Trichur - Sri Sankaranarayana Ambalam

The famous Vadakkunathan temple complex is accommodating Sri Sankara Narayana Sri Koil in addition to shrines for Siva and Rama, the principal ones. The genesis of this temple is exceedingly fascinating and drives home the truth that Hari and Hara are one and the same, any attempt at separating them reflects only ignorance. This universal truth was realized by Bhagaban Parasuram himself when he wanted to build a temple for Siva here in the Nandikeswara kshetra. When prayed for the Sakshatkara of Siva, he had the darsan of Mahavishnu. So, again he prayed for Maheswar's darsan, but surprisingly he saw Siva and Rama together giving darsan. Again he meditated to realize his pet ambition, but found Sankaranarayan image impressing upon him that Siva dwells in Vishnu and vice versa. On account of this, there are three temples in the Nandikeswara kshetra built by him. the Sankara Narayana's shrine is equally drawing bhaktakoti of both Vaishnava and Saiva sects.

In between these two Srikoils lies the circular two-storeyed Srikoil dedicated to Sankaranarayana facing west. Mural paintings adorning the walls is a novelty of this Srikoil. They are quite enchanting and narrate many episodes from the Mahabhalata. Panchagavaya abhishekam is offered to this deity. These three shrines have spacious Mukhamandapams. As the very air is surcharged with the presence of divinities and chants of the priests, it transports every visitor to celestial world for a time.

It is in the centre of Trichur town of Kerala, enjoying train, bus facilities from several towns around.

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