Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple – Temples in Kerala
The Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, nestled at the very heart of Thrissur, Kerala, is an ancient and sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Rising majestically with monumental towers on all four sides and a grand Koothambalam, the temple is a shining jewel of Kerala’s classical architecture. Within its hallowed walls, divine mural paintings depict scenes from the Mahabharata, while wooden carvings on the shrines and Kuttambalam reflect the devotion and artistry of centuries past. Declared a National Monument of India, the temple is revered not only as a spiritual sanctuary but also as a priceless treasure of heritage. According to cherished legends, the temple was consecrated by Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, making it one of the earliest temples of Kerala—believed to be over four thousand years old. Encircling this sanctum is the vast Thekkinkadu Maidanam, which comes alive with divine splendour during the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
At the sacred core of this temple shines the divine presence of Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Vadakkunnathan—the Lord of the North. Alongside Him are installed the deities of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Sankaranarayana, and Lord Rama, filling the temple with divine grace. Goddess Parvati is uniquely enshrined within the sanctum of Lord Shiva, facing Him in eternal union. Around the circumambulatory path are shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Rishabha, Simhodara, Dharma Sastha, Vettakkara Sastha, Naga Devatas, and the revered philosopher-saint Adi Shankara, whose presence sanctifies the temple further. Every corner of this temple radiates devotion, history, and spiritual energy, making it a beacon of faith and culture for countless devotees who bow before Lord Vadakkunnathan in reverence and love.
| 1 | Pushpanjali |
| 2 | Ganapathy Homam |
| 3 | Ennayattam (Sree Raman) |
| 4 | Maala Pooja |
| 5 | Lalitha Sahasranamarchana |
| 6 | Vilwadhalarchana |
| 7 | Special Neypayasam |
| 8 | Palpayasam |
| 9 | Appam |
| 10 | Ottayappam |
| 11 | Swayamvararchana |
| 12 | Maala |
| 13 | Dhara |
| 14 | Vella Nivedhyam |
| 15 | Umamaheswara Pooja |
| 16 | Sumangali Pooja |
| 17 | Mrithyunjaya Homam |
| 18 | Noorum Paalum (Nagangal) |
| 19 | Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam (Big) |
| 20 | Ashtadravya Ganapathi Homam (Small) |
| 21 | Bagyasooktham |
| 22 | Chandana Charthu |
| 23 | Kettunira |
| 24 | Maala Charthu (Onnu Nadakkal) |
| 25 | 101 Kudam (Rishaban) |
| 26 | 51 Kudam (Rishaban) |
| 27 | Maha Mrithyunjaya Homam |
| 28 | Sangabhishekam |
| 29 | Chooroonu |
| 30 | Vidyarambam |
| 31 | Vahana Pooja |
| 32 | Vivaham |
| 33 | Aikyamathyam |
| 34 | Avilkootu |
| 35 | Naga Pooja |
| 36 | Shaneeswara Pooja |
| 37 | Sree Rudrajapam |
| 38 | Veliyothu Pushpanjali |
| 39 | Bhrahma Rakshasu Pooja |
| 40 | Gouree Sankara Pooja |
| 41 | Gandharva Pooja |
| 42 | Neyyattam (Vadakkunnathan) |
| 43 | Thrikala Pooja |
| 44 | Niramala Chuttuvilakku Full |
| 45 | Niramala Nadakkal |
| 46 | Udhyasthamana Pooja |
| 47 | 18 ½ Paranivedyam |
| 48 | 18 ½ Idangazhi Nivedyam |
| 49 | Swarna Thaali |
| 50 | Pattu |
| 51 | Thattu Panam |
| 52 | Adima |
| 53 | Nelppara |
| 54 | Arippara |
| 55 | Elluppara |
| 56 | Sarkkarappara |
| 57 | Manjalpodi Para |
| 58 | Avilpara |
| 59 | Panchasarapara |
| 60 | Malarpara |
| 61 | SPL Annadhanam |
| 62 | Annadhanam |
| 63 | Neypayasam |
| 64 | Enna |
| 65 | Neyyu |
| 66 | Thrikkai Venna |
| 67 | Ellu Kizhi |
| 68 | Neeranjanam |
| 69 | Manjalpodi |
| 70 | Karuka Homam |
| 71 | Sreerudhradaara |
| 72 | Innamala |
🌟 Major Festivals
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Thrissur Pooram (April–May, Medam month)
Thrissur Pooram, celebrated at the sacred Thekkinkadu Maidanam around the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, is Kerala’s grandest temple festival. Known as the “Mother of all Poorams,” it showcases majestic processions of caparisoned elephants, the resounding rhythms of traditional percussion (melam), and a dazzling fireworks display. More than just a festival, it is a magnificent offering of devotion, art, and culture to Lord Shiva, uniting thousands of devotees in spiritual joy and celebration.
