Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is positioned in Vaikom, Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’ and considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception.

Architecture
History
Myths and Beliefs
Puja Timings
Festivals
How to Reach
Videos

Being one of the most notable and bigger temples in Kerala, this Mahadeva temple extends its courtyard, covering about 8 acres of the surrounding land. The temple premises stands elegant, protected by four towers. The entrance hall is built with single piece woods, giving it a glorious look. The sanctum, being the second chamber, is built completely using stone, including the aquare shaped roof. In order to get the divine darshan of Lord Shiva, one must cross the six steps, also compared to be the six major emotions namely Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mathsarya.

As per the popular legend associated with the establishment of Vaikom Temple, Kharasura offers prayers to Lord Shiva at Chidambaram. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiva presents three holy Shiva Lingams to Kharasura. Assuring him to be present in these Lingams, Shiva suggests Kharasur to worship them to get Moksha (salvation). He moves towards south from Himalayas holding two of the Lingams in each hand and the third one in mouth. He feels tired and stops at Vaikom. Keeping the Shiva lingam on the ground, he rests for a while. After resting, he realizes that it has been affixed at that place. Therefore, he installs the other two Lingams too, one each at Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.

On the day of *Vritchika – Krishna paksha – Ashtami (as per Malayalam Era), the Lord of Lords and God of Gods – Siva Paremeswara appeared to Maharshi with his consort Parvati – Jagat Janani. The Lord declared, “This place will be known as Vyaghrapadapurma” and disappeared. The world-renowned Vaikkathashtami and all associated holy festivals are still held here on the same Vrichica – Krishna*- Ashtami.

Vyaghrapada Maharshi continued the Pooja with utmost reverence and devotion for some time and went on a pilgrimage. Months and years passed. Sri Parasurama – Chiramjeevi was walking across the sky one day. When I saw the auspicious omens flared up here and saw the holy Siva Linga emerge in the water and radiate heavenly rays. He understood that it was the Siva Linga that placed the Khara. Sri Parasurama thought that the most sacred and exalted Shiva Chaitanya could be a great refuge for devotees who want to attain Moksha. By his sincere prayers and recitation of Shiva mantras, he sanctified the auspicious Linga here.

The most gracious Lord Siva immediately appeared with His consort Parvati Devi before Parasurama. He was so pleased that he consecrated the Linga with the mantras of Parasurama – an avatar of Vishnu, his greatest devotee.

Filled with joy and gratitude, Parasurama performed Siva Linga pooja there for several days. Then he himself built a temple here and commissioned a noble Brahmin from the village of Taruna to teach Pooja mantras. A Brahmin learned all the 28 Shivagams and wore Rudraksha and Bhasma. Parasurama donated the entire temple with the Linga to the Brahmins and disappeared. It is the belief that the temple and all the ceremonies and customs are planned and established by Parasurama himself.

It is believed that ‘Vyaghralayesha’ Siva bestows his blessings on the devotees in three bhavas or forms in the morning, noon and evening at this Holy Temple. Like Dhakshinamoorthy in the morning, Kirathamoorthi in the noon and Shakti Panchakshari in the evening.

The temple is open for devotees from 3.30 AM to 11.30 PM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

Vaikom Ashtami is the most important festival celebrated in this temple. It is lso called as Vaikathashtami. This the festival is celebrated on the auspicious day of Krishna Ashtami. There is a history behind the festival which states that the Sage Vyaghrapada revered Lord Shiva highly, with sincere devotion, as a result of which Lord Shiva appeared in front of him on this particular day. As a rememberance of this incident, Vaikathashtami is celebrated. As the festival extends for almost 12 days, the final day is known as Vaikathashtami.

By Road

Vaikom is 32 kms from Kottayam. The main bus stand is at a walkable distance of 900 m from the temple. Buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available almost all the time to reach the temple.