An ancient Shiva temple in Thrissur, known for its classic Kerala architecture, murals, and as the venue for the famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Vadakkumnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, sits on a small hillock in the center of Thrissur city, surrounded by a massive stone wall and the sprawling Thekkinkadu Maidan. The temple is a classic example of Kerala's architectural style, with multi-layered sloping roofs, intricate wood carvings, and ancient murals. As you enter, you walk through large open courtyards before reaching the main shrine complex. The complex houses three principal shrines: one for Lord Shiva as Vadakkumnathan, another for Lord Shankaranarayana (a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu), and a third for Lord Rama.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
April-May during Thrissur Pooram, and during Maha Shivaratri. Also, evenings and weekends throughout the year.
October to March on weekdays.
Weekday mornings and afternoons, especially during the monsoon season (June-September).
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
Free
No entry fee
Opening Hours
4:00 AM — 8:30 PM
The temple is open in two sessions: 4:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. These timings may vary during festivals. It is advisable to check locally for exact schedules.
Free entry for all visitors. Donations are accepted. There are charges for special poojas and offerings. A nominal fee is charged for the cloakroom and footwear stand.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur
Coordinates
10.5244, 76.2145
Nearest City
Thrissur
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport, located about 50 km away. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the temple by taxi.
Thrissur Railway Station (TCR) is just 2 km from the temple. It's a major railway station in Kerala and is well-connected to all major cities in India.
Thrissur is well-connected by National Highway 544. Regular government (KSRTC) and private buses operate from major cities like Kochi (75 km), Kozhikode (120 km...
The temple is at the city center. Auto-rickshaws and online cab services like Uber and Ola are easily available. The city bus network is extensive, with most bu...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
According to legend, the Vadakkumnathan Temple was founded by Parashurama, an avatar of Vishnu, who is credited with creating the land of Kerala. It is considered one of the very first temples he established. While its exact date of construction is unknown, the current structure is the result of add...
The temple holds immense religious importance as one of the 108 sacred Shiva temples mentioned in ancient texts. Architecturally, it is a prime example of traditional Kerala design, influencing temple construction across the state. Its cultural significance is monumental, as it serves as the nucleus...
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