deity is seen holding Shankhu, Chakra, rosary and mace in the hands. The image is said to have been found on the seashore by Vakkey Kaimal, a local chieftain and devotee. Other deities seen in the seashore were that of Lakshman, Koodalmanikyam Bharat and Shatrughna. These images were installed at Muzhikulam, Irinjalkkuda and Payammel respectively. There is an image of Dakshinamurthi with garland in one hand, representing Brahma. In the
Namaskara Mandapam, square on plan with pyramidical copper roof, a Hanuman image is worshipped.
The temple architecture is similar to the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The sanctum rests on a massive base and is of one tier, ending in an impressive conical roof. There is an inscription that dates back to the 11th century in the inner and outer walls surrounding the sanctum.
Legend has it that when the chieftain was building the Triprayar temple, an aerial voice told him that the idol of Ram must be installed at the spot exactly where a peacock would be standing. The altar was built subsequently at the spot where the peacock flew. The main festivals, Ekadasi day (November-December) and Poonam festival (March-April), are celebrated in a grand manner.
Thrissur railway station is the nearest railhead.
