Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Vaikom, Kottayam district, Kerala. Believed to date back to the Treta Yuga, it is one of the oldest temples in Kerala with uninterrupted worship since inception. The temple features unique oval-shaped sanctum sanctorum and traditional Kerala architecture. It is famous for the annual Vaikathashtami festival and holds significance for both Shaivaites and Vaishnavites.

Visitors can experience traditional Kerala temple architecture with an oval-shaped sanctum sanctorum surrounded by a large courtyard. The temple offers darshan of Lord Shiva worshipped as Vaikkathappan. Visitors witness traditional Kerala tantric poojas and rituals. The temple premises include a sacred pond and four entrance towers. Traditional attire is mandatory, and photography is prohibited inside the temple.

The temple is believed to have been established during the Treta Yuga by Parashurama. The Shiva Linga is considered one of the oldest in Kerala with uninterrupted worship since inception. According to legend, the demon Khara received three lingams from Shiva, and this temple houses one of them. The western door remains permanently closed due to a historical incident involving disruption of worship.

The temple holds special reverence among both Shaivaites and Vaishnavites. It is famous for the annual Vaikathashtami festival celebrated in November-December commemorating Shiva's appearance before sage Vyaghrapada. The temple played a significant role in Kerala's social reform movements. It is part of the powerful trio of Shiva temples along with Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.