Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Vadakkunatha temple is one of the most famous temple in Thrissur District of Kerala state. It is one among the five most famous Shiva temple in kerala now. Others are Thaliparambu, Thrippangottu, Ettumanoor and Vaikom Shiva temples. This temple is now famous as Vadakkunathan (Shiva) temple, but there are two more main deities in this temple, Lord Sankaranarayanan and Lord Sreeraman all are provided with separate sanctums inside Nalambalam. Deities: Sreekovil (sanctum) of Lord Sankaranarayanan is in the middle with circular shape. Lord Shiva is placed in the right/north side Sreekovil also in circular shape and Lord Sreeraman in the left/south side Sreekovil with square shape. All these Sreekovils are facing towards west is a peculier worshipping system of this temple. Also Godess Parvathy is placed in the same sanctum of Shiva in the opposite side towards east. Interestingly we can see these deities are placed in such a way that the temple is established as part of Integrating and accomodating the two strong Subdivisions of hindu religion, the Saiva and Vaishnav cultures. Right side Shiva, left side Sreeraman and in middle Sankaranarayanan the god of half Shiva half Vishnu identity. Subdeities: Ganapathi is placed as a Subdeity in another small sanctum inside Nalambalam itself. There are somany other Subdeities placed in this temple outside of Nalambalam, viz. Gosalakrishnan, Dharmasathavu, Simhodaran, Parasuraman, Nandikeswaran, Vedavyasan etc. It is believed that the body of Shri. Sankaracharya swamy was cremated near this temple which is marked discretly with some symbols and devotees are praying there also. Praying method: It is slightly complicated to know and follow the location and sequence of praying to all the deities in this temple. As per Devaswam board guidelines, the deities inside Nalambalam need to be prayed 18 times (Shiva, Parvathy, Sreerama, 3times each, Sankaranarayanan- 5times, Ganapathi-4times.) in a predefined sequence. The prayers to be performed for subdeities, pictures and places outside Nalambalam are around 20. This includes a unique place known as Sreemoolastanam outside the temple wall which is identified as the first locatin to begin praying. Other uniqueness: The temple performing Art, Koothu was very famous in this temple and the Koothambalam is the largest one of it's kind in kerala. Devotees are permitted to enter to the temple premise through west and east entrance (gopuram) only. There is no festivals for this temple. The famous Thrissur pooram is celebrated in this temple premise, but it is the festival of mainly two Godess of nearby Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples along with Dieties of nearby small temples. The Dieties of Vadakkunathan temple don't have any participation in Pooram festival but silently witnessing and blessing the devotees. However the Pooram festival is being celebrated in and around the Vadakkunathan temple, it is considered as the festival of Vadakkunathan temple also. Thrissur pooram: Thrissur pooram is celebrated in the Pooram day of malayalam month Medam (April-May). The main attractions of Pooram festival is given below:

1. Procession from Madam: In a procession with elephants, the Thiruvambadi Bhagavathi is brought to Sreemoolastanam and entering to Vadakkunathan temple through west gopuram.
2. Elanjitharamelam: In a procession with elephants, the Paramekkavu Bhagavathi is brought to Vadakkunathan temple through east gopuram and performing the famous Elanjitharamelam.
3. Exchanging of colourfull elephants' umbrellas: Godess Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu are Standing face to face in the procession with elephants and displaying different design/ colour of elephants' umbrellas alternately.
4. Fire works show: A very beautiful fire works show is demonstrated during late night of pooram festival day. Location: Vadakkunathan temple is in the heart of Thrissur town surounded by a big maidan known as Thekkinkadu and a circular road. As it is in the centre of town, all facilities are...

One of the largest temple complexes in South India is a classical example of rich Kerala temple Architecture. The main temple complex is spread over nine acres on a small hillock encircled by 64 acre Thekkinkadu maidan. The 4 gopurams (magnificent gateways) beautifully carved out of wooden pillars and wooden bracket figures and the towering "pallamathils" ( boundary walls of laterite built in the shape of elephants belly) are imposing piece of skill and taste. The rare architectural techniques adopted are the mixture of many rituals, geometry, iconography, astrology, vastusastra, tantra sastra and murals with organic pigments. Most of the other temples in Kerala show one or more of these features but in Vadakkumnathan it is near to perfection and so it is unique.

