Vadakkunnathan Temple
വടക്കുംനാഥക്ഷേത്രം
A thousand-year-old Shiva temple in the centre of Thrissur, a model of traditional Kerala timber architecture and murals, and the heart of the Thrissur Pooram festival.
Vadakkunnathan Temple stands in the city centre on Thekkinkadu Maidan. Tradition says it was founded by Parashurama, the axe-wielding sage. Most of the surviving structures date from the 11th to 17th centuries. Its four gateway towers, carved wooden eaves, stone-paved cloisters and 17th-century murals are exemplary of Kerala temple architecture. The Archaeological Survey of India lists it as a monument of national importance, and it received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, and the ghee lingam on the main sanctum has been offered to for centuries. Non-Hindus may not enter the inner courtyard, but you can admire the gateway towers and the square from outside. Men entering must go bare-chested and wear a mundu. Opening hours are roughly 3:00 to 10:30 and 17:00 to 20:30.
Opening hours
approx. 03:00–10:30, 17:00–20:30
Nearby sights
- Thrissur Pooram & Thekkinkadu Maidan
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple
- Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours (Puthanpally)
- Thiruvambady Sri Krishna Temple
- Sakthan Thampuran Palace
- Thrissur Zoo & State Museum
- Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral
- Vilangan Kunnu