Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered as a powerful trisome. According to beliefs - if a devotee worships at all these three temples before 'Ucha pooja', all of their wishes will be fulfilled.
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites. Vaikom's Lord Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan by locals. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the Treta Yuga and considered to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken since inception.
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is considered to be one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala and counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Vadakkunathan temple and Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple.
Legend has it that years ago a saint man named Vyaghrapada prayed to Lord Shiva for years, and after many years Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvathy appeared in front of him. It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in front of him early morning on the day of Krishna Ashtami. So as a memory of this, Vaikathashtami is celebrated on this day even now. The festival extends for 12 days and on the 12th day is Vaikathashtami.
Location
Vaikom
Main Deity
Lord Shiva
Other Deities
Festivals
Vaikom Ashtami (Vaikathashtami), which is held in November–December, on the day of Krishna Ashtami in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam.
Main Offerings
How To Reach