This is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.Today Vaikom is one of the most revered Shiva shrines in South India. The temple alongwith Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome. Kharasura on receiving the Shaiva Vidya Upadesh from Malyavan went to Chidambaram, and did severe penance and Tapasya for the attainment of Moksha. Pleased with his penance Lord Siva granted all the boons he asked, and presented him with three great Siva Lingas drawn out of Him. Assuring that He will ever be present in them, Lord Siva disappeared, asking Khara to worship the Lingas to attain Moksha. When Khara was returning south from Himalayas with the three Lingas, one in his right hand, one in left hand and other by the neck, he felt tired and rested awhile. After rest when he tried to pick up the Lingas, they wouldn’t budge. He realized that it was Shiva’s maya and when called unto, the heavens spoke thus, “I shall remain here giving Moksha to whom so ever * take refuge in Me”. Khara having attained Moksha entrusted the holy Lingas to the custody of Maharshi Vyaghrapada who had followed him invisibly and asked the sage to protect and worship them. A day in this Holy Temple of Vaikkathappan starts at Saraswathi yama by awakening the greatest Lord and opening the Holy door of Sreekovil. As soon as the door is opened we get Nirmalya Darsana. This is one among the biggest temples in Kerala, with a vast courtyard of about 8 acres. The four huge pillars or ‘Gopuras’ of this temple are adorned with attractive images if epic characters from the Hindu mythology. The inner structures and main inner yard called ‘Sreekovil’ of the temple are classic examples of traditional Kerala architecture.  Vaikathashtami is the important festival at the temple.

Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM  and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Contact Details: 04829-215812

Temple Address: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Travancore Devaswom Board, Vaikom, Kottayam – 686141

Distance from Kochi to Vaikom is 60 Kms

Distance from Chennai to Vaikom is 715 Kms