Shakthan Thampuran Palace, located in the city of Thrissur, Kerala, India, was originally known as Vadakkekara Palace. It was rebuilt in the Kerala-Dutch architectural style in 1795 by Ramavarma Thampuran of the former Princely State of Cochin, who is also referred to as Sakthan Thampuran, one of the greatest rulers of the Cochin dynasty. The palace is now preserved by the Archaeological Department. In 2005, it was converted into a museum by the state.
Sakthan Thampuran Palace originally belonged to the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the ruling family of Kochi. It served as the power center of King Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, who ruled Kochi from 1790 to 1805. His reign is considered the Golden Era of the Cochin dynasty. The palace is located near the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur. Sakthan Thampuran is credited with establishing the Thrissur Pooram, a major annual festival held in May, where teams from the Parmekavu Bhagavathy Temple and the Tiruvambadi Krishna Temple compete with elephants, percussion, drums, and fireworks in front of the Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Previously known as Vadakkechira Kovilakam, the palace was renovated by Sakthan Thampuran into its current form. The palace preserves historical memories, including the visit of Tipu Sultan with his army. The last member of the royal family to live in the palace was Rama Varma Bharathan Thampuran, a grandnephew of Chowwarayil Theepetta Veliyathampuran. The palace grounds also feature a very old Sarpakavu, a sacred serpent grove.
