Vadakkumnatha Temple Thrissur

Kailash Of The South !!

Vadakkunnathan temple, located in Thrissur district, is one of the oldest Shiva temples of Kerala. The temple is spread over an area of nine acres. You can also find shrines of Devi Parvathi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna here. According to myths, this temple was founded by Lord Parasurama. The temple is a good example of Kerala's typical cultural art. The walls are decorated with murals (paintings) of a few incidents of the Mahabharata.

The Vadakkunnathan temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. It is believed that the Hindu saint Adi Shakaracharya spent his last days here in this temple. This particular temple is the main venue of the Thrissur Pooram festival. This festival is celebrated in April-May every year. The temple witnesses a long parade/procession of 101 caparisoned elephants and locals of Thrissur performing various traditional dances. The temple enjoys the festival for two days continuously with traditional music/orchestra, fireworks and other art forms.

This temple is a major tourist spot. Not only Thrissur Pooram, but all other holy occasions and activities are celebrated at this temple.