Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur, Hindu temple in Thrissur, India
Vadakkunnathan is a Hindu temple in Thrissur in the Indian state of Kerala. The complex is surrounded by circular granite walls and displays four tall towers facing the cardinal directions along with richly carved wooden panels in the regional style.
Archaeological findings suggest the temple arose around 1600 years ago. Traditions name the master builder Perumthachan as the originator of the design in the second century.
The name Vadakkunnathan means "Lord of the North" and refers to the position of the deity within the local religious geography. The circular layout follows an ancient southern Indian building tradition and serves today as the center during the multi-day Thrissur Pooram festival.
The complex opens daily in the morning from 4 to 11 and in the evening from 5 to 8:20. Visitors must wear clothing that covers knees and shoulders and should remove footwear before entering the temple spaces.
The main deity appears as a large lingam constantly covered in ghee. This butter form represents the snow-covered Mount Kailash and is renewed daily with fresh ghee.
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