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In the Thrissur district of Kerala lies the renowned Vadakkunnathan Temple, a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the centre of the town, this Hindu temple has a lot of spiritual and religious significance, drawing in devotees from across the country. Be it during the grand Shiv Ratri celebrations or the regular darshan on a day-to-day basis, the temple is believed to hold immense spiritual power, fulfilling the wishes of the devotees and blessing their lives with happiness and prosperity. The next time you plan a vacation to Kerala, especially the Thrissur district, consider adding this renowned temple to your itinerary.
Quick Details About Vadakkunnathan Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple Address: Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva
Vadakkunnathan Temple Timings: 4 AM – 11 AM; 5 PM – 8:20 PM
How To Reach: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are available. The temple is centrally located and accessible by local transportation.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approximately 49.5 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station (approximately 1.5 km)
Best Time To Visit: September to March
About Vadakkunnathan Temple
Photo: Sidheeq / Wikimedia Commons
Vadakkunnathan Temple, also known as the Thrissur Pooram Temple, is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. The most astounding element of this temple is its unique Kerala-style architecture with one monumental tower on each of the four sides. There seems to be no concrete evidence or insights regarding the exact dates behind the temple’s origins. It is believed to have been constructed around 4,000 years ago by Parashurama which houses the idol of Lord Shiva in the inner sanctum. The temple complex also boasts several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.
As for the legends and folklore, it is believed that the temple holds a lot of significance due to the association and confrontation between Lord Shiva and the demon Daruka. After Lord Shiva killed the demon, it is believed that he enshrined himself inside this temple. Some other legends depict that the temple was constructed by Sage Vadakkumnatha, which explains the name of the temple. There are a lot of spiritual and mythological aspects to this temple that signify its existence and power in the present day.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur
Things To Do At The Vadakkunnathan Temple
Once you make your way to the Vadakkunnathan Temple, there are a variety of unique experiences and activities waiting to be explored.
1. Offer Prayers
Photo:Swastik Arora / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Without a doubt, the most important reason behind a visit to the Vadakkunnathan Temple Kerala is to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek blessings from the deity. Depending on the crowd and rush, you’d have to get in a queue and wait for your turn. Usually, it takes between 30-60 minutes for your turn to arrive. You can witness several rituals being performed at the temple after offering your prayers to the deity.
2. Explore The Architecture
Photo: PRAKASAM R / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The true beauty of the Vadakkunnathan Temple lies in the architecture. The intricacies of the Kerala-style architecture are a treat to the eyes. With the high wooden gabled roofs, intricately carved wooden pillars, and large courtyards, each section of the temple is a treat to the eyes. You can take pictures of the murals that depict scenes from Hindu mythology and govern the walls of the temple.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Thrissur
3. Witness The Thrissur Pooram Festival
Photo: Ajay090 / Wikimedia Commons
The Vadakkunnathan Temple is part of the Thrissur Pooram festival so if your visit to Kerala coincides with this festival, you can make the most out of it and attend the festival. It usually takes place between April and May. The festival includes a grand parade of elaborately decorated elephants, traditional drum performances, and a spectacular fireworks display. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, one that you can’t brush aside.
4. Explore The Other Shrines
Photo:Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
While the main shrine in the Vadakkunnathan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, there are a bunch of sub-shrines dedicated to deities like Sree Parvati, Ganesha, Sankaranarayana and Sree Rama. Once you finish offering your prayers to Lord Shiva, you can offer your prayers to these deities. Beyond that, there are a few other sanctums inside the temple complex dedicated to Krishna, Rishabha, Simhodhara, Dharma sastha Vettakkara, Dharmasastha, Naga Devatas and Adhishankara as well.
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5. Take A Stroll Around The Temple Grounds
Photo:Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
The temple grounds are spacious and serene, providing a peaceful environment for reflection and meditation. After offering prayers and collecting your prasadam, you can spend the rest of the time exploring the temple complex. There are open courtyards and spaces around the temple where you can relax, unwind and rejuvenate. Also, take this time to capture Vadakkunnathan Temple photos, especially those of the murals that line the expanse of the temple.
Places To Visit Around Vadakkunnathan Temple
After you finish your pooja and darshan at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, there are a variety of amazing sightseeing experiences around the temple that cater to the travel interest of every visitor.
1. Thrissur Zoo And Museum
Photo:Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as the Kerala State Zoo And Museum, Thrissur Zoo was established in 1885 and is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in the country. Perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in nature, the zoo has an extensive range of wildlife, bird species and plants that you can explore. Some of the main attractions in the zoo include elephants, tigers, lions, and various species of birds and reptiles.
Distance From Temple: 2 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹10 onwards
Suggested Read: Beaches In Thrissur District
2. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy
Photo:Gyopi / Wikimedia Commons
The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy is a haven for cultural enthusiasts. If you are interested in exploring more about performing arts and witnessing performances in the academy, this is where you need to visit. The academy plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional Kerala art forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Carnatic music. The performances and events are subjective and usually depend on the timings as set by the academy. So, you’d have to check the schedule on their official website.
Distance From Temple: 1.8 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: Varies
3. Punnathur Kotta
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Anakkotta, Punnathur Kotta is a popular elephant sanctuary that’s located around the temple. If you are interested in learning more about elephants and even indulging in rituals like feeding and bathing them, visiting this sanctuary is potentially the best decision you will make. This sanctuary houses elephants that participate in various temple festivals across Kerala, especially the annual programs.
Distance From Temple: 28 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹20
Suggested Read: Thrissur Museum
4. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: Jan Joseph George / Wikimedia Commons
To immerse yourself in some natural wonder, make your way to Athirappilly Waterfalls. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, often alluded to as the “Niagara Falls of India.” The falls cascade from a height of about 80 feet and are surrounded by lush green forest, making it a popular spot for nature photography, picnicking, and leisurely walks. Also, the area around the falls is surrounded by dense forests, home to a wide range of birds and butterflies.
Distance From Temple: 58 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹30
Where To Stay
Photo:Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
For accommodation, there are several hotels and guesthouses in and around Thrissur. Choices range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options including Lemon Residency, Hotel Palace Tower, and Hotel Peninsula. Depending on when you are visiting, ensure to prebook the hotel or resort so you don’t have to miss out on the best deals.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Athulvis / Wikimedia Commons
Several dining options near Vadakkunnathan Temple cater to different tastes. From traditional Kerala cuisine to modern eateries, visitors can enjoy a variety of food experiences. You can also find restaurants serving Sadhya. Some of the most popular restaurants in close vicinity include Banerji Memorial Club, Pathans Residential Hotel and Restaurant, and Ayush Veg.
Tips For Travellers
Photo:Glenn Carstens-Peters / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
To make the most out of your time at the temple, keep the following tips in mind:
- Adhere to the traditional dress code when visiting the temple.
- The temple has specific visiting hours and entry regulations, so cross-check them before planning your visit.
- Respecting local customs and practices is essential, including following the rules and guidelines as mentioned.
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When you are planning your Kerala trip, including iconic temples like Vadakkunnathan Temple in your itinerary is an absolute must. With the beauty of the architecture and the spiritual power, visiting the temple fills you with a sense of gratitude and purpose. Without further delays, secure all your bookings for your next trip to Kerala with TripXL to avail some of the best discounts and deals.
Cover Photo: Mullookkaaran / Wikimedia Commons
