Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

This temple is a famous Hindu temple known as the Kashi of South India dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Vaikkathappan situated in Vaikom, Kerala, India. This temple is an elegant example of traditional Kerala architecture with wooden structured sloping roofs which are supported by mythical creatures in the form of brackets. It has many popular myths like Saint Vyagharapada witnessed Shiva and Parvati at this place in the Krishna Paksha so this place was known as Vyagharapadapuram and later became Vaikom due to Tamil influence. Another popular legend is when Asur Khara pleased Shiva by his devotion to attain salvation he was gifted three lingas and the Linga which he had in right hand handed over to Vyagharapada installed in Vaikom, other of left hand was installed in Ettumanoor and third which was in his neck installed in Kaduthurthy Kottayam. If a devotee visits all these three shrines in a day will attain the moksha. Holy and auspicious presiding deity's place is covered with Copper Sheets. In front of the Sanctum is a square chamber then the main Mandapam built by stone and wooden structure. The presiding deity is in the form of life size black stone linga as Vaikkathappan. This temple is considered the largest and premise is covered with boundary walls and entrance gates. It's worshiped by both Shivaites and Vaishnavites. Here dress code for men is Mundi a type of lungi and upper body should be naked while women are permitted in traditional Sari, Churidar and other full dreses. In the East of the sanctum there's a large ritual water tank considered as holy as Ganga. For prayer it remains open from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Prasad distribution time is 11:30 am. The annual celebration of the Temple is held between November and December. This celebration remain a major attraction among the devotees it continues for 12 days with various rituals and processions. Shivaratri is also celebrated with faith and devotion.

The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, one of the 108 sacred Shiva temples, holds a rich historical and spiritual legacy that dates back to the Treta Yuga. Revered as the Southern Kashi, the temple is referred to in the Bhargava Purana and Sanalkumarasamhita as Vaiyaghrageham and Vaiyaghrapuram. Ancient texts like the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vedasarasarasivasahasranama, and others affirm Vaikom’s divine prominence, placing it alongside the great Vedic centers of spiritual wisdom. Unlike other temples, Lord Vaikkathappan blesses devotees in three distinct divine forms: At dawn – As Dakshinamurthy, the supreme teacher who dispels ignorance. At noon – As Kiratamurthy, the fierce warrior who bestowed the Pashupatastra upon Arjuna. At dusk – As Sambasiva, the compassionate divine family man, Vadakkupurathu Pattu is a 12-day Kalamezhuthu Pattu (ritualistic art and song) performed once every 12 years to appease Goddess Bhadrakali. This sacred event, conducted on the Karthika day of the Malayalam month of Meenam, takes place in the northern courtyard of the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, accompanied by special rituals and Guruthi offerings.

Historical site not just because it is called 'Dakshin Kashi'.. but because it was an epicenter for the temple entry movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in Kerala.. Commercialization in southern India's temple is very subtle.. so nobody will force you to pay.. unlike in the northern part of India.. Clean..

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, located in Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala, is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in the region. Often referred to as the "Kashi of the South," this temple is part of a trio of powerful Shiva temples, along with Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy .The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.The temple's history dates back to the Treta Yuga, and it is believed that the lingam here was installed by the demon Khara after receiving Shaiva Vidya Upadesha from Malyavan .The temple's architecture is a fine example of traditional Kerala style, featuring a circular Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) adorned with copper sheets and intricate carvings.The temple complex includes a large courtyard, four gopurams (gateway towers), and a golden flagstaff .Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is renowned for its Vaikom Ashtami festival, which attracts thousands of devotees.The temple is also held in reverence by both Shaivas and Vaishnavas, making it a unique place of worship.The nearby Shiva temples, Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy, are closely associated with Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, and it is believed that worshipping all three temples before the Ucha Pooja fulfills the devotee's wishes

Believed to be build by Lord Parasurama. I got a chance to visit this temple on this festive occasion 🙏. Vaikathappan is commonly known and used name by locals. Another list of temple's when it comes to the oldest of temple's in India. The architectural style of this temple goes back to years. It's believed to visit 3 temples / 3 idols 1. Vaikom mahadeva temple 2. Ettumanoor and 3. in Kaduthuruthy Temple is east facing. The namaskara 🙏 mandapa in the inner roof taken from Ramayana. 6 steps taking us to the inner shrine. With immensely important during vaikathashtami festival got chance in the long queue to have a grace of Lords worship ✌️🙏

The temple, along with the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple is considered a powerful place of Shiva. The belief is that if a devotee worships all the three temples before the Ucha puja, all his/her wishes are fulfilled. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and is famous for its Vaikom Ashtami festival. Another famous festival is Vadakkupurathu Pattu is a ritual performed once every twelve years at the Vaikom Mahadev Temple to please Goddess Bhadrakali , where the song is sung for twelve days and the Guruthi is performed on the days when the song is sung. Kalamezhuth also there. 2025 from March 17th this will start

The Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is historic Hindu temple and pilgrimage centre of honoring Lord Siva. The main deity of the temple is Lord Siva, fondly called as " Vaikkathappan ". The temple architecture reflects the richest cultural heritage of Kerala. People believed that Lord Parasurama involved the works of the temple and worshipped its rituals. Also belive that the Great Siva Linga is from Treta Yuga. Devotees can get holy ash as a prasadam, and this can cure people from hysteria, poison and wounds. The temple is serene and very divine place, surrounded by lush greenery and backwaters. Also a temple pond on the northern side of the temple. The main festival of the temple is ' Vaikath Astami ' celebrated on November / December ( month of Vrichikam in malayalam calendar ). Thousands of devotees participated the festival and obtained deities grand blessings every year.

About Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple Vaikom in Kottayam district of the southern state of India, Kerala, is one of the main pilgrim centres of the south. Famous for the Vaikkath Asthami celebrations in November/December, it is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikkom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. 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 Origin The ancient Sanskrit texts, Bhargava Purana, and Sanalkumara Samhita identify this site as Vaiyaghra geham and Vaiyaghra puram. Legend has it that Vyaghrapada Maharshi had a profound encounter with Lord Shiva here, leading to the apt naming of Vyaghrapadapuram. With the diffusion of Tamil, the term "Vaiyaghra" underwent a transformation into "Vaikom." Presently, Vaikom stands as one of the most revered Shiva shrines in South India. Alongside Ettumanoor Siva Temple and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple, it constitutes a powerful trinity. Devotees believe that by offering worship at these three temples before the 'Ucha pooja,' all their wishes can be fulfilled. While Vaikkath Asthami is the more widely acknowledged festival at the temple, it actively observes various other festivals, some of which are unique to this sacred destination

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a truly divine place where I felt a wonderful spiritual experience. The moment I entered, I could sense a powerful energy that filled me with peace and devotion. The temple’s architecture, steeped in tradition, adds to its sacred charm. Standing before Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vaikkathappan, was a deeply moving experience. The rituals, especially the evening *Deeparadhana*, created an atmosphere of immense devotion. The temple’s historical significance and the grand *Vaikom Ashtami* festival further enhance its spiritual aura. Overall, my visit to Vaikom Mahadeva Temple left me with a profound sense of tranquility and connection to the divine. It’s a place where faith, tradition, and serenity come together, making it an unforgettable experience.

Vaikom SreeMahadeva temple is one among the most famous Siva temple in Kerala at Vaikom, Kottayam Dist. It belongs to one among the great 108 Siva temples in India. Main deity: Mahadevan facing east. Deity is worshipped for his three characters at morning as Dakshinamoorthy, noon time as Kirathamoorthi and evening as Sambasivan with Devi Parvathi. Subdeities: Inside Nalambalam, Kannimmoola Ganapathi, out side Nalambalam, Panachickal Bhagavathi, Nagadevatha. Temple: Area of the temple compound is around 8Acres and temple structure is typical to kerala style Architecture with copper sheets roofing. Shrine/Sreekovil is very large, round in shape having 108 roof supporting wooden beams (kazhukkol). The Sreekovil is constructed as two concentric rooms having entrance with six steps respectively. Golden flag mast is of 64feet height. Festival: 13 days Ashtami vilakku festival is celebrated during the month Vrichigam. It is belived that on Krishnashtami day, the great Sage Vyakhrapada maharshi got blessed with the visual appearance of Lord Siva and Devi. Hence on Ashtami day, darsan of the Deity/Idol within 3 Nazhika (84 Mnts) of Sun rise is very special as it is believed the same time that Sree Vyakhrapada maharshi had darsan of Lord Siva. Krishnashtami on month Kumbham also is celebrated as festival but with less importance than of Vrichigam. Sivarathri is celebrated as usual to all other Siva temples. Vadakkupurathu pattu is a famous festival celebrated once in 12 years related to Kodungalloor Bhagavathi and it is believed that Goddess will be present during this 12days festival occasion at Vaikom. This 12days festival once in twelve years is celebrated from Karthika day of month Meenam. The Deity of the nearby temple at Udayanapuram is Lord Subramonian, the son of Siva and some special rituals and functions together for these two Dieties during the festival celebration are highly spiritual, devotional and emotional to the devotees. History/Mythology: A great Sage, Khara maharshi had brought three Sivalingas from Chidambaram and placed one at Vaikom with the help of another great Sage SreeVyakhrapada maharshi. The other two sivalingas were placed at Kaduthuruthi and Ettumanoor to build-up temples there also respectively. Hence the devotees are considering to visit these three temples in a single day stretch for fullfillment of their spiritual desires. Another myth about this Vyakhrapada maharshi is that he had the darsan (visual appearance) of SreeParameswaran and Devi inside the temple compound while he was worshipping the Sivalinga during initial periods. And now this place under a banyan tree near the east gopuram of the temple is marked as a memorial of Vyakhrapada maharshi. It is believed that Lord Parasurama also involed for building up of this temple and finalizing its rituals, systems and festivals. As per another mythology, Sree Villuvamangalam Swamiyar once visited this temple and seen the Deity Lord Siva was having the great lunch of this temple along with other devotees. This spot inside the Nalambalam near to north entrance is considered as a sacred place now and known as 'Manyasthanam'. Travel: Vaikom is a small town centered to this famous temple in Kottayam district. It is by the side of Kottayam-Ernakulam State Highway, around 33kms from Ernakulam and 41kms from Kottayam. West side of the temple is Vembanadu lake facilitating boat services from various places. Public transport facilty is available mainly with Private and KSRTC buses. A small Railway station for Passenger Trains is available near to Vaikom town. Facility: Devaswom Vehicle parking facility and washrooms are available near the entrances.

The Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple during Vaikathashtami highlight it as a highly revered festival celebrated with immense devotion and fervor, with many visitors praising the spiritual atmosphere, beautiful rituals, and the opportunity to partake in the temple's "annadanam" (free lunch) offered to all devotees during the festival period; some even consider it one of the most significant events at the temple. Many visitors mention feeling a strong spiritual connection during Vaikathashtami at the temple. The festival is described as lively, with elaborate rituals and large crowds of devotees. A popular aspect of the festival is the temple's practice of providing free meals to all visitors. Some reviews mention potential crowds during the festival, so planning ahead is recommended.

Sacred Serenity: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Rating: 5/5 I recently had the privilege of visiting the revered Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, and it was a truly transcendent experience. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a testament to Kerala's rich spiritual heritage. Highlights: - Architectural Marvel_: The temple's traditional Kerala architecture is awe-inspiring, with intricate carvings and ornate details. - Spiritual Significance_: The temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, making it a significant pilgrimage site. - Serene Ambiance_: The temple's surroundings are peaceful and calming, providing a perfect atmosphere for contemplation and worship. Must-Experience: - Witness the majestic temple elephant procession during festivals - Participate in the sacred rituals and pujas - Explore the temple's intricate carvings and murals Tips and Insights: - Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple - Respect local customs and traditions - Visit during the annual festivals for a unique experience Verdict: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a sacred haven that embodies the essence of Kerala's spiritual heritage. Its stunning architecture, profound spiritual significance, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and travelers alike.

We went on a Saturday during summer vacation but did not get much rush on the day. Probably because we reached at 12 PM in the afternoon. The temple festival was going on and the atmosphere was incredible at the time. Checked this visit from the bucket list.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a classic South Indian temple with stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere. The temple is huge, and the people there are very welcoming. The experience was incredibly calm and peaceful. The murti inside the Garbhagriha is absolutely beautiful, though I was a bit disappointed that I couldn’t enter the Garbhagriha itself. The overall vibe of the temple is surreal, making it a truly spiritual experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area!

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, a revered Shiva shrine in Kerala's Kottayam district, boasts a rich history dating back to the 9th century AD. This ancient temple, one of Kerala's 108 Shiva temples, is famous for its stunning architecture, daily pujas, and vibrant festivals like Shivaratri and Ashtami. With its unique blend of traditional Kerala architecture and spiritual significance, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and devotees alike. It is one of the bigger temples in Kerala, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple has a courtyard of about eight acres of land. The premises levelled with river sand is protected by compound walls with four Gopuras or towers on all the four sides. Vaikkathappan is also known as Annadana prabhu, who gives food to all. Here "oottupura" dining hall is very large and they offer Annadanam daily. The temple is famous for " Vaikkath Ashtami " celebrations held in November/December.

This temple holds a special place in my heart. My parents got married here. It's got that sense of nostalgia and tranquility.

Temple dedicated to lord shiva. Men must remove their shirt before entering the “Nada” (Entrance of temple). Temple is built in acres of land and has historical relevance.

Om Nama Shivaya🤍🕉️. Vaikom Sree Mahadeva temple is a powerful temple located at Vaikom in Kottayam district and one of the oldest temples in Kerala.It is believed that visiting Vaikom Mahadeva temple, Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva temple and Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple before ucha pooja is good.The temple offers Annadanam known as 'prathal' everyday. Vaikkathappan is also known as 'Annadana prabhu'. The major festival in this temple is 'Vaikathashtami'. One of the mysteries surrounding this temple is the closed west door. The architecture and mural paintings of the sreekovil is beautiful. If you are planning to visit here the nearest railway station is Vaikom Railway Station.If you are palnning to visit here by car, it is situated approximately 32 km away from Kottayam and about 28 km from Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple. 🕉️🤍

Visited Vaikom Mahadeva Temple with my friends just two weeks ago, and it was truly a memorable experience! The temple’s peaceful ambiance, especially in the early morning, was absolutely calming. We made sure to arrive right when the temple opened, and it was a great decision because we had the whole place to ourselves, without any rush. The temple is beautifully maintained, and the surroundings add to the serene atmosphere. We felt a deep sense of spirituality during our visit. Definitely a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the tranquility and cultural richness of this historic site. Highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit!