Trichur is an important centre for Spiritual Tourism. The base of Trichur City is the lovely Vadakkunnathan Temple, literally meaning lord of the North. It is one of the largest Shiva temples in Kerala. It is believed to be over 2000 years old. Adorned with beautiful murlas, this temple is a classic example of Keralite architecture.
According to traditional beliefs, Shankara was born, after his parents prayed at this temple. Lord Shiva appeared before them and asked them to choose between a mediocre son with high longevity or an intellectual son, with low longevity. They preferred the latter and one of the greatest intellectual giants, Sankara, was born !
Founded by Lord Parasurama and enshrining Lord Shiva as the principal Deity, this temple is one of the oldest in South India. The idol of Shiva is considered to be covered under a mount of ghee and is invisible. Only a sixteen foot high mount of ghee can be seen and this believed to be represent the snow clad Mount Kailas, the abode of the Male and Female components of the Ultimate, Shiva & Shakti.
The murals which adorn the temple are rare and two of them are worshipped regularly. Nandikeswara, who symbolises the animal aspect in man, is worshipped as a large white bullock. The symbolism is that only after removing our animal aspect ( Nandi ), can we have Self _ Actualisation or Vision of the Lord.
Now the Trichur town is developing. Shobha's 850 crores realty project, Lulu's 150 crore project and 300 crores worth flats projects, all will make Trichur the Twin city, or the satellite city of booming Kochi
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