Vadakkunnathan Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple
4.5
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512 reviews
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XVoyagerX
Toronto, Canada102 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
Vadakkunnathan Temple is a timeless oasis of spirituality and architectural marvel. Despite being one of the oldest temples in Kerala—with legends attributing its founding to Parasurama—it remains refreshingly serene and uncrowded. Walking through its ancient stone corridors and beneath the four majestic gopurams, I felt transported into a world where myth and history beautifully intertwine.
The temple’s distinctive Kerala-style architecture, complete with intricate carvings and vibrant mural paintings, truly captivates the eye. Every detail, from the carefully sculpted sanctum to the artistic depictions of epic tales, speaks of centuries-old craftsmanship. One of the most fascinating aspects is the lore surrounding the Shiva Lingam, which is traditionally anointed with ghee—a practice that, as legend has it, creates a mound that miraculously never melts.
Adding to its mystique are the many legends associated with the temple, including stories of divine interventions and even a historical visit by Tipu Sultan, who, despite his notorious reputation, is said to have treated this sacred space with utmost reverence. All of these elements combine to create an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful.
In short, my visit to Vadakkunnathan Temple was a profound experience—one that allowed me to connect with Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy in a quiet, reflective setting. It’s no wonder this temple holds a special place in my heart.
The temple’s distinctive Kerala-style architecture, complete with intricate carvings and vibrant mural paintings, truly captivates the eye. Every detail, from the carefully sculpted sanctum to the artistic depictions of epic tales, speaks of centuries-old craftsmanship. One of the most fascinating aspects is the lore surrounding the Shiva Lingam, which is traditionally anointed with ghee—a practice that, as legend has it, creates a mound that miraculously never melts.
Adding to its mystique are the many legends associated with the temple, including stories of divine interventions and even a historical visit by Tipu Sultan, who, despite his notorious reputation, is said to have treated this sacred space with utmost reverence. All of these elements combine to create an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful.
In short, my visit to Vadakkunnathan Temple was a profound experience—one that allowed me to connect with Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy in a quiet, reflective setting. It’s no wonder this temple holds a special place in my heart.
Written 19 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnupThampi
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India72 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
A review of this place won't suffice as this temple is majestic with a lot of area and old architectural marvel. Located right in the middle of Thrissur and the main road goes round the temple. We first went at night time and the light was very not that bright. It was dim and unique in its own way. At night time crowd was really high and during morning time the there was less crowd. The splendidly maintained temple premises are clean and very tidy. They sell temple photo inside the premises and payasam.
Shirt not allowed inside temple. Jeans, pants allowed for men and churidar allowed for women.
Really loved the temple.
Note: children below 1 year are not allowed inside the temple... They can be taken inside the premises but not inside the Lord Shiva temple.
Highly recommended.
Shirt not allowed inside temple. Jeans, pants allowed for men and churidar allowed for women.
Really loved the temple.
Note: children below 1 year are not allowed inside the temple... They can be taken inside the premises but not inside the Lord Shiva temple.
Highly recommended.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheWorldNut
Bangalore District, India661 contributions
Aug 2023
Vadakkunnathan Temple, is a beautiful temple, right at the centre of the city. The temple boasts a large courtyard full of greenery and amidst that are the still well preserved temple structures, with wooden carvings and murals. Having a Kerala style architecture, the Shiva temple is one of the oldest in Kerala.
Dress code is required, and while mobile phones are allowed, taking photos is not. A must do when in and around Thrisssur.
Dress code is required, and while mobile phones are allowed, taking photos is not. A must do when in and around Thrisssur.
Written 17 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ranju K
98 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in the country, Vadakkumnathan Temple is a prime example of authentic Kerala temple architecture. Also known as Dakshina Kailasa or Vrushabhachaleshwara, this ancient temple is situated in the heart of Thrissur town and is among the oldest in the country, with its origins believed to be traced back over 4,000 years. According to legend, it was originally built by Lord Parasurama, an avatar of Vishnu. However, the temple and the surrounding Thekkinkadu Maidan were later renovated by Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler who transformed the once-forested area into what it is today.
