Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

Thrissur, Kerala

Nestled in the sacred surroundings of Thrissur, Vadakkumnathan Temple stands as a prominent pilgrimage site that draws worshippers from near and far. This temple is celebrated for its spiritual energy, captivating architecture, and the unwavering faith it inspires in all who visit. Generations of devotees have made their journey here, seeking divine grace and spiritual fulfilment. The temple grounds often come alive during festivals, with vibrant decorations, traditional music, and devotional activities that reflect the region’s rich culture. Even on quiet days, the gentle sounds of temple bells and the sight of flickering lamps create a deeply calming environment. For many, a visit to Vadakkumnathan Temple is not just a religious journey but also a soulful retreat that renews the heart and mind. This cherished shrine stands alongside many Popular temples in Kerala, celebrated for their devotion and heritage.

Vadakkumnathan Temple History and Significance

The Vadakkumnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Thrissur, Kerala. The temple is believed to have been built by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. The temple has a rich history and is a classical example of Kerala's architectural style.

The temple was built during the time of Perumthachan from Parayi petta panthirukulam. It is said that Perumthachan lived during the second century, making the Koothambalam over 1,600 years old. The temple was initially a pre-Dravidian Kavu (shrine).

During the invasion of Tipu Sultan, the temple was not attacked. Tipu Sultan borrowed cooking vessels from the temple and returned them with a large bronze lamp. The temple was also under the control of the Zamorin of Calicut from 1750 to 1762.

Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, changed the capital to Thrissur and introduced the famous Thrissur Pooram festival. His personal interest in the temple changed the fortune of the city.

Vadakkumnathan Temple Opening Time
Vadakkumnathan Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation
Vadakkumnathan Temple Transportation and Accessibility
Vadakkumnathan Temple Interesting Facts
Vadakkumnathan Temple Nearby Temples
Other Shiva Temples
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Vadakkumnathan Temple Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday	4:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Vadakkumnathan Temple Location Details

Vadakkumnathan Temple is located in Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Sri Vadakkunathar Temple, Trissur, Ernakulam dist. Kerala

+91- 487-242 6040.

How to Reach Vadakkumnathan Temple

By Road:

Thrissur is well-connected by road to major towns in Kerala. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Thrissur Railway Station (just 2 km from the temple). From this station, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (approximately 50 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thrissur via connecting cities.

Vadakkumnathan Temple Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

Other Shiva Temples

Vadakkumnathan Temple Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Temples Speciality:

This Ghee Linga, 12 feet tall and 25 feet wide is as solid as a rock though made of ghee. If ghee so appears from the Linga, it does not melt and disappears immediately. The Linga is not affected though abishek is performed with sandal, rosewater, etc. He is worshipped as Vadakkunathar. As the Lord of the 14 worlds, He grants the boons sought by the devotees. The ghee used in the abishek of Vadakkunathar is consumed by those suffering from prolonged diseases, infertility etc. for cure.

Historical Information

Old year:

2000-3000 years old

Festival

Festival:

Barring lighting of a lakh of lamps on the Mahasivarathri day, no other festival is celebrated in the temple.

Temple info

General Information :

The temple was built during the period of one Perunthachan. After him, the Namboodris of the place chose one as their head (Yoga Thiripadu) and managed the temple. However, Raja Sakthan Thamburan, the King of

Greatness of Temple:

Legends Beliefs

Legends and BeliefsAccording to legend, the temple was founded by Parashurama. He requested Varuna, the Lord of oceans, to bring forth a new piece of land from the waters, which became Kerala. Parashurama then requested Shiva to take abode in Kerala and bless the region.Shiva, accompanied by Parvati, Ganesha, and Subrahmanya, stopped at Thrissur and manifested as a lingam at the foot of a huge banyan tree. This place is known as Sri Moola Sthana. The lingam was later moved to a more appropriate place, and a temple was built around it.
Deities and Sub Deities

Deities and Sub-DeitiesThe main deity of the temple is Shiva, worshipped as a 16-foot-high lingam covered with ghee. The lingam represents Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Parvati, Shiva's consort, is also worshipped here.The temple also has shrines for Rama, Shankaranarayana (the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu), Ganesha, Krishna, Parashurama, Ayyappa, and other deities. The temple houses ancient murals and wood carvings.
Offerings

OfferingsOne of the most important offerings at the temple is Appam, a sweetened rice cake fried in ghee, offered to Ganesha. Devotees believe that propitiating Ganesha here leads to prosperity and wealth. Other offerings include abhishekam with ghee and tender coconut.
Architecture

ArchitectureThe temple is situated on an elevated hillock in the centre of Thrissur City. It is surrounded by a stone wall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres. The temple has four gopurams facing the cardinal directions and a broad circular granite wall enclosing a broad corridor called Chuttambalam.The inner temple has a circular sanctum for Shiva, a rectangular shrine for Rama, and a double-storied circular shrine for Shankaranarayana. The temple also has a Koothambalam used for staging traditional art forms like Koothu and Koodiyattam.
Festivals

FestivalsMaha Shivaratri is the main festival celebrated at the temple. Cultural and musical programmes are held, and around one lakh temple lamps are lighted. Continuous abhishekam with ghee and tender coconut is performed on the lingam.Aanayoottu, the feeding of elephants, is another significant festival. It involves worshipping and feeding unadorned elephants. Thrissur Pooram, known as the mother of all Poorams, is a 36-hour-long festival attracting thousands of devotees and tourists.
Religious Practices

Religious PracticesThe temple follows traditional Kerala rituals and practices. Daily abhishekam with ghee is performed on the lingam. Special poojas and rituals are conducted during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Aanayoottu. The temple also hosts cultural and musical programmes during these festivals.

FAQ's

Where is the Vadakkumnathan Temple located?

The Vadakkumnathan Temple is located in Thrissur, Kerala, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Thrissur district.

Which God is Vadakkunathar?

Vadakkunathar is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple?

The best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall.

Why is Vadakkumnathan Temple famous among tourists and devotees?

How to reach Vadakkumnathan Temple from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Thrissur Railway Station (just 2 km from the temple). From this station, buses or taxis are available to reach the temple. Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport (approximately 50 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thrissur via connecting cities.