Vadakkumnathan Temple at Mananthavady

About Vadakkumnathan Temple at Mananthavady

The famous Vadakkumnathan temple is located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India. A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala’s most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala. A classical example of the Kerala style of architecture, the Vadakkumnathan Temple contains many decorative murals and pieces of art.The most striking feature of the temple is the Kuttambalam, which is the theatre hall for staging kuttu, an ancient dramatic form of art famous in Kerala.

Trichur Vadakkumnathan Temple, three dieties, Sivan, Sankaranarayanan, Sreeraman. Sivan ( north ) round sreekovil facing west. Opposite side Sree Parvathy facing east. Centre Sankaranarayanan south Sreeraman. the sivalinga is covered with ghee at a height of ten feet for the last several years, due to the ghee abhisheka. after abhisheka a portion of the ghee is returned to the devotees and they take it home as the ghee has miraculous powers to cure all diseases, it is believed. Inside the temple compound lies the tomb of Sree Sankaracharya. the largest koothambalam in kerala, is here constructed 120 years back and it is a treasure of exquisite wood carving and brackets on pillars.The ornamental silken Parasols unfurled, of several types and colours changed competitively. Above all the competitive and attractive fire works is conducted for a few hours.The important ceremony of this temple is Sivarathriand the idol of Vadakkumnathan is not taken out for procession. The only temple in kerala where the lord never comes out of his abode for the last several centuries.

The Vadakkumnathan Temple is the venue of the world famous Pooram festival, celebrated annually in April-May. It attracts devotees and tourists from across the world and is one of the most popular festivals, combining the majestic elephant pageantry with the frenzied playing of drums and cymbals and rounded off with a fireworks extravaganza.The temple opens between 3.00 AM to around 10.30 AM and then again from 4.00 PM till 8.30 PM, which is around when the Trippuka, the last rite of the day, finishes. Like several other temples in this region, only Hindus are allowed entry into the temple.

The deity Shiva is in the form of a big ‘mahalingam’. Here the main offering is ghee. The devotees brought ghee pours on the ‘lingam’ The years’ offerings has concealed the lingam. At present the devotees can see only a mound of ghee. As a miracle, the ghee does not melt or emit any smell, though in summer the temperature rises upto 35 degree C. It is said, part of the ghee is more than 1000 years old. The ghee will not be removed. If and when any portion of the mount is collapsed, the same will be sold. If a collapse is taken place, it is believed as a sign of some evil about to happen in Thrissur.

History

According to legend it is belived that Parasurama installed the images. Parasurama, wishing to install an image of Shiva, meditated upon him, only to find an image of Mahavishnu up on opening his eyes. He installed this image as Rama, and then continued his meditation, at the culmination of which he saw a Shivalingam ,ie. Shiva on one side and Rama on the other. Up on further continuing his medication he saw Sankaranarayana or the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu.

Interesting things to Visit

Parthasarthy Temple Adoor:

Seek the divine at Parthasarthy temple in Adoor Kerala, India and find yourself in the middle of a temple building brimming with enchanting architectural friezes and sculptural treasures.The Parthasarthy Temple in Adoor, Kerala India comes to life during the annual Gajamela, a traditional elephant festival that draws crowds from the near by areas. See caparisoned elephants march in rhythm with the cultural fiesta held at the Parthasarthy Temple every year. Kovalam holidays.

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple:

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the largest Krishna temples in Kerala. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple is located in Thrissur in Kerala, South India and is considered to be over a 1000 years old.

Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.

Nearest Visiting places

Athirappally - Vazhachal

62 Kms south of Trichur, east of chalakkudy and very near to the entrance of Sholayar forest ranges
are the beautiful water falls namely Athirappally and Vazhachal, which are 5 kms apart.

Koodal Manikyam Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Bharata, the loyal and selfless hero and strong supporter of Rama. The diety at the temple is said to embody the joy rapture experienced by Bharata, when he learned of reunion of Rama and Sita. It’s believed that this is the only temple in India dedicated to Bharata and devotees claim miraculous cures from disease and ill health.

Peechi Dam:
Quite near to Thrissur, there is an irrigation project site ‘Peechi Dam’, which is a well-known picnic spot. There are also boating facilities at the reservoir, and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.

Archaeological Museum:

Located on the Town Hall Road in Trichur, the archaeological museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and National holidays.

Kerala Kalamandalam:

Kalamandalam is Kerala’s leading training school for Kathakali dance drama and other indigenous performing arts. The revered poet Vallathol founded it in 1927 AD.

Anakkayam Lake:

20 kms from Chalakudy, on the Sholayar-Peringalkuthu route, Anakkayam is famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place is breathtaking beautiful, with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams. This place got its name as Anakkayam, from a herd of elephants which used to visit the lake quiet often, but one day some of them got drowned over there.

Lourdes Cathedral:

Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.

Guruvayoor:

Guruvayoor is away from Thrissur, this is also one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers in the state. The presiding deity is Lord Krishna. Legend has it that Guru, the preceptor of Gods and Vayu, the God of wind, created the temple.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Motel Aaram
Athirapally, Vettillappara Chalakudy
Thrissur, Pin - 680 721.

