Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple, Thrissur

In an area of 3.5 hectares, this 1000 year old Vadakkunnathan Shiva temple features classic Kerala architecture with monumental towers on all sides. Though there are differences in the story of the origin of this temple, the very accepted common fact is that the temple was founded by lord Parasurama. Parasurama exterminated one community twenty one times. In order to clean himself and balance his karma, he performed a pooja at the end of which he gave away all the land to the priests who arranged it. He needed some land for his own penance and requested the lord of the oceans ‘Varuna’. That is how this Kerala region was formed. He went to lord Shiva and requested him to take abode in Kerala and thereby bless the region. Lord Shiva accompanied by his wife, his sons Vinayaka and Murugan went along with Parasurama to satisfy the desire of his disciple.

Shiva stopped this place as his seat and disappeared. The deity was kept safe and worshipped for centuries by different rulers. Even though Tipu Sultan, the powerful Muslim ruler from Mysore, destroyed many temples wherever the places he captured, he never touched this temple. When Sakthan Thampuran, an eminent local ruler ascended the throne, he changed the capital from Tripunithura to Thrissur showing his love and respect with this temple. He was the person to introduce the world famous festival ‘Thrissur Pooram’. Though the temple is not a part of this festival, the function happens in this premises. The temple is known for the rare murals portrayed here that include scenes from Mahabharata. The temple also houses a museum that showcases ancient paintings, woodcarving and other art works. During Shivaratri, the temple is lit up with one lakh lamps, which is a delight to watch.