Vadakkunnathan Temple, also known as Sree Wadakkunathan Temple, is one of Kerala’s most iconic and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at the heart of Thrissur, inside the Thekkinkadu Maidanam, this majestic temple blends spiritual aura with architectural brilliance, drawing lakhs of devotees and tourists each year.
With a spiritual history tied to Lord Parashurama, who is believed to have built the temple, it holds the title of the first of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala. It is often called Srimad-Dakshina Kailasam, meaning the “Mount Kailash of the South.” Its sanctity, heritage, and massive celebration of Thrissur Pooram make it a must-visit pilgrimage site in South India.
Let’s explore the temple timings, pooja details, Vazhipadu booking process, and special offerings at Vadakkunnathan Temple for 2025.
Vadakkunnathan Temple Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Thekkinkadu Maidan, Kuruppam, Thrissur, Kerala – 680001 |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Vadakkunnathan) |
| Other Deities | Goddess Parvati, Lord Shankaranarayana, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha |
| Temple Style | Classical Kerala Temple Architecture with majestic towers (gopurams) |
| Significance | First Shiva Temple of Kerala; built by Parashurama |
| Famous Festival | Thrissur Pooram |
| Darshan Fees | Free for all devotees |
| Special Darshan | Included with Seva/Vazhipadu bookings |
| Official Website | sreewadakkunathantemple.org |
Darshan & Pooja Timings 2025
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 04:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 04:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Weekdays) |
| 04:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Weekends & Holidays) | |
| Neyyatam | 04:15 AM |
| Usha Pooja | 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM |
| Ucha Pooja | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM |
| Break | 11:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Weekdays) |
| 11:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Weekends & Holidays) | |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Dheeparadhana | 06:15 PM |
| Athazha Pooja | 07:00 PM – 07:45 PM |
| Thripuka | 08:00 PM – 08:20 PM |
| Temple Closing | 08:30 PM |
Note: There is no VIP or break darshan system, but special darshan is offered through specific Vazhipadu bookings.
What is Vazhipadu?
Vazhipadu refers to sacred offerings and poojas that devotees perform to seek blessings, fulfill wishes, or express gratitude to the deity. Each Vazhipadu comes with specific benefits and includes temple rituals conducted by the priests on your behalf.
How to Book Vadakkunnathan Temple Vazhipadu Online
Booking your temple offerings online is now easy and convenient. Follow the steps below:
-
Visit the official site: sreewadakkunathantemple.org
-
Click on “Online Services”
-
Select the type of booking:
-
Single-day booking
-
Multiple-day booking
-
-
Choose your preferred Vazhipadu type, date, and time
-
Enter your details: name, phone, email, and address
-
Add offerings to your cart
-
Click “Make Payment”
-
Pay via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking
-
Receive confirmation via SMS and Email
-
Print or save your e-receipt and carry it with valid ID on the day of darshan
Vazhipadu Price List 2025
Here’s a list of some popular Vazhipadus and their charges:
| Vazhipadu/Offering | Price (INR) |
|---|---|
| Pushpanjali | ₹12 |
| Ganapathy Homam | ₹100 |
| Ennayattam (Sree Raman) | ₹600 |
| Maala Pooja | ₹25 |
| Lalitha Sahasranamarchana | ₹36 |
| Vilwadhalarchana | ₹36 |
| Special Neypayasam | ₹200 |
| Palpayasam | ₹100 |
| Appam | ₹175 |
| Ottayappam | ₹120 |
| Mrithyunjaya Homam | ₹325 |
| Maha Mrithyunjaya Homam | ₹675 |
| Chandana Charthu | ₹480 |
| Neyyattam (Vadakkunnathan) | ₹1,820 |
| Thrikala Pooja | ₹600 |
| Udhyasthamana Pooja | ₹1,10,000 |
| SPL Annadhanam | ₹32,500 |
💡 Prices range from ₹10 to over ₹1 lakh based on the type and scale of the offering.
Contact Details
| Contact Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala – 680001 |
| Phone Numbers | 0487-2426040, 2421312 |
| Mobile (WhatsApp) | +91 88958 014 |
| wadakkunathantemple2020@gmail.com | |
| Website | sreewadakkunathantemple.org |
FAQs
1. Is there an entry fee for darshan at Vadakkunnathan Temple?
No. Darshan is completely free for all devotees.
2. Is VIP or quick darshan available?
The temple doesn’t offer a dedicated VIP pass, but special darshan is included with certain Vazhipadu bookings.
3. Can I book poojas and Vazhipadu online?
Yes. Offerings can be easily booked via the temple’s official online portal.
4. What is the best time to visit?
Early mornings (4 AM – 7 AM) are peaceful and spiritually vibrant. Avoid weekends if you want a less crowded experience.
5. Can non-Hindus enter the temple?
Only Hindus are allowed inside the sanctum premises.
6. What festivals are celebrated here?
The most prominent festival is Thrissur Pooram, held annually in April–May.