Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur district is a typical example of Kerala style of architecture with carvings and murals depicting scenes from the famous epic Mahabharata and a museum housing ancient paintings, woodcarvings and other works of art of ancient times. Known for its annual festival of ‘Thrissur Pooram’, the temple had received the ‘Award of Excellence’ at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in recognition of the efforts taken to protect its architectural legacy. The ‘Aanayoottu’ (feeding of elephants) held during ‘Karkkidakam’ season [July-August] in the temple used to attract thousands of people every year.