Vadakkumnathan Temple is one of the oldest temples of Kerala located in the heart of Thrissur city which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur is also known as Thenkailasam and Vrishabhachalam. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan Temple was actually built by Lord Parashurama. The temple is really a typical example of Kerala style of architecture as well as has impressive Gopurams (entrance towers) on all four sides each facing north, south, east and west directions.
The main feature of the temple is the Koothambalam, stage with hall for performing Kuttu, an antique dramatic form of art which is popular in ancient Kerala. Koothambalam can be seen on the left side as you enter the temple via the western entrance gopuram.
Mural paintings that show a number of episodes belonging to the great epic Mahabharata can be seen within the temple. The shrines as well as the Koothambalam present exquisite vignettes carved in the wood, a remarkable art in wood carving can be seen in the temple.
Vadakkunnathan temple is enclosed by a massive stone wall surrounding nearly almost 10 acres (4 hectares) and has four gopurams or entrance towers. Excluding these Gopurams, there is a multi-shrine complex in the centre with three main shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakkunnathan, Lord Shankaranarayana and Lord Rama.
It is a fact that ghee offered here for hundreds of years doesn't have any foul smell also it will not melt even during summers. We can find a circular structure at the northern part with the deity facing west. Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva is seen facing east, exactly behind the idol of Lord Shiva, in same temple.
It is believed that Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya has been born to the Shivaguru-Aryamba couple of Kalady in response to their prayers offered before Vadakkunnathan, as amsavatara of the Lord. According to legend, Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya attained Videha Mukti ("freedom from embodiment") in this temple.
The Thrissur town gets its name after this ancient Lord Shiva Temple. Thrissur literally means the 'Town with the name of Lord Shiva'.
These are the main two Festivals at Vadakkunnathan temple
# Maha Shivaratri, the main festival which is celebrated in the temple during the Shivarathri Day.
# The temple also is world famous for the Pooram festival celebration held in April-May months in every year, called “The Thrissur Pooram”. The vast area in and around the temple is the location of 'Thrissur Pooram', the superb temple spectacle in Kerala. In Medam April - May which attracts millions of people. But the pooram is celebrated by mainly other two temples and the diety, the Vadakkunnathan is not taking part in the festival or in the Procession. The main attraction of the pooram is the Elanjitharamelam, and Kudamattom. Also the fireworks at the Pooram Festival are astonishing.
The Vadakkumnathan Temple, together with the wall paintings, has been stated as a National Monument by Government of India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Temple Timings:
Morning: 3 AM to 10.30 AM
Evening: 4 PM to 08.30 PM
Distance from Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur: 2 Km
Ernakulam: 66 Km
Kochi: 86 Km
Kozhikode: 128 Km
Alappuzha: 130 Km
Kumarakom: 131 Km
Kottayam: 140 Km
Idukki: 142 Km
Munnar: 150 Km
Kuttanad: 150 Km
Kannur: 216 Km
Kollam: 218 Km
Thiruvananthapuram: 281 Km
Kovalam: 288 Km
Kasargod: 308 Km
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI).
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station
Road: Thrissur is connected to the North-South Corridor National Highway System via the four-laned National Highway 47.
The main feature of the temple is the Koothambalam, stage with hall for performing Kuttu, an antique dramatic form of art which is popular in ancient Kerala. Koothambalam can be seen on the left side as you enter the temple via the western entrance gopuram.
Mural paintings that show a number of episodes belonging to the great epic Mahabharata can be seen within the temple. The shrines as well as the Koothambalam present exquisite vignettes carved in the wood, a remarkable art in wood carving can be seen in the temple.
Vadakkunnathan temple is enclosed by a massive stone wall surrounding nearly almost 10 acres (4 hectares) and has four gopurams or entrance towers. Excluding these Gopurams, there is a multi-shrine complex in the centre with three main shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vadakkunnathan, Lord Shankaranarayana and Lord Rama.
It is a fact that ghee offered here for hundreds of years doesn't have any foul smell also it will not melt even during summers. We can find a circular structure at the northern part with the deity facing west. Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva is seen facing east, exactly behind the idol of Lord Shiva, in same temple.
It is believed that Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya has been born to the Shivaguru-Aryamba couple of Kalady in response to their prayers offered before Vadakkunnathan, as amsavatara of the Lord. According to legend, Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya attained Videha Mukti ("freedom from embodiment") in this temple.
The Thrissur town gets its name after this ancient Lord Shiva Temple. Thrissur literally means the 'Town with the name of Lord Shiva'.
These are the main two Festivals at Vadakkunnathan temple
# Maha Shivaratri, the main festival which is celebrated in the temple during the Shivarathri Day.
# The temple also is world famous for the Pooram festival celebration held in April-May months in every year, called “The Thrissur Pooram”. The vast area in and around the temple is the location of 'Thrissur Pooram', the superb temple spectacle in Kerala. In Medam April - May which attracts millions of people. But the pooram is celebrated by mainly other two temples and the diety, the Vadakkunnathan is not taking part in the festival or in the Procession. The main attraction of the pooram is the Elanjitharamelam, and Kudamattom. Also the fireworks at the Pooram Festival are astonishing.
The Vadakkumnathan Temple, together with the wall paintings, has been stated as a National Monument by Government of India under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
Temple Timings:
Morning: 3 AM to 10.30 AM
Evening: 4 PM to 08.30 PM
Distance from Vadakkunnathan Temple
Thrissur: 2 Km
Ernakulam: 66 Km
Kochi: 86 Km
Kozhikode: 128 Km
Alappuzha: 130 Km
Kumarakom: 131 Km
Kottayam: 140 Km
Idukki: 142 Km
Munnar: 150 Km
Kuttanad: 150 Km
Kannur: 216 Km
Kollam: 218 Km
Thiruvananthapuram: 281 Km
Kovalam: 288 Km
Kasargod: 308 Km
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCI).
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station
Road: Thrissur is connected to the North-South Corridor National Highway System via the four-laned National Highway 47.
View Larger Map
No comments:
Post a Comment