The temple's origins are steeped in legend. According to legend, Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, created Kerala and established 108 Shiva temples, of which Vadakkunnathan was the first. The current structure dates back to at least the 9th century CE, with renovations and additions over the centuries.
The temple survived the 1789 invasion of Tipu Sultan when the advancing army was miraculously stopped at the temple walls — a thick fog is said to have descended, hiding the temple and saving it from destruction. The temple played a central role in the history of Thrissur, with the city growing around it. The temple's administration was transferred to the Cochin Devaswom Board after independence.
The temple's unique circular sanctum (Sreekovil) and the massive gopurams were built in typical Kerala style with laterite stone and terracotta tiles.
