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A Journey Through Vadakkunnathan Temple

A Journey Through Vadakkunnathan Temple

Home   Stories   A Journey Through Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan temple is Kerala's oldest and most significant temple, personifying much of the state's culture and history. This temple, founded in the centre of Thrissur, is mainly for the general worship of Lord Shiva himself, and it is all about giving solace when visited for the trip.
The article looks into the temple's architecture and historical relevance to culture, mythology, and influences, making it a wonderful must-see destination.

A serene view of Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, showcasing its historical architecture and lush surroundings during a spiritual journey

History of Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan temple history is a rich amalgamation of origin stories and religious and cultural events.

Origins and Mythology

The myth dates back to when Lord Parashurama, the incarnation of Vishnu, constructed the Vadakkunnathan Temple.
As per the myth, Parashurama threw his axe into the waters and called for the land known as Kerala to rise. He constructed this temple as an offering to Lord Shiva. Some say this temple was established almost 4000 years ago, dating back to the 9th or 10th century CE.
Further, the site became sacred as the Lord enshrined himself here after his famous victory over the demon Daruka, securing its spiritual authenticity.

Historical Significance

Apart from many other activities, Vadakkunnathan Temple has been home to various religious and cultural events over the years. It has regularly expanded and renovated many parts, each time shifting architectural styles into the sanctity and grandeur it already possesses. One such occasion is Maha Shivaratri, which annually draws thousands of devotees to the temple.
The temple is also significant during Thrissur Pooram, which features lively music and dance, with decorative work that gathers collective participation and attention to the traditions it forms part of in the state's culture.

Architecture and Design of Vadakkunnathan Temple

The Vadakkunnathan temple is a paragon of Kerala's architectural prowess and demonstration. UNESCO has recognised it as a World Heritage site.

Architectural Style

The temple is defined by three main shrines: Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, and Lord Shankara Narayana. It also has a dedicated, exclusive shrine for Goddess Parvati. The outside complexes of the temple are dotted with two smaller temples dedicated to Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devi.

The temple features four imposing gopurams (gateways) facing the cardinal directions, adorned with mesmerising murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. The temple's traditional Kerala-style architecture includes a theatre (കൂത്തമ്പലം) embellished with intricate wooden carvings, serving as a stage for ritualistic art forms like Koothu and Nangyar Koothu (കൂത്ത്, നങ്ങ്യാർ കൂത്ത്).

Key highlights include:

  • Nritta Mandapam (നൃത്ത മണ്ഡപം) : A hall for cultural dance performances.
  • Sree Kovil (ശ്രീ കോവിൽ) : The sanctum sanctorum housing the main deity, Lord Shiva, built with a classic two-tiered Kerala-style roof.

Did you know you can study Vadakkunnathan's gateway architecture in great detail with this Temple Gate sculpture? This resin ornament captures the cultural and architectural wonders of the 8th-century temple in great detail.


Cultural Significance of Vadakkunnathan Temple

The Sree Vadakkunnathan temple is part of Kerala's culture and history. It is a melting pot of celebrations and ritual conducts that set it ablaze in an effulgent display of colours, sounds, crafts, and dances.

Elephants gathered in Vadakunnathan temple, highlighting the cultural importance of Vadakkunnathan Temple

The Role of Thrissur Pooram (തൃശൂർ പൂരം)

The grandeur of Sree Vadakkunnathan temple truly magnifies during the Thrissur Pooram festival when the complex exhibits a kaleidoscope of various art forms involving music, songs, dance, and spirited gatherings—turning the temple into a veritable treasure trove of cultural heritage.

The festival is celebrated during Malayalam Medam, a grand celebration from April to May. The temple is beautifully decorated and allures the audience by illuminating a thousand lights, which is a breathtaking view.

Thrissur Pooram showcases a large crowd celebrating with elephants, highlighting the cultural richness of the event.

Rituals and Celebrations

Besides the Pooram celebration, the Vadakkunnathan temple is also a cultural centre for almost all celebrations and festivals in the neighbourhood.

The temple has countless celebrations, including the yearly temple festival, Maha Shivratri, Navratri, and Utsavam. Several celebrations are organised into annual milestones using this temple as the foundation. These celebrations are indeed cornerstones, contributing to the preservation of cultural integrity and heritage.

Visiting Vadakkunnathan Temple

Planning a visit to Kerala's cultural marvel is easy:

  • Vadakkunnathan Temple timings: The temple remains open from 4 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Make sure to book your conveyance in advance to reach on time.
  • Darshan timings: Darshan timings are the same as when the temple remains open.
  • Vadakkunnathan Temple Dress Code: Men must wear a dhoti (മുണ്ട്) to enter the temple complex, and women must wear a saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta. Due to the temple's ancient origins, the dress codes and rituals are rigorously observed because they create a sacred environment for worshipping the gods.
  • Visitor information: These are a few possible ways to get to Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is by road, air, and rail from Thrissur City. There are many places available to stay around the temple, making it convenient and accessible for walking around the city. Budget stays, or a luxury hotel is available to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is more than an entire cosmos; it is history, part of Keralan architecture's culminating natural beauty, and the very spirit of the state. The temple has won worthy awards for World Heritage Site status and deserves to be experienced in all its glory for its architectural beauty and cultural endowment.

Visit Vadakkunnathan during one of its festivals to truly experience its grandeur and brilliance..

Frequently Asked Questions


This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said to have been built by Lord Parashuram in honour of Lord Shiva.

No, the temple observes strict dress codes (dhoti for men and saree/salwar kameez for women) to preserve the sanctimonious nature of worship in the complex.

Thrissur Pooram is one of the largest festivals in Asia. It celebrates Kerala's culture and traditions. The festival was started by Raja Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Cochin, from 1790 to 1805.

 



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