SRI VADAKUNNATHAN, THRISSUR (KER)

One of the oldest and largest Shiva kshetram of Kerela and first among 108 Shiva Mandirs set up by Parashurama. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have been born to Devi Aryamba and Shivaguru after years of prayer to Vadakunnathan.


It is believed that Shiva and Parvati came here at the request of Parashurama but disappeared suddenly. Parashurama saw a radiant light emanating from a Lingam at the base of a huge banyan tree. This place is the Mula sthana where Shiva manifested himself in the form of a lingam


The daily Abhisheka of Shiva with Ghee covers the shivlingam making it invisible. The ghee doesn't melt even in scorching summers. A portion of the ghee, after Abhisheka is given back to the devotees as it is believed to have miraculous power to kill all the diseases.


Famous Thrissur Pooram is conducted in the premises of Sri Vadakkunnathan. Murtis from the nearby mandirs are brought here in grand processions. They offer their tribute to Shiva and leave for their respective kshetrams.

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