Dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Vadakkunnathan temple is situated in Thrissur, Kerala.
The name Thrissur is derived from ‘Thiru-Shiva-Peroor’, which literally translates to “The city of the sacred Shiva”.
This is the first temple which was created by Lord Parashurama (The sixth incarnation of
Lord Vishnu) and is narrated in the Brahmanda Purana.
The temple has been declared a National Monument of India under the AMASR Act (The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act), and is a UNESCO world
heritage site.
Structure
This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and a Koothambalam (temple theatre), with four Gopurams(gateways).
It is situated on an elevated hillock in the center of Thrissur and is surrounded by a stone wall.
400-year-old mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. Two of them, Nrithanatha (Natraja), and Vasukisayana, are regularly worshipped.
The Shiva Lingam cannot be seen as it is covered under a mound of ghee, only the crescent and hood of the three serpents can be seen. This is the only temple where the lingam
cannot be seen.
In the outer temple, there are shrines of Krishna, Nandikeswara (Shiva’s bull vehicle), Parashurama, Simhodara, Ayyappa (Shiva’s son), Vettekkaran, serpent deities, and Adi Shankara.
There is also an old museum that is present inside the temple, which reflects the culture and art of Kerala.
Festivals
-Mahashivratri
-Thrissur Pooram
-Aanayoottu (feeding the elephants)
All images from Wikipedia
