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Thrissur, dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Temples,” is a thriving city in Kerala. Living true to its namesake, there are various temples in Thrissur that you should include in your trip itinerary the next time you visit Kerala since they provide something unique and unlikely to be found elsewhere. There are temples devoted to Lord Shiva, Goddess Bhagavathy, Lord Vishnu, and many more. Each one of the Thrissur temples offers a tale about the district’s rich past, and you may also discover each temple’s distinctive festivals and attractions.
Top 10 Thrissur Temples
Home to a multitude of magnificent temples, each with its unique history and architectural marvel, Thrissur welcomes its tourists with a lot of religious significance.
1. Vadakkunnathan Temple
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
Among the many Thriussur temples, the Vadakkunnathan Temple is by far the most visited. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is notable for its distinctive construction and design, which incorporates traditional Kerala-style elements. Parasurama, Vishnu’s sixth incarnation, is said to have erected the temple. Beyond the inner sanctuary, which houses the Lord Shiva image, the temple is ringed by a tall stone wall and massive gopurams around the entrance. The main statue in the temple is smeared with ghee, creating a distinct moulding over the Shivalangam. You must visit the temple during the Thrissur Pooram festival to fully appreciate its splendour.
Address: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala
Timings: 4 AM – 10:30 AM and 5 PM – 8:30 PM
2. Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the famous Thrissur temples is the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple. The temple worships Goddess Vaishnavi, who is an incarnation of Maa Durga. The temple is associated with the famous Thrissur Pooram festival too. Legend narrates that Durga, disguised as a young girl, arrived at the temple seeking refuge on an umbrella. During the annual Thrissur Pooram festival, there is a grand procession of caparisoned elephants, traditional music, and spectacular fireworks. Also, this is the largest Bhagavathy temple in the state, further adding to its popularity and significance.
Address: Paramekkavu Devaswom Building, Round East, Thrissur, Kerala
Timings: 4 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 9 PM
3. Thiruvambady Krishna Temple
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruvambady Krishna Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is another must-visit temple in Thrissur. This temple, like the other two, plays an important part in the annual Thrissur Pooram celebration. The temple is known for its unique ceremonies and the Thiruvambady Elephant Squad, which is a popular attraction during the festival. The temple’s major deities are Lord Krishna, who appears as a child, and Bhadrakali. The temple features numerous shrines devoted to Lord Ganesha, Sastha, and Brahmarakshasa. The temple’s walls have remarkable murals and sculptures, and it provides a peaceful getaway from the rush and bustle of daily life.
Address: Railway Gate, Thiruvambady, Punkunnam, Thrissur, Kerala
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
4. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Photo: RanjithSiji / Wikimedia Commons
Another famous temple in Thrissur devoted to Lord Krishna that you should visit is the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. The temple, known as the “Dwarka of the South,” attracts visitors from all across the country and around the world. This site has a long and rich history. One of the most famous is the devotion of Lord Krishna as Lord Brahma at this temple. The “Udayasthamana Pooja” is one of the most important daily rituals, lasting from sunrise to nightfall. It is also one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in the Vaishnavite faith.
Address: East Nada, Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
Timings: 3 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
5. Koodalmanikyam Temple
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
Koodalmanikyam Temple is one of the popular Thrissur temples, dedicated to Lord Bharatha, the third brother of Lord Rama. It is the only temple in India where Lord Bharatha is worshipped as the main deity. The next time you are in Thrissur looking to explore a unique temple, ensure that you add it to your travel plans. The temple features a traditional Kerala-style architecture with intricate wood carvings inside. One of the highlights of visiting this temple comes from visiting it during the Koodalmanikyam Utsavam, which attracts a myriad of tourists from across the globe.
Address: The Administrator, Koodalmanikyam Devasom, Thrissur District, Irinjalakuda, Kerala 680121
Timings: 3 AM – 11:30 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
6. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Among the important temples in Thrissur, the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is one that you can’t miss out on. More commonly known as the Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, this temple is dedicated to Maa Bhadrakali. It is one of the most ancient temples in the state and is directly associated with the Bharani festival, which is celebrated locally. The temple’s history is intertwined with the legend of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappadikaram, who is believed to have attained divinity here. Overall, the temple has a very charming yet peaceful aura to it, making it a must-visit spot when you are in Thrissur.
Address: Thekkenada Road, Kodungallur, Kerala 680664
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
7. Arattupuzha Temple
Photo: Sivavkm / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to Sage Vashishtha, Arattupuzha Temple is another one of the popular Thrissur temples that must be visited. It is renowned for the annual Arattupuzha Pooram festival, which is considered the oldest temple festival in Kerala. There are beliefs that during the festival period, Lord Ayyappa Swamy resides in the temple. History depicts that the temple is roughly 3000+ years old, which is quite fascinating as well. To truly immerse yourself in the grandeur of this temple, visit during the Pooram festival when images of the deities from 41 different temples are brought together.
Address: P.O. Arattupuzha, Urakam, (Dt), Kerala (State), Arattupuzha, Kerala 680562
Timings: 05 AM – 10 AM and 05 PM – 08 PM
8. Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Although one of the lesser-known Thrissur temples, the Mammiyur Mahadeva Temple is a very powerful temple that’s dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Guruvayur in Thrissur district, very close to the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. This temple is of great significance to pilgrims visiting Guruvayur, as it is believed that a visit to Guruvayur is incomplete without offering prayers at Mammiyur. As you step inside, what primarily attracts people’s attention is the intricate carvings and murals that are spread across the temple.
Address: Mammiyur Devaswom, Guruvayur P.O, Perumpilavil Rd, Kerala 680101
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
9. Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple
Photo: Jigesh / Wikimedia Commons
Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple is one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Rama in Kerala. The beauty of this temple is amplified by the Thriprayar river that flows adjacent to the temple. The deity here is depicted in a unique form, holding a bow and arrow. Among the few Rama temples in Kerala, this is the one that you shouldn’t miss out on. The temple is famous for its annual festival, Thriprayar Ekadasi, which includes elaborate rituals and vibrant processions as well. You can bask in the spiritual significance of this temple during your visit.
Address: Temple Road, Valapad PO, Thrissur District, Triprayar, Kerala 680567
Timings: 4 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
10. Oorakathamma Thiruvadi Temple
Photo: Ramesh NG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Urakam, Oorakathamma Thiruvadi Temple is one of the most popular and ancient Devi temples in the entire district of Thrissur. It is one of the first among the 108 Durgalayams of Kerala that’s considered as Mahakshetra where five distinct poojas are conducted alongside three Sivelis. The temple is famous for its annual festival, Urakam Ammathiruvadi Vela, which is celebrated with great zeal. As you step inside, the temple’s architecture is quite alluring to witness, especially with the blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles.
Address: Urakam, Thrissur, Kerala 680562
Timings: 04:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 05 PM – 08 PM
The list of Thrissur temples that you must visit in your next visit is quite extensive. Some unique temples and temples have ties with famous “poorams” or festivals dedicated to the temple. As you plan your next trip to Kerala to immerse yourself in its religious significance, consider booking all your trip specifics with TripXL for the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Akshay Bharath / Wikimedia Commons