It is believed that 33 crore devathas of Hindu mythology will be present on the pooram day. However few spaces are left for some deities with or with out temples in this complex. While entering there is stone "KALI" and there is Gosalakrishna, the naked Rishaba, Lord Parsurama, Dharma Sasatha, Naga raja with Nagayakshi (the serpent gods - which is the oldest form of god worship in Kerala) Sreechakra and Vettekkaran are the places to be worshipped. There are specified points where the devotees can offer their salutations to Lord Siva at Kasi, Lord Chidabharanatha at Chidambaram, Lord Siva atRameswaram, Sree Kali of Kodungallore, Ammathiruvadi of Oorakam, Lord Bharatha of Koodalmanickam, Sree Vyasa. The main enclosure covered with walls and Vilakkumadam is a multi - shrine. There are 4 shrines dedicated to 5 devathas. The complex is said to have been built by Lord Prasurama. It is believed that The Amsaavathara (Partial incarnation) of Parsurama the Adi Sankara was born after his parents, who were childless for years, prayed at this temple. Legend also has it Sankara school of worship - Panchadevatha (five gods) - is followed here. Lord Shiva facing west and withParvathy facing east, Vigneswara, Sankara Narayana, and Sree Rama are other shrines. Lord Vigneswara shrine is calledvenmadacoil. The devotees revere elephants as Lord Ganesh incarnate. It has been the regular annual practice at the Vadakkunnathan Temple for the last 20 years to conduct a large-scale Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathy Havana andAanayoottu (ceremonial feeding of elephants) on the 1st day of karkidakom month as per the malayalam calendar. "Gajapooja" also is conducted once in four years. The Sankaranarayana ( a combination saiva-vaishnava - the right side of Sivawith left side of Vishnu) shrine, which is a double storied round coil, has beautiful 17th century murals delineating graphically the story of "Mahabharata"

The idol is not visible, as it is covered under 3-5 meter high and 5-7 meter wide mount of ghee, formed by daily abisheka (ablution) with ghee over centuries.

In spite of high temperature, ghee does not melt, no insects & the collection is preserved as good as new even after centuries. It is believed that lord Siva (Kiratha) had a head injury during his fight with Arjuna and lord Dhannuandhara moorthy (Lord of Auyurveda) prescribed ghee ablution.

Outside this nalambalam the temple theater, known as "Koothambalam" is situated. Exquisite vignette carved in wood, beautiful wooden pillars, acoustic treatments - this is an engineering marvel has no parallel anywhere else in the world. There was practice followed by carpenters to keep a small chisel at the most important place of the structure It is predictive that there is something wrong or the urgent maintenance is due if the chisel falls down. And the chisel fell down during the year 1875 AD and Mr. Vellinezy Jatadevan Nampoothiri remodified this in 1880. More than 410 Sq.m. built area, this is biggest of this kind. The 41 day special program of "Koothu" (mythological story telling) and "Koodiyattom" (ancient form of dramatic dance) is performed here annually.

Mural Painting of dancing lord Siva with 16 hands is an amazing work of...

The Vadakkumnathan Temple and the Thrissur Pooram festival are two of Kerala’s most iconic cultural landmarks, offering a profound blend of spirituality, history, and vibrant tradition.

🛕 Vadakkumnathan Temple: A Timeless Spiritual Haven

Situated at the heart of Thrissur within the expansive Thekkinkadu Maidan, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been established by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, it stands as one of the oldest temples in Kerala.

The temple is renowned for its classic Kerala-style architecture, featuring monumental towers on all four sides and a Koothambalam (temple theater). Inside, visitors can admire exquisite mural paintings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, some of which are over four centuries old. A unique aspect of the temple is the Shiva lingam, which is perpetually covered in ghee, yet remains unspoiled—a phenomenon that adds to its mystique.

Visitors often describe the temple as a serene oasis amidst the city's bustle, offering a peaceful and spiritually uplifting experience.

🎉 Thrissur Pooram: Kerala’s Grandest Temple Festival

Held annually in April or May, Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular festival that transforms the city into a vibrant hub of cultural festivities. Initiated by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin, the festival was designed to unite various temples in the region, fostering communal harmony.

Key Highlights:

Kudamattam: A mesmerizing display where 30 caparisoned elephants—15 each from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples—stand face-to-face while their mahouts swiftly exchange colorful ornamental umbrellas atop them.

Ilanjithara Melam: A grand assembly of over 250 percussion artists performing traditional Kerala music under the Ilanji tree within the Vadakkumnathan Temple premises. This performance is considered one of the finest examples of Pandi Melam.

Fireworks (Vedikettu): The festival is famed for its breathtaking fireworks display, which begins in the early morning hours and attracts spectators from all over the country.

Upacharam Cholli Piriyal: The festival concludes with this ritualistic farewell, where elephants carrying the deities' replicas face each other and raise their trunks thrice, symbolizing a respectful goodbye.

While Thrissur Pooram is a visual and auditory feast, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists, it's important to note that large crowds can lead to safety concerns. Some attendees have reported issues such as overcrowding and inappropriate behavior, particularly affecting women. Authorities have been urged to implement stricter security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

🌟 Final Thoughts

A visit to the Vadakkumnathan Temple offers a serene and spiritually enriching experience, showcasing Kerala's rich architectural and cultural heritage. Attending the Thrissur Pooram festival provides an unparalleled glimpse into the state's vibrant traditions and communal celebrations. Together, they encapsulate the essence of Kerala's devotion, artistry, and...