About Vadakkunnathan Temple
The Vadakkunnathan Temple stands on a small hillock in the centre of Thrissur, Kerala, surrounded by the wide open ground of Thekkinkadu Maidan. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vadakkunnathan, the Lord of the North, and the temple is revered as Dakshina Kailasam, the Kailash of the South. It is a classic example of Kerala temple architecture, with fine murals and wood carvings, and is protected as a national monument. Every year the maidan around it becomes the stage for Thrissur Pooram, one of the grandest temple festivals in India.
According to legends found in the Brahmanda Purana and later works, Parashurama, after reclaiming the land of Kerala from the sea, went to Kailash and asked Shiva to bless the new land. Shiva came south with Parvati, Ganesha and Subrahmanya and rested at this spot, where Parashurama found a radiant linga beneath a banyan tree. Tradition counts this as the first of the 108 Shiva temples attributed to Parashurama. The linga here is famous for being covered by a thick mound of ghee, built up over centuries of abhishekam; it is said that the ghee never melts or smells, even in summer.
The temple is enclosed by a massive stone wall with four tall gopurams facing the cardinal directions. Inside are separate shrines for Shiva, for Shankaranarayana and for Rama, along with shrines of Ganapathi, Parvati and other deities. The koothambalam, a temple theatre with carved wooden pillars, is used for traditional Koothu performances. Mural paintings on the inner walls show scenes from the Mahabharata and other stories, and are considered among the best examples of Kerala mural art.
Vadakkunnathan Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nirmalyam and morning puja | Early morning, around 4:00 AM (approx.) |
| Ucha puja (noon worship) | Late morning (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Vadakkunnathan Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport is about 55 km away.
By train
Thrissur railway station is about 2 km away.
By road
The temple is in the middle of Thrissur town, at the centre of Swaraj Round. KSRTC and private buses connect Thrissur with all major towns of Kerala.
Festivals at Vadakkunnathan Temple
- Thrissur PooramApr/May
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants)Jul/Aug
- ThiruvathiraDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Kerala temple dress code: men wear a mundu or dhoti and remove their shirts before entering the inner area; women wear a saree, set-mundu or salwar with dupatta.
- Entry
- Free entry. As at many Kerala temples, entry inside the temple is generally restricted to Hindus; the surrounding maidan is open to all.
- Follow the Kerala dress code; men should be ready to remove their shirts.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- If visiting during Thrissur Pooram, book accommodation well in advance and expect huge crowds.
- Early morning visits are the most peaceful.
- Walk around the maidan to see the four gopurams from outside.
Places to visit near Vadakkunnathan Temple
- Paramekkavu Bhagavathi TempleGoddess temple and one of the two main Pooram participants, about 0.5 km away
- Thiruvambady Sri Krishna TempleKrishna temple and the other main Pooram participant, about 1 km away
- Shakthan Thampuran PalacePalace museum of the Kochi rulers, about 1 km away
- Guruvayur TempleFamous Krishna temple, about 27 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Vadakkunnathan Temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:00 AM and closes around 10:30 AM, then reopens from about 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Check locally for changes.
Why is the Vadakkunnathan linga covered with ghee?
Centuries of ghee abhishekam have built a thick mound of ghee over the linga, and devotees believe it never melts or spoils.
Can non-Hindus enter Vadakkunnathan Temple?
Entry inside the temple is generally restricted to Hindus, but everyone can visit the surrounding Thekkinkadu Maidan.
When is Thrissur Pooram held?
Thrissur Pooram is held in the Malayalam month of Medam, usually in April or May, on the grounds around the temple.
What is the aarti time at Vadakkunnathan Temple?
Nirmalyam and morning puja: Early morning, around 4:00 AM (approx.); Ucha puja (noon worship): Late morning (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Vadakkunnathan Temple?
Kerala temple dress code: men wear a mundu or dhoti and remove their shirts before entering the inner area; women wear a saree, set-mundu or salwar with dupatta.
How to reach Vadakkunnathan Temple?
By air: Cochin International Airport is about 55 km away. By train: Thrissur railway station is about 2 km away. By road: The temple is in the middle of Thrissur town, at the centre of Swaraj Round. KSRTC and private buses connect Thrissur with all major towns of Kerala.
Visited recently and noticed something has changed? Suggest an update — Sevaks help keep every temple guide accurate.
