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Guruvayur.
Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayur Temple, located in Guruvayur town in Thrissur district, Kerala, is one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations in South I...
Shakthan Thamburam Palace
Shakthan Palace Thrissur: Explore Its Royal History and Museum.
The history of Shakthan Palace in Thrissur dates back to the period of the Cochin royal dynasty. The palace is believed to have been built in the late 15th century as a royal residence and was originally known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam. In 1795, Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran, renovated and reconstructed the palace in the architectural style seen today.
Sakthan Thampuran ruled the Kingdom of Cochin from 1790 to 1805. His reign is remembered for strengthening the kingdom's administration and developing Thrissur as an important centre of political and cultural activity. He is also closely associated with the development of Thrissur Pooram, the famous annual festival that brings together major temples around Vadakkumnathan Temple.
The palace served as a residence connected with the Cochin royal family. Its architecture reflects the influence of traditional Kerala building practices and European design. The two-storeyed western section, traditional nalukettu arrangement, spacious rooms and thick walls reflect the building's historic character.
The palace later became a protected monument and was converted into a museum by the state in 2005. The archaeological collection has a separate history, it originated at Sree Moolam Chithrasala, established at Thrissur Town Hall in 1938. The collection was subsequently moved to Kollengode Palace before being reorganised at Shakthan Thampuran Palace. Following renovation and restoration, the palace museum reopened to the public in December 2024. Today, Shakthan Palace preserves royal belongings, archaeological finds, portraits, sculptures and other objects that help visitors understand the history of the Cochin royal family and Kerala's cultural heritage.
What to See Inside Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Museum
Shakthan Thampuran Palace Museum houses a collection of historical artefacts that offer insights into the royal history, trade, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kerala. Visitors can explore galleries displaying bronze statues, stone sculptures, ancient coins, inscriptions, royal household objects and archaeological remains.
Royal Belongings and Household Objects
The museum displays historical furniture, including beds and chairs used by the king and other members of the royal family. Visitors can also see a variety of household utensils from that period, including items originating from different countries. These exhibits offer a glimpse into royal living conditions, everyday activities and the cultural influences reflected in the palace's collections.
Other notable exhibits include:
- Royal palanquin: An item associated with Sakthan Thampuran, illustrating royal transportation in an earlier period.
- Horse-drawn carriage: A historic carriage reflecting modes of travel from the past.
- Royal insignia: Ceremonial objects, including royal seals, turbans and an amshavadi (ceremonial staff).
- Portraits: Paintings depicting Cochin rulers and prominent diwans associated with the kingdom's administration.
- Chinese jars and other artefacts: Historical objects that offer insights into craftsmanship and cultural connections.
Bronze Gallery
The Bronze Gallery features bronze statues dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries. These exhibits showcase traditional metalworking techniques and the artistic styles of different periods in Kerala's history.
Sculpture Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery displays granite sculptures dating from the 9th to the 17th centuries. Visitors can observe the craftsmanship and artistic traditions reflected in these historical works.
Numismatics Gallery: Ancient Coins
The Numismatics Gallery displays coins that circulated in the former Kingdom of Cochin and neighbouring regions. The collection represents different periods of Kerala's history and offers insights into trade, commerce and economic development. Notable collections include Roman gold coins from the Eyyal hoard, silver coins associated with Travancore, gold Veerarayans, and otta puthan and iratta puthan coins issued by the Cochin rulers. The gallery also includes coins associated with Tipu Sultan, Indo-Dutch coinage, French Malabar coinage and British India.
History Gallery
The History Gallery presents important milestones in the history of the Cochin dynasty. It helps visitors understand the royal family's administration and the historical events that shaped the region, including the period associated with Sakthan Thampuran.
Epigraphy Gallery
The Epigraphy Gallery explores the development of ancient writing through inscriptions and related historical records. These materials help researchers and visitors understand how written records have contributed to the study of Kerala's past.
Household Utensils Gallery
This gallery displays household utensils made from bronze and copper that were used by the rulers of Cochin. Alongside the beds, chairs and other furniture in the museum, these objects provide a closer look at domestic life in the royal household.
Megalithic Gallery and Archaeological Remains
The Megalithic Gallery displays archaeological remains associated with the Stone Age and ancient burial traditions. The palace's archaeological collections also include stone artefacts and other finds recovered from areas around Thrissur.
Serpent Grove (Sarpa Kavu)
The palace grounds contain a traditional sarpa kavu, or sacred serpent grove, associated with the worship of serpent deities. The grove is linked to Naga Raja and Nagayakshi and reflects traditional beliefs concerning nature, worship and the protection of sacred spaces.
Heritage Garden
The Heritage Garden on the southern side of the palace features indigenous plants and trees of Kerala. It offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate local plant diversity while exploring the historic grounds. The palace grounds also contain tombs associated with Sakthan Thampuran and other historic rulers. Together, the garden, serpent grove and archaeological features add to the heritage value of the site
Entry Fee and Visiting Timing
If you are planning a visit to Shakthan Palace in Thrissur, check the opening hours and entry fees before travelling.
Visiting Hours
- Morning: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 2:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Closed: Monday Entry Fee and Visiting Timings If you are planning a visit to Shakthan Palace in Thrissur, check the opening hours and entry fees before travelling. Visiting Hours Morning: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Afternoon: 2:00 PM–4:30 PM Closed: Monday
Entry Fee
- Adult entry: ₹35
- Child entry: ₹10
- Camera fee: Additional charges may apply.
- Video camera fee: Additional charges may apply.