Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, also known as Vaikom Shiva Temple, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Vaikom, a town in Kottayam district of Kerala, India. This temple holds significant religious and historical importance and is considered one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Kerala.
The temple is believed to have been constructed during the 12th century and is renowned for its architectural splendor and spiritual aura. The temple complex is spread over a vast area and consists of several structures, including the main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) where the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is enshrined. The temple also has other smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and other deities.
One of the unique features of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is its “Kashi of the South” association. It is believed that a pilgrimage to Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is equivalent to a visit to the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi) in northern India.
The temple is also known for its association with social reform movements in Kerala. In the early 20th century, the temple witnessed a historic event called the Vaikom Satyagraha, which was a movement against untouchability and caste discrimination. The movement played a crucial role in the socio-political transformation of Kerala.
Every year, the temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Mahashivaratri festival. During this festival, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special rituals and cultural performances take place. Devotees from far and wide visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Visiting Vaikom Mahadeva Temple offers a spiritual experience and an opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous and oldest Hindu god Shiva temples in Vaikom, Kerala. Utsavam in Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is celebrated for twelve days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam,
The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a temple for the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kerala. The temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous and oldest Siva temples in Kerala. The utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, (November-December) the Ashtami falling on the last day. During the night on the Ashtami day the deities of the neighbouring temples will be ceremoniously brought in procession to this temple. This is a very colorful and important function.
The kootupuja performed during the festival, at the temple deserves special mention. The Arattu in conclusion of the utsava in the Udayanapuram temple, is performed at Vaikom temple. The Arattu is performed at the Arattu tank located at a distance of one mile east of the temple. The Arattu celebration is over, and both the deities are taken to Vaikom temple, where they are worshipped together. This is what is known as Kootipuja. This puja is performed on the fifth day after Kodiyettu, the hoisting of the temple flag. On the next day after Ashtami, Arattu is performed to the deity in this temple. The Ashtami in the dark lunar fortnight of Kumbhom, is also quite important.
The temple faces the East and the Sreekovil is round in shape roofed with copper sheets and with two chambers. It is believed that the ‘Vyaghralayesha’ Siva gives His Blessings to the Devotees in three Bhavas or forms in the morning, noon, and evening in this Holy Temple
The most important prasada of Vaikkathappan is Bhasma – Vibhoothi or Ashes
Today Vaikom is one of the most revered Shiva shrines in South India. Though Vaikkathashtami is the better-known festival at the temple, it celebrates many other festivals, some of them unique to the temple.