Vadakkumnathan Temple : India’s Temple

The Vadakkumnathan temple is one of the oldest temples in the state. it is a classical example of the Kerala style of architecture and contains many decorative murals and pieces of art. it stands on a beautiful hillock at the center of Trichur overlooking the town. The vast ground around the temple is called Tekkinkadu or forest of teak woods. The massive stonewall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres forms a strong fortification. The our lofty gopuras around the main shrine indicate the four cardinal directions-North, South, East and West. A complex having three principal shrines dedicated to Siva or Vadakkumnathan, Sankaranarayana and Rama are in the center of this vast enclosure.

A striking feature of the temple is the Kuttambalam, which can be seen on the left side as one enters the temple through the western gopuram. This is the theatre hall for staging kuttu, an ancient dramatic form of art famous in Kerala. The temple opens at 3.00 in the morning and closes about 10.30 AM after the morning rites. it opens at 4.00 PM for the evening worship and closes at 8.30 PM at night after the Trippuka, the last rite for the day.

This is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival celebrated annually in April-May. The fireworks at the Pooram Festival are a spectacular sight. Non-Hindus are not allowed entry into the temple.

it is noteworthy that the Union Government under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act has declared the Vadakkumnathan temple a national monument.

The Guruvayoor temple is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centers of Kerala 29 km west of Trichur. The main attraction here is the Sri Krishna temple. The legends said that Guru, the preceptor of the goods, and Vayu, the god of winds, created the temple. The eastern nada is the main entrance to the shrine. The chuttambalam or the outer enclosure has the wajasthambam or the gold plated flag post 33.5 m high. There is also a 7 m high dipastambham or the pillar of lamps with 13 circular receptacles. The square shaped Sri Kovil is the sacred sanctum of the temple and houses the main deity. The temple also has the images of Ganapati, Sri Ayyappa and Edathedathy Kavil Bhagavathy. Only Hindus can enter the temple.

The origin of the temple goes back to the 16th century AD dedicated to Lord Krishna known as Guruvayoorappan or the Lord of Guruvayoor. The idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwarka. Melpatur Narayan Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem ‘Narayaneeyam’ at this temple. The temple is also famous for its healing powers.

The walls of the sanctum are adorned with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.

This is probably the only temple in Kerala for several weddings and annaprasanam, the first feeding ceremony of child.