Vadakkunnathan Temple
Vadakkunnathan Temple is the holy site of Hindus. It is situated at city of Thrissur which is in Kerala (India). It is completely devoted to Lord Shiva. It is a classic instance of Kerala’s architecture. The inner portion of the shrine comprises mural paintings revealing the different chapters of the mahabharat. It is announced as national monument of India. The first shrine which has gained its solid structure in the credit of Parasurama. The entry of non-hindus is banned in this temple. It is the ancient temple of South-India. It is one of the 108 Sivalayas which has made sacred by Saint Parasurama. It is also called as Thenkailasam and Vrishabhachalam. The design and carving of wood of the central temple is marvelous. The temple is decorated by many paintings of ancient India.
Getting There
One can reach Vadakkunnathan Temple by mean of two modes: road, rail and air. There are three bus stations named as the Central Bus Station, Sakthan Thampuran Bus Station and North Bus Station by which journey can be carried out by mean of bus network.The nearest railway station is Thrissur at which yatri complete its journey through rail and reaches the temple by covering up the distance of 1.5 km. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport at which yatri complete its journey through air and reaches the temple by covering up the distance of 47 km.
Security And Some Tips
For the purpose of security the city consists of a railway police station. The ticket counters and all the platforms are covered with cameras of high technology. The complete area can be visualized by mean of LCD monitors. Yatri should not carry cash and ornaments with them.
When To Visit
The month of October to February is the best time to visit the temple as the weather is pleasant during these months. It can be visited any time of the year. Its timings are 3:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The duration of the visit is 1-2 hours.
What To See And Do
The four sides of the temple are surrounded by monumental towersand a huge stone wall. It also entails a theatre hall called kuttambalam. The separation of the inner and outer temple is through a wall of granite encircling a wide flight path called Chuttambalam. There is a channel through the flight path for entering into the temple. The deity of Shiva is a massive lingham which is not perceptible as whole of the Lingham is covered by a deep layer of ghee that is poured at the time of abhishek puja. This ghee does not melt at the time of summers nor it produces any bad smell. The lingham mounted with ghee reveals snow-covered Mount Kailash. The outer part of the temple consists of sanctums of Krishna, Nandikeswara, Parasurama, Simhodara, Ayyappan, Vettekkaran and Adi Shankara. It also consists of museum having marvelous collection of paintings.
The darshan of the lord shiva takes place in the morning in between 3.00 AM to 10:30 AM. The evening puja takes place from 04:00 PM to 8.30 PM. The last ceremony which is performed throughout the whole day is ‘Trippuka’. Free food (langars) is provided to devotees as prasad.
Where to stay
Yatri can have their stay at hotels which provides luxury. These hotels are: Joys Palace, Hotel Kanoos Residency, Mayura Residency, Grand Park Regency, Rainforest Boutique Resort, Vedic Village Resorts and Mayura Residency etc.
Where Else To Stay
Yatri who cannot afford much can have their stay at Hotel Elite International which is a budget hotel. Here all the facilities are provided at reasonable prices.
Festivals
The three festivals are celebrated here with great joy and happiness. These festivals are:
- Maha Shivaratri:
It is the main festival during which classical and cultural dance programmes takes place. So many lamps are lighted during this festival.
- Aanayoottu
Elephants are considered as avatar of Lord Ganesh who are worshipped and fed during this festival.
- Thrissur Pooram
It is celebrated in the month of April-May. The most attractive site of this temple during this festival is its firework.
Side Trips
There are many amazing places to visit near this temple. These Places are: Guruvayoor, Kerala Kalamandalam, Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary, Aarattupuzha Pooram, Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thriprayar Temple, Archaeological Museum, Peechi Dam, Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Vilangan Hills etc.
Travel Tips
Yatri should take their video camera in order to trap the whole visit and also the personal diary to express their feelings and emotions at that moment.They should hire a tourist guide in order to have the complete knowledge of each and every part of the visit. They should also have first aid.
Thus, this visit is the best way to represent the deep feeling of the devotee towards the god with his blessings in return.
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