Kerala Holidays
126, Priyadarshini Nagar
Trichur, Kerala 680005
Tel: 0487 2420556.

Hotel Das Continental
Thrissur,Kerala
Tel: 0487 2446222.

Hotel Cee Pee Tower
Railway Station Road, Veliyannur
Thrissur, Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2363608

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala

Chalakudi Police Station
Chalakudi, Thrissur, Kerala

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd.

Ayurvedamonline.com
Irinjalakuda,, Thrissur,
Kerala 680121- 0480 2833859
Category: ayurveda hospitals.

Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital
Thrissut, kerala.

Irinjalakuda Co-operative Hospital
Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala.

Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post
Thrissur, Kerala 680664
Tel :0480 2802022.

Link:

http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/07/thrissur-vadakkumnathan-temple.html
http://tourismstoindia4all.blogspot.com/2009/06/vadakkumnathan-temple.html
http://scene-india.blogspot.com/2008/08/vadakkumnathan-temple-thrissur.html
http://kudukka-moneymatters.blogspot.com/2008/07/temple-is-at-heart-of-thrissur-town-and.html
http://ebharatdarshan.blogspot.com/2008/11/vadakkumnathan-temple.html
http://thrisur.blogspot.com/2008/02/vadakkumnathan-temple.html
http://vknkerala.blogspot.com/2008/06/temples-in-kerala.html

Location info

• **Address:**Thrissur, Kerala, India

• District: Thrissur district

• **Nearest City:**kochi,sholayar,kaladi,Irinjalakuda , Kunnamkulam, Kodungallur.

• **Best time to visit:**August to may.

Climate & weather

The weather Temaparture on Summer: (January - May) 300 to 360C and Monsoon: (June - October) 260 to 320C.

Things to do at Vadakkumnathan Temple at Mananthavady

You can take the photos of Beautiflu locations around the temple and also the monuments, Pooja.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol Pump
Mahatma Gandhi Rd
Thrissur, Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Swaraj Round West
Thrissur, Kerala.

HP Petrol Pump
SH 22, Vasanth Nagar
Thrissur, Kerala.

Prabhus Petrol Pump
Kodungallur
Thrissur, Kerala.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s towns and cities offer diverse food ranging from traditional Kerala sadhya to multi-cuisine restaurants. Kochi has a thriving food scene with influences from Arab, Portuguese, and Jewish traders. Temple festivals feature traditional Kerala vegetarian feasts.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Kerala has some of India’s finest church architecture. The Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church (India’s oldest European church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), and the numerous Syrian Christian churches across the backwaters feature distinctive Kerala-style facades mingling European and local design. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light.

Best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple at Mananthavady

The best time to visit Vadakkumnathan Temple At Mananthavady is from November to February when the weather is pleasant for temple visits and festival participation. Major temple festivals occur between December and May. The monsoon months bring heavy rain which can disrupt travel plans.

Timings & opening hours

Most temples in Kerala open early morning around 4:00 AM–5:00 AM for the first pooja and close by 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. They reopen in the evening from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM and remain open until 8:00 PM–8:30 PM for the final pooja. Specific timings vary by temple and may be reduced during restricted days.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to most temples in Kerala is free. Special darshan tickets, if available, may cost between INR 50–200. Camera fees may apply: INR 20–50 for still cameras, INR 100–200 for video cameras. Some major temples (Sabarimala, Guruvayoor) may have specific queue ticket systems.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour. During festival seasons, plan for 2–3 hours to witness ceremonies and processions. Major temple complexes with museum sections require 1.5–2 hours.

Safety tips

Follow temple dress codes (shoulders and knees covered). Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Respect temple customs — do not touch idols or offerings. Photography may be restricted. Beware of pickpockets in crowded temple areas during festivals. Keep your belongings secure.

Things to carry

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees (required for entry), a shawl or scarf for additional coverage, an umbrella for sun/rain, small change for offerings (INR 10–50), a phone or camera (check permissions), and a notebook if visiting historically significant temples. Remove footwear before entering — carry socks if you prefer not to walk barefoot.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for Kerala temples? — Men should remove shirts and wear a mundu (traditional wrap) or dhoti. Women should wear sarees or salwar kameez covering shoulders and knees. Some major temples provide rental clothing. Shorts, trousers (for inner sanctum entry in some temples), and sleeveless tops are generally not allowed. Can non-Hindus enter the temple? — Many Kerala temples allow entry to visitors of all faiths. Some of the most famous temples (like Guruvayoor and Sabarimala) have specific entry restrictions — check in advance. Most temples welcome visitors regardless of faith. Is photography allowed inside? — Photography inside the inner sanctum is generally prohibited. Photography of the temple exterior and architecture is usually permitted. Some temples charge a camera fee. What are temple timings? — Most temples open early morning (4:00 AM–5:00 AM) for the first pooja, close around 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, reopen at 5:00 PM–6:00 PM, and close after the final pooja at 8:00 PM–8:30 PM.