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 Thrissur overlooking the town. The massive stonewall forms a strong fortification enclosing an area of nearly
9 acres. The four gopuras on four walls of the main shrine represents the four cardinal directions-North, South, East
and West. Within the vast enclosure are the three main shrines dedicated to Shiva or Vadakkumnathan,
Sankaranarayana and Rama. The most remarkable feature of the temple is the Kuttambalam, which is visible on
the left side as one enters the temple by the western gopuram. This is the theatre hall for staging kuttu, an
ancient dramatic form of art famous in Kerala. The temple is equally famous for the Thrissur Pooram Festival and
is therefore more popularly called the Thrissur Pooram Temple. Thrissur Pooram Temple Tour is an enlightening journey
about the history, culture and celebration of the temple. Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the Malayalam month Medam
that falls between April/May. The practice of celebrating this temple is almost two century old and continues for nearly
36 hours. It begins at 6 am and continues till 12 noon the other day. People from all the religion and caste
participate in the Thrissur Pooram. Following the medieval Peruvanam tradition, the Thrissur Pooram is
celebrated at the temples of Devi and Sastha. Ten deities, namely Paramekkavu, Tiruvambadi, Kanimangalam,
Karamukku, Choorakkattukara, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithilakkavu, Chembukkavu and Panamukkampilly from the
neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deity of Thrissur. The spectator of the festival is Lord
Siva at the Sri Vadakkumnathan Temple. The Thekkinkadi Maidan, surrounding the Vadakkumnathan Temple is
the main venue of the festival. Thrissur Pooram Temple Tour makes for a remarkable spectacle. |
