Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur

The Vadakkumnathan temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is a classical example of the architectural style of Kerala and has one monumental tower on each of the four sides in addition to a koothambalam. Mural paintings in the temple display various scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple.

The temple has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act. According to popular local lore, this is the first temple built  by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. In 2012, the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) has recommended 14 sites, including Vadakkumnathan temple and palaces, from Kerala to include in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

Significance

The temple is also the first one among the 108 Shiva temples in ancient Kerala, established by Parashurama, and is mentioned in the Shiva temple stotra as Shrimad-Dakshina Kailasam, meaning 'Mt. Kailash of the South'.  According to legend, Parashurama asked the sea god Varuna to bring up a piece of land from the ocean, which became Kerala. Shiva came with his family and stopped at Thrissur, where he disappeared and a glowing Shiva lingam appeared under a big banyan tree. 

Later, the ruler of Cochin wanted to shift the lingam to a better place and build a temple. But cutting the banyan tree to move it was risky, as it could damage the lingam. A wise man named Yogatirippadu protected the lingam with his body while the tree was cut and no harm came to it. The lingam was then moved with rituals and installed in the new place, where the temple was built following traditional rules.

How To Reach

Thrissur bus stand is located at a distance of  just 850 m from the temple and can be reached by walk easily from the bus stand.