History:

Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thrissur city of Kerala. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in India and has been one of the most important pilgrimage centres in Kerala since time immemorial. Vadakkunnathan Temple is also known as Thenkailasam or Vrishabhachalam. The temple is also notable as the site of the famous Thrissur Pooram festival celebrated every year in the month of Medam (April-May). The temple complex is believed to be built in the 9th century AD, by the legendary ruler Raja Rama Varma, also known as Sakthan Thampuran. It is believed that the deity installed here is Swayambhu (self-manifested). The temple is surrounded by a huge stone wall measuring around 8 feet in width, which was initially erected to protect the temple premise from invaders. The main shrine is a 32 sided polygonal structure. It has a 107 feet high shikara(tower), which is the tallest among all Shiva temples in South India. There are four gopurams (gateways) here. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with intricately sculpted murals and wood carvings depicting different legends from Hindu mythology. The temple is also known for its traditional art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Thrissur, Kerala. 2. The temple is believed to have been built by the famous sage Parasurama, who is also considered to be the mythological creator of Kerala. 3. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India and is also one of the largest in the area. 4. The temple complex covers an area of around 9 acres and is surrounded by a massive stone wall. 5. Inside the temple complex, there are four large towers guarding the four entrances. 6. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture and is renowned for its grand design, intricate carvings and intricate structures. 7. The temple has several shrines and mandapams dedicated to Shiva, Parvati and other gods from the Hindu Pantheon. 8. It is said that the temple was originally constructed with holy clay from the Chalakudy River and its iconic structures were constructed using laterite stone. 9. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is also well known for its Ayyappan or Sabarimala Temple, which is considered to be the most important shrine inside the complex. 10. The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees during the annual Pooram festival, which is held in the months of April and May every year. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

The worship method followed in Vadakkunnathan Temple is an example of ancient traditional Hinduism and auspiciousness. The temple practises a festal type of puja (worship) which is based on the Vedic and Tantric rituals and systems. It is believed that the puja practised in the temple is almost equal to or more than the temple ceremonies of major Hindu deities in India. Every morning, the puja starts with the chanting of Namaskaram (prayers to lord Shiva). In the Tinoopuram (innermost sanctum), the temple priest recites the Rudraprasna (hymns to Lord Shiva). Subsequently, the priest performs Abhishekam (ritual of bathing) for the idol of Lord Shiva. After Abhishekam, the holy water is poured on the Shiva linga and Panchavarna Prathista (other Hindu deities). On special occasions such as festivals, the Shiva linga and other Hindu deities are bathed with milk, curd, ghee, honey, Panchamrit (holy water mixed with honey, milk, curd, ghee and sugar), and Panchagavya (Mixture of Cow milk, curd, ghee, cow urine and dung). After the Abhishekam, special floral offerings called 'Pushpanjali' are made. After the Puja, Aarti is performed to the lord Shiva and then distributed as Prasadam (holy offering) amongst the devotees. Thus, the Vadakkunnathan temple offers a unique and divine experience of traditional Hinduism that binds the Seeker and the devotee in its holy, sanctified space. It is believed that anyone performing puja at this temple will be blessed with all the goodness and auspiciousness of life. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The Vadakkunnathan temple opens at 4.30 AM and closes at 10 PM. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

The Vadakkunnathan Temple is located in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is well connected by road and rail. The nearest railway station is Thrissur, which is about 5 kilometres away, and the nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is about 55 kilometres away. For travelling by road, one can take a taxi or hire a bus from either Kochi or Thrissur. The temple is located at the centre of the city, and hence, it is easily accessible. famous temples in Kerala