Divine Ashokeshwaram Sree Mahadeva Temple Vadakke Chira, Thrissur

Ashokeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located at Vadakke Chira in Thrissur district. Lord Shiva is the main deity of the temple. It is situated in the heart of Thrissur city, near the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The temple attracts many devotees throughout the year.

Ashokeswaram Sree Mahadeva Temple is one of the ancient temples closely associated with the history and development of Thrissur city. It is believed to be around 1,000 years old, although there are no historical records stating who built the temple or the exact period of its construction. Since ancient times, the temple has been regarded as one of the three important landmarks that marked the boundaries and cultural geography of Thrissur. During the reign of King Rama Varma Shakthan Thampuran (1790–1805), when Thrissur was developed into a planned town, Vadakke Chira, one of the city’s major public water reservoirs, was built near the temple. The pond was designed to ensure a steady water supply for the city and to meet the needs of nearby temples, which further increased the importance of the temple surroundings. After India’s Independence and the formation of the Travancore–Cochin State, the Cochin Devaswom Board was established in 1950. During this period, the administration of the temple was transferred from the local Oorayma authorities to the direct control of the Board.

According to belief, Ashokeswaram Temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Parashurama. As per legend, when Lord Shiva came from Mount Kailash and was consecrated as Vadakkunnathan at Thrissur, the associated temples, including Ashokeswaram, were also established in the presence of his attendants (Bhuta Ganas) and the Devas. It is believed that these Shiva shrines were consecrated at specific directions around Vadakkunnathan Temple to calm the fierce form of Lord Shiva. According to another legend, the temple was named “Ashokeswaram” because devotees who pray here are believed to be freed from sorrow. The name Ashokeswaram means “the Lord who removes sorrow”. Although Vadakke Chira beside the temple was historically built by Shakthan Thampuran, devotees believe that its water is sacred. It is also believed that Goddess Ganga appeared there as a spring for the holy bath and rituals of Lord Vadakkunnathan and that Lord Ashokeswaran resides in the presence of this sacred water.

As you approach the temple, the first thing you notice is the historic Vadakke Chira and the greenery surrounding it. Passing through the small entrance gateway and the temple’s outer wall, you can see the exterior of the Nalambalam, built in the traditional Kerala temple style with sloping tiled roofs. Inside, directly in front of the sanctum, is a square-shaped Namaskara Mandapam built of wood and stone. At the centre of the temple stands the traditional square sanctum, constructed of granite and topped with a tiled roof. In front of the sanctum are the Sopana steps and the Pranala (water spout). A stone-paved pradakshina path is provided around the sanctum for devotees to perform circumambulation.

After entering the temple and passing the Namaskara Mandapam, the sanctum of Lord Shiva, the main deity, stands directly ahead. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Ashokeswaran, the peaceful form who removes the sorrows of devotees. The deity is worshipped in the form of a small granite Shiva Linga. Inside the inner Chuttambalam, at the Kannimoola (south-west corner) of the sanctum, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha. On the southern side of the sanctum is a shrine for Lord Ayyappa. Outside the temple wall, on the north-west side, is a small platform beside the sacred grove where the idols of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are installed.

The main annual festival of the temple is Maha Shivaratri. It is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). On this day, special poojas, Laksharchana, Akhanda Nama Japam and Yama Poojas held throughout the night are conducted. Pradosham, the temple’s most important monthly observance, is also celebrated with great devotion. It is observed on the evening of Trayodashi, which falls after both the new moon and full moon. As Lord Ashokeswaran is worshipped here as the peaceful form who removes the sorrows and sins of devotees, Pradosham holds special significance. Many devotees observe the Pradosham fast and offer prayers for relief from hardships and for the well-being of their families. Special poojas and Appa Nivedyam are offered to Lord Ganesha on Vinayaka Chaturthi. During the Mandala season in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December), special poojas and lamp offerings are also conducted for Lord Ayyappa.

Various offerings are made to Lord Shiva and the other deities at the temple. Jaladhara and Tender Coconut Dhara are among the most important offerings to Lord Shiva and are performed for mental peace and the fulfilment of wishes. Offering a Bilva garland for good health and long life and lighting ghee lamps in front of and behind the sanctum for family prosperity and marital harmony, are also important rituals. Mrityunjaya Homam is performed for relief from chronic illnesses and serious doshas. Pradosha Pooja is one of the temple’s most important offerings. On Pradosham days, devotees light special ghee lamps and offer prayers seeking relief from sorrow and planetary doshas. Ganapathi Homam and Appa Nivedyam are offered to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles. Devotees also offer Nagaroot and milk with turmeric powder to the Naga deities, believing that these offerings help bring relief from Naga Dosha and bless them with progeny.

The temple is open to devotees daily from 5:00 AM to 10:55 AM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The temple opens at 5:00 AM and the day’s rituals begin with the Usha Pooja. The temple usually closes after the Ucha Pooja, which is held between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM. It reopens at 5:00 PM and Deeparadhana is performed at sunset. The temple usually closes at 8:00 PM after the Athazha Pooja, which is held between 7:30 PM and 7:45 PM. On Pradosham days, the closing time in the evening may be extended due to special abhishekams and poojas. On Maha Shivaratri, special Yama Poojas are conducted during all four yamas of the night and the temple remains open to devotees throughout the night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery