This temple is in Punkunnam in the Thrissur district. It is closely connected with the famous Sree Vadakkumnathan temple at Thrissur. It is believed that the Lord and the Goddess were first at Punkunnam and then shifted to Vadakkumnathan temple. It is one of the 108 famous Siva temples consecrated by Parasurama. It was first known as Ponganam. The Sivalinga here is self-originated. Legend says that the Lord and the Goddess sent one of their retinue, Simhodara, to find a more suitable place for them. Simhodara identified the place where the Vadakkumnatha temple stands today. The sanctum of the Lord faces the west while Goddess
more Parvathy faces the east. Lord Shiva is consecrated in the fierce and Arthanareeswara form. The sanctum is large compared to others. On the western side, there is the Namaskara mandapam and Balikkalpura, constructed according to the Kerala architectural style. A gopuram, an ornamental gateway, has been constructed recently on the western side.
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