Shakthan Thampuran Palace was the official residence of Raja Varma Shaktan Thampuran of Cochin dynasty, located in Thrissur. In earlier times the Palace was known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam when it belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopam dynasty. When the majestic ruler Shakthan Thampuran came into power, he renovated the whole structure into the way as a blend of Kerala and Dutch architectural patterns. The reconstruction took place in 1795, during the “golden age of Kochi”. The rule of Shakthan Thampuran from 1790 to 1805 was referred to as the golden age, as he was a very generous ruler, just like the mythical “Mahabali thampuran” of Keralites. There was not much fighting and war during his reign and he marked a victory over the ones he fought.
Shakthan Thampuran Palace in Thrissur is a real insight into the historical era of Cochin dynasty. The palace was transformed into a museum by the State Government Archeological Department in 2005. There are three tombs within the palace and one among them belongs to Shakthan Thampuran, thus the palace is his memorial ground which is also known as “Appan Thampuran Smarakam”. The interiors of the palace are sure to have offered a comfortable stay to the inhabitants with a Naalukettu, open terrace in the middle of the palace.
The museum within the palace has many royal exhibits displayed for the thousands of tourists that visit this heritage site every year. There is a bronze gallery, sculpture gallery and epigraphy gallery that presents the coins, scripted plates, utensils, currencies used by the royal family along with describing the origin and evolution of ancient writings. These well-preserved materials give a straightaway walk, back into the past of Kerala culture and royal lifestyle.
Another astonishing and surprising peculiarity of the palace is that it has a Sarpakavu, within its compound. This serpent grove is the small temple or shrine in which the serpent Gods are worshipped according to ancient Hindu beliefs.
Upon walking through the palace courtyard that stretches for about six acres of land, one comes across the heritage garden towards the Southern side. The garden has many indigenous and exotic collections of flora, that even includes ones with medicinal value. This palace-museum also proudly presents some of the remains of the era when Tipu Sultan and his army visited the palace.
All in all with the surrounding greenery, distinguishing serpent grove, exhibiting galleries, memorial tombs, rare plants of Kerala and splendid architecture blend, Shakthan Thampuran Palace is a must-visit destination upon your trip to Thrissur. The place has the real capacity to bring in a lot of emotions and thoughts and questions into your minds in fractions of seconds.
Contact Details
Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Stadium Rd, Chembukkav,
Thrissur, Kerala 680020
