- Location: Near Thrissur, Kerala
- Main Deity/Deities: Lord Shiva
- Major Attraction: Pooram Festival
- Opening times: 3.00 to 10.30 in the morning and 4.00 to 8.30 in the evening
Vadakkumnathan Temple is among the largest temples of Kerala that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built in the typical style of Kerala architecture, the place is famous among the artists for its marvelous art and skilled craftsmanship. Seeing the uniqueness of the murals and their significance as a national heritage, the temple has been declared National Monument by Central Government. Laden with solemn atmosphere and spiritual aura, this temple is revered by a large number of devotees form Kerala and other states.
Structure of the Temple
Vadakkumnathan Temple is characterized by the presence of four gigantic gateways or Gopurams, one in each cardinal direction. The central portion of the temple complex has a number of shrines including the shrines devoted to Hindu deities viz Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Shankaranarayana.
The shrine of Shiva is built in the circular shape and idol is installed to face the western direction. The idol of his consort Parvati is placed facing eastern direction. Shrines of Shankaranarayana and Rama are also present in the vicinity.
History
The Vadakkumnathan Temple, situated in the heart of Thrissur in the southwestern Indian state of Kerala, is an ancient marvel that bears witness to a rich tapestry of history and spirituality. Believed to have been constructed over a millennium ago, this temple is a shining testament to the architectural and artistic prowess of the region. The temple’s origins are shrouded in myth and legend, with some accounts suggesting that it was founded by Lord Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, while others attribute its construction to Perumthachan, the legendary architect. Regardless of its precise origins, Vadakkumnathan Temple stands as a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage and the enduring faith of its people.
The temple’s architecture is a stunning display of intricate woodwork and mural paintings, depicting various episodes from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum houses the principal deity, Lord Shiva, who is worshipped with great devotion. The temple is also renowned for its annual festival, Thrissur Pooram, a grand celebration of colors, music, and fireworks that draws crowds from far and wide. This vibrant history and cultural significance have made the Vadakkumnathan Temple not only a spiritual center but also a prominent tourist attraction, offering a captivating glimpse into Kerala’s past and its enduring religious traditions.
Architecture of Temple
The temple is believed be built by the legendary character Parashurama. This place of antiquity is famous for the Shiva’s idol which keeps bathing in ghee. As the idol has been kept under ghee from many years, it is not even visible to the onlookers. The mount of ghee is 16 foot in height; it is a symbol of the Mt. Kailash. Ghee is considered sacred and does not produce any bad smell, neither does it melt away.
The temple complex comprising of a number of shrines is named Nalambalam and is surrounded by three famous shrines. Shankar Narayan’s idol is placed in the middle of the sacred shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. A number of shrines dedicated to other deities are present outside this main complex. These include shrines of Krishna, Parashurama, Dharma Sastha and Shankaracharya.
The Vadakkumnathan Temple is renowned for its rare mural paintings, with Nithyananda and Vasuki Shayana being particularly venerated by devotees. These murals depict scenes from the Mahabharata, characterized by their vibrant and vivid imagery. The temple also designates specific areas for offering prayers to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Sree Kali, Lord Chidambaranatha, and Lord Bharata.
The most prominent feature of the temple is koothambalam or the temple theater. This impressive structure is embellished with carvings of wood and bracket figures. Here the artist performs the drama telling a religious story which is done with the help of gestures presented through hands. The shrine of Ganesha is placed near the temple kitchen and is offered sweet rice by the devotees. The offering to Ganpathy is believed to bring prosperity.
Legend of Adi Shankara
It is believed that Adi Shankara was born to the couple Aryamba and Shiva guru after many prayers by them. The deity came in their dreams and asked them to choose between two types of child. They could either choose a son of mediocre intelligence and having long life or could opt for an intelligent one with short life. The couple opted for the intelligent one. This child was known as Adi Shankara and attained immortality in Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Festivals of the Temple
The festival of Mahashivarathri is celebrated with much fanfare and zest. On this special day, as you will notice, devotees have to wear only untailored cloths, so they arrive on the temple premises wearing a white dhoti.
Another grand festival that is important for the devotees is Pooram. You can have the glimpse of this magnificent ceremony in the month of either April or May. The auspicious event is attended by thousands of people from Kerala and other states. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of caparisoned elephants which are adorned with ornaments and jewelry. The procession is accompanied by thrilling fireworks. The best looking elephants are chose by the temple authorities and are decorated extensively. The festivities continue for two days; they begin in morning and end on the next morning.
The history behind Pooram festival says that it is not directly linked with Lord Shiva, In fact, the festival was initiated by Sakthan Thampuran who ruled at Kochi. He started the festivities as a mark of devotion to Paramekkavu Devi. Images of a number of deities also become part of the procession. More than fifty elephants are part of this grand event. Their foreheads are covered by Nettipattam which is a piece of cloth adorned with myriad glittering metallic pieces. The procession is preceded by instrument players. On the arrival at Vadakkumnathan Temple, a grand musical feast is organized which is characterized by Chendavadyam played by skilled drummers. The umbrellas of the elephants are changed. Unfurling of parasols takes place. The entire spectacle looks very charming and lively. Only Hindus can enter the temple complex.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple in Kerala is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is relatively cooler and more pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This makes it the perfect time for exploring the temple and its serene surroundings without the discomfort of excessive heat or rain.
Weather
The weather in Thrissur and around Vadakkumnathan Temple varies throughout the year. During the winter months, as mentioned earlier, the weather is mild and pleasant. However, in the summer months from March to May, temperatures can soar, sometimes exceeding 35°C, which may not be the most comfortable time for a visit. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rains and high humidity, which might hinder outdoor exploration. Therefore, for the most enjoyable and comfortable visit, the winter season is the ideal time to experience Vadakkumnathan Temple and the beautiful region it is located in.
How to Reach
To reach Vadakkumnathan Temple, travelers can access Thrissur, the cultural hub of Kerala, through multiple means of transportation. Cochin International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometers away, offers convenient air connectivity to the region. Alternatively, one can reach Thrissur by train or road, as it is well-connected to major cities in the area. Once in Thrissur, the temple is situated in the heart of the town and is easily accessible by local transportation, making it a convenient and memorable pilgrimage destination.