Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple: A Journey through History and Spirituality.

Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple: A Journey through History and Spirituality.

Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is commonly known as Vadakkunnathan, which translates to "lord of the north." This is because it is believed that main deity of this temple Lord Shiva resides in Kailas, which is located in the northern part of India.

Location:

Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is situated in the heart of Thrissur city, in the southern state of Kerala, India. It is located within walking distance of the Vadakkumnathan Bus Stand and the Thrissur Railway Station.

 Sri Vadakkunnathan Temple, Swaraj Round North, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala

Historical Background:

Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, with a history dating back over 1,000 years. It is believed to have been constructed in the 8th century AD by Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Architectural Marvel:

The temple is a classic example of Kerala style of architecture known as "Thachu Shastra.". The structure is built in a classic Nalukettu style, characterized by a quadrangular shape with a central courtyard surrounded by pillared corridors. The temple's roofs are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Mural Paintings

Every day, the temple conducts poojas where a mural painting of "Nrithanantha" is worshiped. Additionally, there are two special attractions within the temple premises. One is a white bull called "Nanthikeswara," and the other is a rare painting depicting "Vasuki Sayana." These unique features add to the allure and charm of the temple.

Koothambalam

The temple complex houses a Koothambalam, a traditional theater-like structure used for performing arts, especially Kathakali. Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form of Kerala that incorporates elements of music, dance, and acting. The Koothambalam in Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is known for its architectural beauty and is considered one of the finest in Kerala.

Deity:

The main deity of the temple is Lord Siva, other idols installed in the temple complex are those of Sree Parvati, Ganesha, Sankaranarayana and Sree Rama.

Spiritual Significance:

Moksha Pradayini:

The temple is considered a place of spiritual significance where devotees believe that a visit to the temple and offering prayers can bring spiritual liberation or moksha. It is believed that seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at the temple can lead to salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Miracle of Ghee

The ghee that is offered over the lingam remains solid and doesn't melt, creating a layer of ghee accumulated over the centuries. Remarkably, even the intense heat of summer fails to liquefy the ghee.

Thrissur Pooram:

The temple is closely associated with the grand festival of Thrissur Pooram, which is considered the most important festival in the region. It is believed that participating in the festival and witnessing the spectacular event brings divine blessings and fulfilment of wishes.

Visitor Experience:

Inclusive Worship:

The temple is not open to non-Hindus, and entry is strictly regulated. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple and participate in its rituals and ceremonies.

Best Time to Visit:

To witness the globally renowned Thrissur Pooram festival, it is advisable to plan your visit between the months of April and May. However, do take note of the weather conditions during this period, as it tends to be exceptionally hot and humid. 

The temple experiences a higher influx of visitors on weekends, Mondays, and especially during festival days. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your visit to the temple accordingly, taking into consideration these peak times.

Timings:

Morning: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Website:

https://sreewadakkunathantemple.org

Dress Code:

Men needs to white Mundu or dhoti. And for women, it is Indian wear.

Online Booking / Pooja:

https://booking.sreewadakkunathantemple.org/

Parking Facilities:

The temple complex has limited parking space.

Accessibility:

	By Road - Thrissur is well-connected by road, and you can follow National Highway 544 or State Highway 22 to reach the city. The Nearest bus stands are KSRTC Bus Stand, Shaktan Thampuran Bus Stand & North Bus Stand (Vadakke Stand).
	By Air - The nearest airport to Thrissur is the Cochin International Airport, located approximately 52 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach the temple
	By Train - Thrissur has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Trains from various parts of the country, including Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi, have regular services to Thrissur. From the railway station, the temple is easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public transportation.
	Metro Connectivity : Not available

Other nearby places of worship

-          Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple – approx. 30 KM

-          Thiruvambady Krishna Temple – approx. 1 Km

-          Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple – approx. 100 Meters

-          Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple – approx. 50 KM

-          Triprayar Temple – approx. 23 KM

-          Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple – approx. 85 KM

Nearby places to visit

-          Thrissur Zoo and State Museum

-          Shakthan Thampuran Palace 

-          Vilangankunnu

-          Athirappilly Waterfalls

-          Chimmini Dam 

-          Peechi Dam

-          Nelliyampathy hills

-          Chavakkad Beach

-          Snehatheeram Beach

-          Vadanappally Beach

-          Nattika Beach

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