One of the oldest temples in Kerala, the Vadakkumnathan Temple is located right in the heart of Thrissur Town. Constructed purely with wood and stone its architecture is unique and exquisite. Intricately crafted woodwork and exotic sculptures, stunning murals that depict scenes from the epic Mahabharata, and numerous other ancient relics make it a hotspot for archeologists as well as historians. It is believed that this temple was created by Lord Parasurama who is also credited for having been the one to reclaim Kerala from the sea. 

The temple with its typical Kerala style architecture is situated within a nine-acre walled patch of lush greenery. An architectural marvel, the temple also houses a Koothambalam (the traditional temple theatre of Kerala). It took artisans, archeologists and their team more than 10 years to restore the ancient temple to its former grandeur and glory. All restoration work was done bearing in mind the traditional rituals and organic matter used in them. Special care was taken to ensure that the same methods and techniques used in the original construction were used in its reconstruction as well. These painstaking efforts taken to preserve this heritage site have been recognised with UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

One of the oldest and largest Shiva temples in the state, the Vadakkumnathan Temple bears witness to some very interesting rituals each year. One of the most prominent among these is the Anayoottu ceremony. This ritualistic feeding ceremony of elephants is conducted on the temple grounds during the month of Karkidakam (June/July). The month of Karkidakam is considered to be the ideal time for the body to respond to ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation in every sense. During this ritual, the chief priest makes an offering that comprises rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery and sugarcane to the elephants. It is believed that worshipping the elephant faced God, Lord Ganesha will remove all obstacles in one’s life. The ritual attracted thousands of devotees each year to the temple. 

The annual festival of the temple, also world renowned as the Thrissur Pooram is considered to be the king of all temple festivals given its magnitude, grandeur and vibrance. Conducted every year in April-May, this festival is an extravaganza with caparisoned elephants, extraordinary displays of fireworks, and much more. Every year lakhs of devotees and tourists gather at the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the bedecked elephants and stunning parasols as they vibe to the legendary Ilanjithara melam, a highly bewitching traditional orchestra crafted with indigenous instruments like the chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu and elathalam.

A magnificent spectacle, this festival was first initiated by Shakthan Thampuran, the erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi, who organised the festival with the participation of 10 temples including the most prominent Thiruvambadi and Paramekavu. The kudamattom ceremony is yet another highlight in which colourful, sequinned parasols are swiftly and rhythmically changed. A spectacle in itself, the Thrissur Pooram is a spectacle in itself and captures the spiritual and cultural essence of Kerala in its truest sense. 

A sacred sanctuary that has transcended the boundaries of time and space, the Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur is a reflection of Kerala’s enduring spiritual heritage. 

Temple Timings: 04:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. and 05:00 P.M. - 08:30 P.M.