Punkunnam Sree Shiva Temple

Punkunnam, Dist. Thrissur.

Punkunnam Sree Shiva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Punkunnam in Thrissur district, Kerala. The temple is closely associated with Vadakkunnathan Temple and according to local tradition, the deities who later came to reside at Vadakkunnathan Temple first dwelt here. It is regarded as one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and legend says that the idol was consecrated by Sage Parasurama. The temple is also mentioned in the Sivalaya Namastotram, where the place is referred to as ‘Ponganam’.

Punkunnam Sree Shiva Temple is over 1,000 years old. The temple was developed into its present form during the reign of the Cochin Royal Family, who ruled the Thrissur region. As Thrissur grew, the temple was maintained under the care and supervision of local rulers and noble families. With its square sanctum and Nalambalam, the temple is a fine example of traditional Kerala temple architecture. Before Indian independence, it was under the control of the Cochin Royal Family. After the formation of the Cochin Devaswom Board in 1950, the administration of the temple was transferred to the Board. Today, the Cochin Devaswom Board manages the temple and oversees its daily rituals and administration.

According to legend, the Shiva Linga is Swayambhu (self-manifested). It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati first resided here and later asked Simhodaran, one of Shiva’s Bhuta Ganas, to find a more suitable place for them. The place he found is where Vadakkunnathan Temple stands today. As Simhodaran took a long time to return, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati went in search of him and finally settled at Vadakkunnathan Temple. It is therefore believed that Vadakkunnathan and Goddess Parvati first resided at Punkunnam before moving to Vadakkunnathan. Later, the temple was established here, while another temple was built at Vadakkunnathan in recognition of their divine presence. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and is considered the original abode of Thrissur Vadakkunnathan Temple.

Built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, the temple has a simple design without elaborate ornamentation. The recently built two-storeyed western entrance gateway (Gopuram), decorated with beautiful carvings of deities, welcomes devotees into the temple. Beyond the gateway lies a spacious stone-paved courtyard with large shade trees, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The temple grounds also include a sacred grove with various star trees and medicinal plants. Outside the main shrine are separate shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Ayyappa and the naga deities. From there, devotees enter the Nalambalam, which features a tiled roof, wooden pillars and traditional lamp stands. Facing the main sanctum is a square Namaskara Mandapam, supported by stone pillars and decorated with fine wooden carvings on the ceiling. Nandikeshwara, the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, is enshrined in the mandapam.

The main sanctum is square in shape. Unlike the circular sanctums commonly found in Kerala temples, it is designed to represent the combined concept of Shaivism and Shaktism. The sanctum has two entrances, with the main entrance facing west and another entrance facing east. The Sopanam is beautifully carved from black stone, with mythical Vyali figures on both sides. Above the pyramidal tiled roof is a copper Thazhikakkudam (finial). One of the temple’s unique features is that Lord Shiva, facing west and Goddess Parvati, facing east, are enshrined in the same sanctum. This arrangement symbolises the concept of Ardhanareeshwara, the unity of Shiva and Shakti. The black stone Shiva Linga is installed inside the sanctum, where the doors and lamps are arranged so that natural light falls only on the deity. Lord Ganesha is also enshrined inside the main sanctum, in the south-west corner, facing south.

The main annual festival is Maha Shivaratri, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). On this day, the temple remains open throughout the night for devotees. Special rituals, including Laksharchana, Ahas Pooja, special Deeparadhana, Yama Poojas and Dhara, are performed. Bhajans, devotional music and classical dance performances are also held as part of the celebrations. Poonkunnam Desavilakku, celebrated during the month of Dhanu (December–January), is another important local festival. A grand procession with decorated elephants and traditional percussion begins at Shankaramkulangara Bhagavathy Temple and arrives at the temple grounds. During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, from Vrischikam to Makaram, large numbers of Ayyappa devotees visit the temple and Annadanam is organised. Other important observances include Pradosham, Dhanu Thiruvathira, Karkidaka Vavubali, Vinayaka Chaturthi and Ayilyam Pooja, celebrated during the Malayalam months of Kanni and Thulam.

The temple offers a variety of Vazhipadu (offerings) for the spiritual and personal well-being of devotees. Dhara and Mrityunjaya Homam are performed for good health, recovery from illness, long life and relief from difficulties. Pinvilakku and Umamaheshwara Pooja are offered for family harmony, a happy married life and the removal of obstacles to marriage, while Swayamvara Pushpanjali is performed for those seeking an early marriage. Offering a Koovalam garland and Shankhabhishekam is believed to bring prosperity, peace of mind and the blessings of Lord Shiva. Ganapathi Homam and Appam Moodal are performed to remove obstacles, Neerajanam is offered to Lord Ayyappa for relief from the effects of Saturn (Shani Dosha), Palabhishekam and Palpayasam are offered to Lord Krishna for family well-being and Noorum Palum is offered to the naga deities for relief from Sarpa Dosha and for the blessing of children.

The temple opens daily at 5:30 am with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Abhishekam at 6:00 am, Usha Pooja at 6:30 am, Ethruthu Pooja at 8:30 am and Ucha Pooja with Nivedyam at 9:30 am. The temple closes after the morning rituals at 10:30 am. It reopens at 5:30 pm, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 pm and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 pm. Thrippuka is performed before the temple closes for the day at 8:00 pm. On Pradosham days, special poojas and Abhishekams are conducted, so the closing time may be slightly later. During Maha Shivaratri, the temple remains open throughout the night for the four Yama Poojas and the special Dhara. During the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, the pooja timings may vary slightly depending on the number of devotees.

Key highlight :-

• Located about 3 km from Thrissur, 16 km from Wadakkanchery and 24 km from Kunnamkulam.
• The nearest railway station is Thrissur, about 3 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus services are available to the temple from Thrissur.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number 18004254747