Description
When you visit this temple, you will not be able to see the idol since it is covered under 3-5 meter high as well as 5-7meter wide mount of ghee which has been composed by daily ablution or abhishekwith ghee over centuries.Despite the fact that there is a high temperature, the ghee will not melt, you will also not come across any insects meandering over the idol. Irrespective of all these hurdles the collection is preserved as good as new even after centuries.
History
The history of this temple is about 1,000 years old, when the scholar of Kerala was born to the couple- Shivaguru/Aryamba of Kalady by the name of Guru AdiShankaracharya. Story tells us that Lord Shiva appeared in front of the couple in their dreams. He offered them with a choice of having either an ordinary son who would live a long life or an extraordinary son who would die early. They went for the second alternative and named him AdiShankara, in honor of Shiva.He later on attained Mukti or freedom from embodiment at Vadakkunnathan temple.
Importance/Significance
Legend tells us that lord Shiva was beset with a head injury during his fight with Arjuna and lordDhannuandharamoorthy (Lord of Auyurveda) who prescribed to him the ghee ablution.You will also come across a temple theater, known as "Kootthambalam". In this temple theater, you will be able to see beautiful vignetteswhich have been carved in wood which is indeed an engineering marvel and one which has no parallel anywhere else in the world. The carpenters used to keep a small chisel at the most important place of the structure. If the chisel fell down, then they believed that something is wrong or there is an urgent need for maintenance. It was in 1875 AD that the chisel fell down and Mr. VellinezyJatadevanNampoothiri had to re-modify this in 1880.
Facts/Mythology
The temple boasts of an excellent architecture style of Kerala. It is situated atop a Hillock and is surrounded by a huge stone wall,which is enclosed in an area of nearly 9 acres. You will come across 4 gopuramsall of which are the four directions: north, south, east and west directions inside this fortification. They are also imposing pieces of craftsmanship and skill. You will also come across a multi-shrine complex known as Chuttamabalamor Nalambalamin the centre, having 3 major idols which are dedicated to Lord Shiva as Shankaranarayana, Vadakkunnathan,Hari-Hara and Lord Rama.You will also come across an old museum,which has ancient wood carvings, wall paintings and art pieces of ancient times.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The main festival which is celebrated in this temple is MahaShivratri. On the occasion of MahaShivratri, you will be able to witness musical as well as cultural programs.One other festival which is celebrated in this temple is that of 'ThrissurPooram'which is a very colorful and dynamic festival of Kerala .It is an annual festival celebrated in the months of (mid-April to mid-may),
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