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Maha Shivaratri (Feb–March, Kumbham)
Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is observed with deep devotion at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple. Devotees keep vigil through the night with prayers, abhishekams, and chanting of hymns, seeking the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. It is the most sacred occasion to experience the spiritual grace of Vadakkunnathan in Thrissur.
🌟 Other Important Festivals
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Aanayoottu (July, Karkidakam)
Aanayoottu, the ritual of feeding elephants, is a unique festival held at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in the month of Karkidakam (July). Dozens of majestic elephants are lined up and offered a special Ayurvedic mixture of rice, jaggery, ghee, coconut, and herbs. This sacred ritual symbolizes prosperity, strength, and divine blessings, drawing thousands of devotees who witness it as an offering to Lord Shiva.
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Navaratri (Sept–Oct)
Navaratri at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple is celebrated with devotion to Goddess Saraswati and the Divine Mother. Special poojas, cultural performances in the Koothambalam, and the sacred Vidyarambham (initiation into learning) on Vijayadashami make this festival especially auspicious. It is a time when devotees seek wisdom, knowledge, and divine blessings.
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Ashtami Rohini (Aug–Sept)
Ashtami Rohini, the joyous celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, is observed with devotion at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple. The day is marked with special poojas, bhajans, and cultural programs, especially for children, filling the temple with divine grace and festive joy.
Important Months to Visit
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April – May (Medam month, Malayalam calendar)
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🌟 Highlight: Thrissur Pooram – Kerala’s grandest temple festival held in Thekkinkadu Maidanam.
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Best time if you want to witness cultural splendor, decorated elephants, melam, and fireworks.
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February – March (Kumbham)
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🌟 Highlight: Maha Shivaratri – Night-long vigil, special poojas, and abhishekams for Lord Shiva.
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Spiritually the most significant month for Shiva devotees.
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July (Karkidakam)
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🌟 Highlight: Aanayoottu – Elephants are ritually fed in the temple premises.
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Auspicious time in Kerala for spiritual healing and Ayurvedic practices.
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September – October (Kanni / Thulam)
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🌟 Highlight: Navaratri – Worship of Goddess Saraswati, Vidyarambham for children.
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Pleasant weather and cultural programs in the Koothambalam.
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August – September (Chingam)
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🌟 Highlight: Ashtami Rohini (Sri Krishna Jayanthi) – Celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth.
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Joyful atmosphere with devotional programs.
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🌤️ Best Weather Months for Travel (Non-festival visits)
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November to February – Pleasant climate, ideal for peaceful darshan and sightseeing.
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Avoid June–August monsoon if you don’t prefer heavy rains, though the temple looks serene in rains.