The temple is encircled by four gopurams, which are iconic structures marking the face of Thrissur city. The Thekkinkadu Maidan, a 65-acre area surrounding the temple, serves as the central point of the city’s famous Swaraj Round.
The temple's main deity is Lord Shiva. Inside, you can find mural paintings depicting various episodes from the Puranas.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is also located inside the temple
The temple is a true marvel of wood and stone, captures the essence of Kerala temple architecture, and was honored with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The world-famous Thrissur Pooram, celebrated during March or April (with dates varying according to the Malayalam calendar), is hosted in front of the Vadakkumnathan Temple, drawing visitors from all over the world.
The temple is encircled by four gopurams, which are iconic structures marking the face of Thrissur city. The Thekkinkadu Maidan, a 65-acre area surrounding the temple, serves as the central point of the city’s famous Swaraj Round.
The temple's main deity is Lord Shiva. Inside, you can find mural paintings depicting various episodes from the Puranas.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is also located inside the temple
The temple is a true marvel of wood and stone, captures the essence of Kerala temple architecture, and was honored with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The world-famous Thrissur Pooram, celebrated during March or April (with dates varying according to the Malayalam calendar), is hosted in front of the Vadakkumnathan Temple, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaykann
Airlie Beach, Australia533 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
Huge temple inside heart of the city. You can feel the calmness, silence and positive vibes inside the temple.
We visited early in the morning so not too crowded. Huge landscape around the temple. Architecture of temple is of its own kind. Well maintained place.
Dress code applicable for male and closed by 11AM like most temples in Kerala.
Must to visit while in Thrissur.
We visited early in the morning so not too crowded. Huge landscape around the temple. Architecture of temple is of its own kind. Well maintained place.
Dress code applicable for male and closed by 11AM like most temples in Kerala.
Must to visit while in Thrissur.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacpaul
Aluva, India3,614 contributions
Aug 2022
Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the oldest temples in the state and it is located in the middle of Thrissur city. This temple depicts the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
The shrine of Vadakkumnathan along with shrines of Mahavishnu and Shankaranarayan are also located in the temple. It features one of the largest Dance Hall, called Koothambalam which depict unique Keralan architecture and is a must see. It hosts traditional performances called Nangyar Koothu. Just outside the temple complex are situated the Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Devi Temple, which are considered to be the sister temples of Vadakummnathan. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside, but they can stand outside and look at the photos from there.
Vadakkunnathan Temple is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The temple is surrounded by a vast stone wall encompassing an area of 9 acres. The temple complex consists of four gopurams which face north, south, east, and west inside the fortification.
An old museum is present inside the temple as well which consists of old wall paintings, wood carvings, and art pieces belonging to the ancient times.
Thrissur Pooram a very colourful festival is celebrated during mid-April to mid-May. Its celebrations last for about 36 hours and also include parasol displays along with firework shows. Other festivals like Shivratri and Anayoottu Festival which involves the feeding of elephants are also celebrated in the temple.
The shrine of Vadakkumnathan along with shrines of Mahavishnu and Shankaranarayan are also located in the temple. It features one of the largest Dance Hall, called Koothambalam which depict unique Keralan architecture and is a must see. It hosts traditional performances called Nangyar Koothu. Just outside the temple complex are situated the Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple and Paramekkavu Devi Temple, which are considered to be the sister temples of Vadakummnathan. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside, but they can stand outside and look at the photos from there.
Vadakkunnathan Temple is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The temple is surrounded by a vast stone wall encompassing an area of 9 acres. The temple complex consists of four gopurams which face north, south, east, and west inside the fortification.
An old museum is present inside the temple as well which consists of old wall paintings, wood carvings, and art pieces belonging to the ancient times.
