Sawan 2023: Which Is The Biggest Temple Of Shiva In India?

Add as a preferred source on Google

If you are spiritually inclined and love to visit temples, then Sawan is the perfect month to travel and visit this beautiful temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and no you just cannot miss this one for it is the biggest temple dedicated to Bholenath.

Situated in the 'God's Own Country', Kerala, Vadakkunnathan Temple is a sight to behold for its majestic beauty and architecture. It is located in Thrissur and is also known for its rich heritage, culture and tradition.

Vadakkunnathan Temple: About The Idol, Shrines, Architecture, Paintings, And Other Details
This temple has received the Award of Excellence from UNESCO. It beautifully sits on a hill lock, which is around a large stone and shares an area of 9 acres. One of the oldest temples in Kerala, this one has 1000-year-old and about 400-year-old Mural paintings.

In the temple, the shrines of Lord Vishnu and Shankara Narayana are located and on the outside of the temple, Thiruvambadi Krishna temple and Paramekkavu Devi Temple are located. One can also find Koothambalam, the largest dance hall in the temple where traditional dance performances are held and it is known as Nangyar Koothu.

On the entrance, you can find 4 gopurams or massive gateways and they face North, South, East and West. Also, an old museum is present inside the Vadakkunnathan Temple, which speaks volumes about the art and culture of Kerala.

From magnificent art pieces, wall paintings and wood carvings; this temple has everything preserved in this museum. Every day, the temple receives hundreds of devotees, especially at the weekend and on Mondays.
On Shivratri, the entire temple and premises are lit with traditional lamps and make devotees flock in large numbers. It is said that all the wishes are fulfilled in this temple. Apart from Shivratri, Thrissur Pooram is also observed which is celebrated from April to May.

Vadakkunnathan Temple: History
The story goes like this. Once, Shivaguru and Aryamba who were husband and wife gave birth to a child Guru Adi Shankaracharya after years of prayers dedicated to God Vadakunathan. Later on, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the husband and wife and gave them two options. One is to have an ordinary son who will live a healthy life and the second one was an extraordinary son who will die early. So, the couple went for the second option, and we know him as Adi Shankara. Because of their choice, the child got freedom and 'Videha Mukti' in the Vadakkunnathan temple itself. Therefore, this temple is popular for spreading purity around.

Vadakkunnathan Temple: Best Time To Visit, How To Reach
Winter (December-February) in India is quite pleasant and therefore, one can visit Vadakkunnathan Temple where the temperature is between 22°C to 30°C. This is also the peak season for the tourists. However, Thrissur Pooram is held in summer (March-May) when the temperature is 30°C and can go up to 38°C. In monsoon (June-September), there is heavy rainfall in Thrissur and one can enjoy rains and accommodations at a cheaper rate.

The temple is just 3km away from the Thrissur railway station and it is literally in the middle of the city. If you are travelling by air, then the temple is at a distance of 53 km from the Kochi International Airport. Also, you can plan a road trip coming through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and enjoy the pristine scenery while reaching the temple.