Situated at Vaikom in Kottayam district, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala, others being Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. Vaikom Temple is one of the oldest temple in Kerala. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam installed in this temple dates back to 'Treta Yuga'. Spreading over eight acres of land, the temple is one of the biggest temples of kerala. The Vaikom temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome. It is believed that if a devotee  worships at these three temples before 'Ucha pooja', all his wishes will be fulfilled.

Location Kerala, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

Legend says that Khara Asura did penance to appease Lord Shiva, who gave him three Lingas. On his way back, Khara placed the Siva Lingas and rested for a while. When he tried to resume the journey, the lingas did not budge. He then entrusted Sage Vyaghrapada to take care of the idols. It is believed that the Siva Linga, the demon carried on his right hand was placed at Vaikom, the one on his left hand was placed at Ettumanoor and the one he carried on neck was placed at Kaduthuruthy. Legends also says that Sage Parasurama came to the place ages later and held poojas to consecrate the idol at Vaikom.

Architecture

This is one of the biggest temples in Kerala, as it is situated in about eight acres. The temple faces east, where there is the pipal tree under which Sage Vyaghrapada is believed to have meditated. One has to pass the Balikalulpura and Namaskara Mandapam, where Ramayana is sculptured on inner roof, before reaching the Sanctum Santorum. The Sreekovil is round in shape roofed with copper sheets and with two chambers. The Mukha Mandapa - the first chamber is built in shaped stone and single piece woods. The Garbha Griha(Sanctum Santorium) - the second chamber is built completely in stone including the roof in a square shape. The six steps leading to Sri Kovil represent Shad vikaras or six base motions like Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mathsarya. The vision of Sree Vaikathappan can be attained after conquering these six emotions of the tantrik chakra. The Western Door leading to the inner temple courtyard is never opened, as legends say one member of the eight Brahmin families that controlled the temple affairs once tried to disrupt the Uchcha Pooja or Noon Pooja. As he was leaving the temple, he got bitten by a snake and he died outside the western door. Since then it has remained closed.

Culture

The culture of Kottayam is influenced mainly by the large Syrian Christian community. The cuisine of Kottayam is the same as rest of Kerala, but with a distinct Syrian Christian influence seen in the use of coconut and spices, as well as beef, pork and sea food in Kerala cuisine.Restaurants in the city also serve Kerala, Tamil and Northern cuisines. Kumarakom, the major backwater tourism destination on the outskirts of the city, has several luxury hotels and resorts including those of reputed hotel chains such as Taj, Zuri and Casino

Darsan Info

The belief is that if a devotee prays at Vaikom Temple along with two Siva temples in neighbourhood, namely Ettumanoor Siva Temple and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple before 'Ucha pooja' (noon pooja), all the wishes are fulfilled. The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is one of the few temples which is held in reverence by both Shaivaites and the Vaishnavaites.

Darsan Dresscode

Male devotees are not supposed to wear shirt while inside the temple. But there is no special dress code for women.

Temple Rituals

A day in the Temple starts at Saraswathi yama with Nirmalya Darsana. Afterwards there is Abhisheka or Holy Bath. Then there are three poojas in the morning namely Usha Pooja, Ethirthu Pooja or reception pooja and Panthiradi Pooja. There is Ucha Pooja that is noon pooja and in the night Athazha Pooja or the Pooja of supper is performed daily. There are also three Sribeli viz Ethirthu Sribeli, Ucha Sribeli and Athazha Sribeli. The Abhishekas named Panchagavyam, Navakam and any special Abhishekas that is Holy Baths are ordinarily performed during the Ucha Pooja. After noon Sribeli the Temple is closed till 5 pm. But special Abhishekas and Poojas are performed on certain days like Monday, Thiruvathira, Pradosha, Krishna Paksha Ashtami and Pournami even in the evening. On such special Pooja days and days of Sankarama, the Lord Vaikkathappan is carried in Rushabha Vahana for Athazha Sribeli in the night.

Special Rituals

The Recital of Ghattium is a special ritual performed only in Vaikom Temple, and not in any other temples of Kerala or anywhere else. The recital of ghattium is ordinarily done during Deeparadhana and third round of Athazha Sribeli Procession. A rod of about five feet, covered in pure silver and fixed with a Rushabha on the top is carried by an old Brahmin who facing the Lord. The Recital of Ghattium was started by Ayilyam thirunal Maharaja of Travancore on 27th Thulam of 1030 of the Malayalam era.

Additional Info

 

White Gate Residency   Ettumanoor-Ernakulam Road, Valiyakavala, Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala 686141 Phone:04829 216 961 Indian Coffee House   Opp. Municipal Office, West Nada, Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala 686141 Phone:04829 320 941

    

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