Thrithala
Thrithala is a land of history, a land of legends and a place of great archeological importance. An isolated village whose past is engulfed with legendary incidents about religion, rise and fall of dynasties and incidents that caused a great deal of social upheaval. Trithala stands today conjuring up its glorious past with the new age developments of the state.
The village is located on the banks of River Bharatapuzha in Ottapalam taluk, 75 km from Palakkad. Well known for its historical ruins and monuments like the Jain temple Kattil Madom and Shiva temple, the village is of great archeological importance. The Buddhist temple is built with granite slabs dating back to 9th and 10th century, whereas the Shiva temple has a great legend associated with its origin. The temples deity is called ‘Thalathilapan’ which means God in a plate. According to local belief, the adjoining river changed its course to give space for the temple.
The ‘Panthirukulam’ originated from this village after a Brahmin named Vararuchi married a woman from lower caste without knowing her true identity. And during the course of a long journey that they undertook, the women became pregnant and delivered 12 babies, whom she abandoned as per the orders of her husband. Each of these babies was adopted by 12 different tribes, resulting in formation of ‘Panthirukulam’. Several tales regarding the lives of 12 children who all grew up to become famous may be heard.
Sightseeing opportunities at Thrithala includes the Paakkanaar memorial, built as a tribute to Pariah saint which is located near the Thrithala-Koottanad road. The famous social worker and writer of Kerala- V. T. Bhattathiripad also belong to this village. A popular choice for Ayurvedic treatments, Thrithala’s Vaidyamadhom Hospital and CNS Ayurveda Chikitsalayam are well known for specialized ayurveda treatments.
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is at Coimbatore at a distance of 55 kilometers.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is 19 kilometers from Thrithala at a place called Pattambi.
Jain temples at Jainemedu
One of the few remaining traces of Jainism in Kerala, the Jain temples at Jainemedu is now counted amongst one of foremost historical sites in the state. The temple complex comprising of 20 ft wide and 32 ft long granite architecture is located on the western suburbs of Palakkad town. Idols of prominent Jain Yaskshinis and Tirthankaras are displayed inside as testimony of Jain presence in the region.
The Jainimedu town itself is not short on historical significance either, as this is where the legendary Poet Kumaranasan wrote the epic poem ‘Veenapoovu’. Historically, the Jain temples were built in the 14th century whereas its theatre (Koothambalam) is recorded to have been built in the 15th or 16th century. Apart from Jain followers, the temple complex is visited in large numbers by people from all religions.