| Devaswom Manager Wadakkunathan Devaswom Round North Trissur, Kerala, India – 680 001 Phone: 0487-2426040, 2421312 Mobile No: 9188 958 014 Email: wadakkunathantemple2020@gmail.com |
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| Appellate authority |
| Assistant Commissioner Trissur Group Round North Trissur Phone: 0487-2420163 Mobile No: |
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| Devaswom Commissioner Cochin Devaswom Board Office, Round North Trissur Phone: 0487-2331124 Mobile No: E-mail ID: admin@cochindevaswomboard.org |
Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple – Temples in Kerala
Main Deity:
Lord Shiva
Location:
Thrissur
District:
Thrissur
State:
Kerala
Ownership:
Cochin Devaswom Board
Established on:
Not Known
Nearest Bus Stand:
Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station / Vadakke Bus Stand (Northern Private Bus Stand)
Nearest Railway Station:
Thrissur Railway Station (TCR)
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (COK) - Nedumbassery
Important Festival:
Thrissur Pooram, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Thiruvathira
Important Months:
April-May
Website:
sreewadakkunathantemple.org, https://sreewadakkunathantemple.org/, _blank
Morning:
- 04.00 AM Temple Opens
- 04.15 AM Neyyatam
- 06.00 AM Usha Pooja (30 Minutes)
- 10.00 AM Ucha Pooja (45 Minutes)
- 11.00 AM Temples Closes on Working Days
- 11.30 AM Temple Closes on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Evening:
- 05.00 PM Temple Reopens
- 06.15 PM Dheeparadhana
- 07.00 PM Athazhapooja (45 Minutes)
- 08.00 PM Tripuka (20 Minutes)
- 08.30 PM Temple Closes
By Road:
- From Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station (Kokkalai):
Distance: ~800 meters.
Route:
Exit the bus station and head towards Swaraj Round (Thekkinkadu Maidan).
Walk along the circular road (Swaraj Round) that encircles the temple.
In about 10–15 minutes on foot, you will reach the main eastern entrance of the temple.
Option: Take an auto-rickshaw from the bus station (3–5 minutes, ₹30–40 approx). - From Vadakke Bus Stand (Northern Private Bus Stand):
Distance: ~400 meters.
Route:
Step out of the bus stand towards Swaraj Round.
Walk southwards along the circle road.
In 5–7 minutes on foot, you will arrive at the northern side of the temple compound.
Option: Auto-rickshaw is available but not really necessary due to the short walking distance.
By Rail:
- From Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station (Kokkalai):
Distance: ~800 meters.
Route:
Exit the bus station and head towards Swaraj Round (Thekkinkadu Maidan).
Walk along the circular road (Swaraj Round) that encircles the temple.
In about 10–15 minutes on foot, you will reach the main eastern entrance of the temple.
Option: Take an auto-rickshaw from the bus station (3–5 minutes, ₹30–40 approx). - From Vadakke Bus Stand (Northern Private Bus Stand):
Distance: ~400 meters.
Route:
Step out of the bus stand towards Swaraj Round.
Walk southwards along the circle road.
In 5–7 minutes on foot, you will arrive at the northern side of the temple compound.
Option: Auto-rickshaw is available but not really necessary due to the short walking distance.
By Air:
The Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery is the nearest airport to Thrissur, located about 55 kilometers away from the sacred Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple. The journey from the airport to the temple usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, and it can be covered comfortably by road or a combination of road and rail.
- By Taxi / Cab (Most Convenient):
Taxis and app-based cab services (Uber/Ola) are readily available at the airport.
A direct ride to the temple takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The route follows the NH544 highway (formerly NH47), passing through Angamaly and Mannuthy before entering Thrissur city.
This is the easiest and most comfortable option, especially for families or pilgrims carrying luggage. - By KSRTC / Private Bus:
From the airport, you can take a taxi/auto (10–15 minutes) to Angamaly KSRTC Bus Stand (nearest major bus terminal).
From Angamaly, frequent KSRTC and private buses are available to Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station.
The bus journey takes about 1.5 hours.
From Thrissur KSRTC Bus Station, the Vadakkunnathan Temple is just 800 meters away—a short walk or a quick auto ride. - By Train (via Angamaly Station):
The nearest railway station to the airport is Angamaly (ANGM), about 6 km away.
From the airport, take a taxi/auto to Angamaly station.
Many trains from Angamaly head towards Thrissur Railway Station (TCR), which is only 1.5 km from the temple.
From Thrissur station, you can walk (15–20 minutes) or take an auto (5–7 minutes) to reach the temple.