Here we are discussing about a ‘Temple’ & the ‘Festival of Festivals’ of Kerala. There are no great sculptures in these two posts (photography is prohibited, inside the temple); but, these photos along with the descriptions will make you happy, I hope.
No: 1. The Decorated Gaja Rajas (Elephant Kings)
- Vadakkumnathan Temple [in this post] and
- Thrissur Pooram (The festival of festivals)… [in the next post]
Vadakkumnathan (Lord Shiva Temple), an architectural marvel in wood and stone, is one of the oldest temples in the Kerala. This, centuries-old temple is a classic example of Kerala’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. An enormous stone wall encloses the temple (9 acres). There are four Gopurams (facing each direction). This is a multi-shrine complex. The outer walls of the shrines have beautiful mural paintings (more Kathakali based)– the scenes from the epic, ‘Mahabharata’. A refreshing walk in the compound will fill your heart with architectural beauty, heritage, culture and history. A temple which was not only touched/attacked by Tippu Sultan, but which also received a gift of ‘big lamp’ from him!
No: 2. The decoration during the Pooram
The recent ‘Award of Excellence’ from UNESCO, was the result of the dedicated work, by a team of archaeologists, craftsmen and others who restored the temple to its original state, in a span of 10 years.
Breif:
Lord Parashurama (sixth Avatar of Lord Vishnu) hurled his axe (weapon) into the sea and created a new land (present Kerala). To consecrate this new land, he went to Kailasam (Himalaya), the abode of Lord Shiva and requested him to come to Kerala. Lord Shiva came down with Goddesses Parvati, along with their sons, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subrahmanya. They stopped at a spot, (present Thrissur), and later disappeared leaving a bright and radiant ‘Siva Linga’, which was later installed in this famous temple as the main deity. Presently, this deity (statue) is covered with Ghee and is only visible as a heap of ghee.
All the shots are from outside the temple; in the next post we shall see the Thrissur Pooram.
No: 3. The front view of the Temple - Pl note the Roof & Artwork on the Walls
No: 4. The Tall Kal-Vilakku (Lamp Post) getting light by a devotee
No: 5. The Decoration of the Deity, hung in the front of the Ghee heap.
(Photo taken from Festival Brochure - [Sorry for the poor resolution])
No: 6. Elephant coming out of the temple.
No: 7. Temple getting ready for Pooram
No: 8. The Temple front view, before Pooram
No: 9. The Gaja Rajas taking rest before Pooram
No:10. View of the Temple from outside
Note: Here, Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple; but Pooram is conducted with the support of people from all religions, outside.
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