Ariyannur temple, Thrissur

Ariyannur temple at Kandanisserry in Thrissur has a carved entrance gable which has been compared to the wooden sculptures of American artist Louise Nevelson. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is located around 30 km from Thirssur town.

The village of Ariyannur is also famous as a megalithic site with huge umbrella-like stones (Topikkal) covering the burial. An archeological site, six umbrella stones stand here in a group.  An umbrella stone consists of a curvilinear laterite stone with a wide circular flat base resting on four clinostats. Locally known as Kudaikkallu (Umbrella Stone), the site is a protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India since 1951.