Popular Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
Thrissur, Kerala
A high point of Kerala temple architecture, and the centre of Thrissur Pooram
At a glance
- Location
- Thrissur, Kerala
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shiva (as Vadakkunnathan)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Thrissur railway station (~2 km)
- Nearest airport
- Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery (~55 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March. Thrissur Pooram falls in April-May, when the town is extraordinarily crowded.
History
Vadakkunnathan stands on a mound at the centre of Thrissur and is regarded as a classical example of Kerala temple architecture, with a monumental tower on each of its four sides and a koothambalam. Inside are mural paintings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. The temple has been declared a National Monument under the Indian antiquities legislation.
Spiritual significance
Tradition attributes the founding of the temple to Parashurama. Thrissur Pooram, the best known temple festival in Kerala, is held on the ground around it, with its rows of caparisoned elephants, panchavadyam drumming and the changing of ceremonial parasols. The Pooram takes place on the open ground outside the shrine itself.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
Darshan is in fixed morning and evening periods, with the temple closed through the middle of the day. Arrangements change completely during Pooram.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Thrissur is well connected by rail and road, and the temple is in the middle of town. As at many Kerala temples there is a dress custom for men — removing the upper garment and wearing a mundu.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.