Vadakkumnathan Temple dates back almost 2000 years and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Vadakkumnathan. According to a legend the temple is built by Lord Parasurama who raised the Land of Kerala from the ocean depths. Located atop a hill, the architecture of the temple is in Kerala style. The temple is also called as Rishabhadri.
This temple can be visited on your way to the Jain Temple in Jainmedu. The presiding deity here is Bhagvaty, an incarnation of Kannagi, the heroine of Tamil epic Silappadhikaram. In the evening, sharp at six, a small firework is set off as per the tradition (which can be witnessed in most of the other Keralese temples as well). The timing of the fireworks remain same all the time, so much so that the people around have no qualms in setting their clock on hearing the sound of the crackers.
The temple is the main centre of the Thrissur Pooram festival, Pooram meaning a meeting point of all arts.
The temple has four gopurams with intricate wood work and 17th century murals of Indian epics done in natural colours. The temple also contains the shrines of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesh, Lord Sankaranarayana, Lord Rama inside the main sanctum. “Koothambalam” is a magnificent hall inside the temple, distinct for its size and aesthetic grandeur. It is a venue for performing arts during festivals.
Vadakkunathan Temple is the most famous temple in Thrissur. Thrissur owes its name to Sri Vadakkunathan, the Lord Shiva. It is located at the heart land of Thrissur. The prime deity is Lord Shiva with many other idols placed in and around. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. The temple is located in a picturesque hillock overlooking the town.
The most popular festival of Kerala, Thrissur pooram is hosted by Vadakkunatha temple. The temple promotes many temple arts and cultural performances. The temple architecture depicts traditional Kerala Style of architecture. The temple houses many mural paintings and art forms.