Vadakkumnathan Temple is one of the ancient and most immaculate structures in Kerala. It was supposedly constructed by Lord Parsurama who, as per legends, recovered Kerala from ocean. The usual Kerala style architecture, murals, and carvings portraying pictures from the legendary epic Mahabharata, alongside several other very old art relics, make it a must-visit the site for archaeologists and historians alike.
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Step in and you will instantly be aware of the rich tradition of the temple, vigilantly protected in its walls till today. The temple is also the venue for the yearly pooram festival known as Thrissur Pooram. This festival is popular for its cultural value and magnificent fireworks show.
Vadakkunathan Temple History
According to the Legend in Brahmanda Purana, Parasurama who eradicated Kshatriyas for 21 times played out a Yajna to get relieved from the Sins and gave every one of his properties to Brahmans as a Dakshina. He asked for Lord Varuna (Rain God) to throw a land from the ocean to retire and proceed with his atonement.
God Varuna gave him a winnow (surpa), which transformed into a land. Another variant is that Varuna requested that Parasurama throw the axe into the ocean which transformed into a land. It was then known by Surparaka which originated from the word Surpa. This is the present day Kerala according to the legends.
Later, he went to Mount Kailash and asked for his spiritual guide, Lord Shiva to make Kerala as his home. On his follower's demand, Shiva with family followed his devotee and vanished as they reached Thrissur. Parasurama saw the self-made Shiva Linga under the colossal Banyan Tree. This is simply the primary spot where Lord Shiva showed himself and this place known as Sri Mula Sthana.
When King of this area chose to develop the temple, Yogathiripad (chief priest) preserved this Linga while the tree was cut. The Shiva Linga was then moved to the present area and a lovely temple was constructed.
Detailed Info
Vadakkumnathan Temple or Vadakkunnathan Temple, in Thrissur district is a standout amongst the most prominent temples in the state of Kerala. This is considered to be one of the primary Shiva temple made by Parsurama who is also the 6th embodiment of God Vishnu. The Vadakkunnathan temple is a UNESCO heritage site. This temple is otherwise called Thenkailasam or Vrishabhachalam.
The temple is made in classic Kerala style architecture, situated on a hillock in the centre of Thrissur city. Located in the centre of land spread across 9 acres, the temple attracts the attention of the people walking by. There are 4 gateways known as gopurams to the temple facing West, East, South, and North respectively.
It is likewise fascinating that Thrissur gets its name from this temple. Thrissur is an abbreviated type of 'Thrissivaperur' which signifies 'The town with the name of Lord Shiva'.
Dress Code at Vadakkunathan Temple
Men – White Pancha, Dhoti
Female – Saree with blouse/ Half saree/ Suit with Dupatta / Chudidar with Dupatta
Children below 1 year will not be allowed inside the temple
Festivals celebrated at Vadakkunathan Temple
There are no particular festivals of the temple. Nevertheless, the temple is lit up with one lakh lamps during Shivaratri. This is called "Lakshadeepam" which is the most important offering here during Shivaratri. The feeding of elephants (also known as Aanayoottu), is another main festival celebrated here.
How to Reach Vadakkunathan Temple
· By Air
Kochi International airport at Nedumbassery is at a distance of 53 km
· By Train
All trains to Kerala go via Thrissur Railway station, which is 3 km from Temple
· By Road
Thrissur is well connected with all parts of Kerala, major cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka state
*Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 05:00 PM to 08:30 PM