Thrissur Pooram a very colourful festival is celebrated during mid-April to mid-May. Its celebrations last for about 36 hours and also include parasol displays along with firework shows. Other festivals like Shivratri and Anayoottu Festival which involves the feeding of elephants are also celebrated in the temple.
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lalitha R
Mumbai, India40 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The lingam is embellished with thirteen cascading crescents of gold and three serpent hoods on top. According to traditional belief, the ghee-covered lingam represents the snow-clad Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. This is the only temple where the lingam is not visible.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Navitha
Coimbatore, India2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Nice temple . Here idol is linga roopa with ghee covering on it. Swaraj round-abouts major part of is formed by this temple. We went with my family around 6.50pm. but sharp 7 pm to 7.45pm they close the nada for some pooja. They open after that and remain open only until 8.20pm . So if you plan to visit vadakunathan temple avoid 7 to 7.45 pm.
Written 29 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balaji B
Pondicherry, India35 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Ancient temple of Lord Siva that Lord Parashurama prayed at. This is also a unique temple where the Sivalingam is made of ghee and the main prasadam and offering is also ghee.
Adi Shankaracharya's mother, Aryamba was a staunch devotee of Lord Vadakkumathan and it was in a dream that the Lord blessed the couple before Adi Shankaracharya was born.
Adi Shankaracharya's mother, Aryamba was a staunch devotee of Lord Vadakkumathan and it was in a dream that the Lord blessed the couple before Adi Shankaracharya was born.
Written 24 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gurudev R
Bengaluru, India281 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Trip to Thrissur is not complete without a visit to the sprawling and stunning temple complex in the heart of town. Said to be built by Lord Parusu Rama now has several small temples besides the main deity Shri Vadakka nadh. Complex has two concentric circles and outer one we are permitted without any dress code, but inner one requires shirt and banian to be removed for gents. Western outfits not permitted. Mobiles ok but to be kept in silence and no photos. It's a large complex and it may take at least 2 hours to visit all places. Timings are restricted and as given in photo.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to have a choroonu or Annaprashan ceremony conducted in Vadakkunathan temple Thrissur
Written 2 November 2024
Yes you have to inform the temple authority minimum 4 days before more early more good .only 10 perosns allowed inside temple for the function also restrictions for total number of persons inside temple including devotees to avoid crowd .timing morning 7 to 10 both for darshan as well as functions .eveining darshan time is 5 to.6.30.Thank you
Written 28 August 2020
neelu_uma
Tirupati, India
Hi i want to do 40 days mandala puja in this temple ,i want to know the procedure and where to stay in the night i mean which temple allows me to sleep and in which temple pond i can take bath and do puja kindly tell i am from andhra dont know any thing about kerala culture, iwant to stay in the temple premises 40 days
Written 8 July 2018
Temple does not allow stay within premises. Even cemented open area outside (car park) is also locked during night. Pond is not for bath as water for pooja is taken from there.
There are basic lodges just by the side of the lane of temple along with small restaurants. Comfortable hotel means Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) about 20 KM from temple. Name of place is Changanassery.
By the way Mandala Pooja is 48 days and not 40.
Hope this info helps.
Written 9 July 2018
How much does it take to have Darshana on Karthika Masai Monday?
Is there any ticket for seegra Darshan?
Written 2 October 2017
There is no ticket for seegra Darshan.
Written 7 November 2017
I am planning to be at the temple in the next week.
1) Can someone tell me the timings of the temple
2) Is pant allowed for men, or should they go only in Dhothi?
3) Is there any particular way in which prayers have to be performed here?
Written 21 December 2016
1. Morning Timings 4.00 AM to 10:30 AM.
evening timings 04:00 PM to 8.30 PM.
2. Pant is not allowed , should wear Dhothi
3. The way to perform prayer is written as you enter the temple premise.
Written 21 December 2016
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