Visitor Information
- Famous for: Festivity, Architecture, Worship
- Entrance Fee: There is no fee
- Visiting Time: 4 AM to 10 AM and then from 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Visit Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours
Thrissur is a location which is famous for the grand temple festivities and the poorams which are celebrated with great fervor. The prime attraction of this location is the Vadakkunnathan Temple, constructed for Lord Shiva. Situated right in the midst of the city, this divine structure emanates vibrant positive energy and has got a breathtakingly marvelous architecture. Constructed in the famed Kerala style of architecture, this temple houses the Shiva lingam which is said to have appeared under a banyan tree due to the will of Lord Shiva. The lingam was then transferred into the temple from that Mula Sthana. Lord Parasurama is said to be the reason for Lord Shiva to manifest in this region. With many murals and paintings adorning the walls, this complex with its ground area of about 9 acres, is a marvelous place to feel closer to the Lord.
Traveler Tips
- Keep yourself well hydrated to compensate for the effect that the humid climate can have.
- There is a strict dress code and men will have to enter the temple shirtless while wearing a dhoti.
- Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple.
Things to Do
- Explore the murals which adorn the walls and tell many different stories.
- If visited at the time of the Thrissur Pooram, the grounds of this temple is one of the main venues for the festivities and grandeur to be showcased.
- Worship the huge Shiva lingam which is covered totally in ghee due to the abhishekams which have been conducted over centuries.
- Also worship Lord Nandikeswara, Ayyappa , Shankara and Lord Krishna in the shrines which have been constructed for them within the premises.
- Take in the design of the intricate construction work and architectural style.
- Try out the local cuisines which are provided by the eateries around the area.
Availability of Guides
There are some local guides who are available for a certain fee. They would explain the history and the intricate details about the place.
Best Time to Visit
Thrissur has a mostly tropical climate. This place can witness hot summers and heavy monsoons while the winters have a pleasant climate. Shivratri is celebrated with great grandeur at this holy location with over a thousand lamps being lit around the temple. Even though the Thrissur Pooram held during the months of April and May doesn’t have any celebrations within the shrines, the grounds of the temple are utilized to showcase the festivities.
How to Reach
The temple is situated right in the midst of the city and is easily reachable by cabs and auto rickshaws. The railway station of Thrissur is just 2 kilometers away from the temple while the closest airport which is in Cochin is about 50 kilometers away and is well connected to a lot of cities like Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Vadakkunnathan Temple
- The amount of ghee which covers the Shiva lingam is said to signify the abode of the Lord and his consort Goddess Parvati, which is Mount Kailash.
- The ghee makes this one of only temples where the lingam is not visible.
- There is a statue of Shankaranarayana, which imbibes both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in one form.
- This temple is said to be the spot where the parents of Adi Shankaracharya were blessed with the birth of a highly intelligent son with a short life.
- The temple has got a certain order and method for the shrines to be visited and worshipped.
- Among the breathtaking murals, Vasukishayana and Nrithanatha are given high importance.
- Under the AMASR act, the temple has been declared a National Monument.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Restaurants
- India Gate
- Annalakshmi Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
- Pathans Hotel
- KFC
- Ambady Restaurant
This ancient place of worship provides the right aura and ambience for the perfect blissful visit. The allure of this environment showcases the roots of the place and provides a gateway to unburden our problems and relax within the serenity of the location. All this makes the temple a top priority for ardent devotees of Lord Shiva and history buffs to visit.
