The famous Vadakkunnathan temple is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to lord shiva and it is believed that the founder of this temple is Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of lord Vishnu.

This temple has a legend behind it which says; back in olden days some sages approached Parasurama at the end of a yajna and requested him to give them some secluded land. Parasurama then made the request to lord Varuna for their sake, who gave him an axe and asked him to through it into the sea, as he did a large territory of land was emerged out the sea; this territory that rose out of the sea was Kerala.

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 construction of the temple was done at the time of Parumthachan. It is said that Parumthachan lived during the seventh century; so the temple may be 1,300 years old. Encircling the Vadakkunnathan Temple, is the main venue of the famous Thrissur poram .Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter into the temple.

Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Maha Shivarathri, Thrissur poram , Anayoottu , the of feeding of elephants,etc.

The temple comes under Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. This temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India.

Monday through Sunday, all day