Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple, Thrissur

Vadakkunnathan Temple, also known as Thenkailasam and Vrishabhachalam, is one of the largest and ancient Shiva temples in Kerala and India. It is located in the heart of Thrissur city, is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. Vadakunnathan temple is surrounded by a massive stone wall enclosing an area of nearly 9 acres (36,000 m2). Inside this fortification, there are four gopurams each facing north, The temple theatre, known as koothambalam, has no parallel to cite anywhere else in the world. The four magnificent gateways called gopurams and the lofty masonry wall around the temple quadrangle are also imposing pieces of craftsmanship and skill. south, east and west directions. Deities of the sacred shrines are Lord Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The Vadakkumnathan temple is renowned for its murals paintings and carvings. The central shrines and Koothambalam shows perfect example of design and sculpture in wood. Myth shows that Parasurama constructed this temple. The vast area in and around the temple is the location of 'Thrissur Pooram', the superb temple spectacle in Kerala. in Medam April - May which attracts lakhs of people. But the pooram is celebrated by mainly other two temples and the diety, the Vadakkunnathan is not taking part in the festival or in the Procession. The main attraction of the pooram is the Elanjitharamelam,and Kudamattom.
This temple is a classic example of the architectural style of Kerala and has monumental towers on all four sides and also a kuttambalam. Mural paintings depicting various episodes from Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple.The shrines and the Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in wood.