This temple is a classic example of Kerala's style of architecture containing the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Paravathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. Legend goes that Parasurama founded this temple.
This temple is especially known for its spectacular celebration of the Pooram festival. It is a magnificent spectacle with nightlong fireworks and a splendid procession of elephants.
The temple Vadakkumnathan kshetram, where the reigning deity is Lord Shiva, is situated on a hillock in the heart of the town. This is one of the largest temples in Kerala. Exquisite murals narrate the epic of the Mahabharatha.
It has been the repository of culture and heritage unmatched in Kerala history. Here the deity is Lord Siva represented by Mahalingam, which now cannot be seen due to the traditional offerings or abhisheka with ghee. The walls are decorated with paintings and carvings. Its famous Koothambalam is a beautiful structure with an elegant sloping roof of metal plates.
Adi Sandaracharya is supposed to have spent his last days in this temple. The shrines and the Koothambalam display exquisite vignettes carved in wood.