Information of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple (Vaikkathappan Temple), Kottayam, Kerala

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple (Vaikkathappan Temple) is an important worship place of Lord Shiva. This is an ancient temple having many mythical, historical and architectural importances in it. Locally this temple is called as the Vaikathu Appan Kshetram. Nearly Lakhs of devotees visit this temple yearly and the most visited time by the Hindu peoples are on the festival days. It is sacredly located in Vaikom Taluk, Kottayam District of Kerala State. This temple is near by the great Vembanad lake of the gods own country. Vaikkathappan is known as Annadana prabhu means who gives food to others.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Religious Significance

This is also called as the Kailas of the south. Since, the Lord Shiva himself gave the Linga to worship for his devotees. There are three such Lingas situated in different temples. One of such important temple is Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. Devotees coming to this temple and going to the other two temple is equivalent to going to Kailas is the beliefs of the Hindus. It is said that these three Trinities must be visited before the mid day rituals performed in these temple to attain bliss. This is a great place for the Shivaik sects in Hinduism and also worshiped by all Hindus. The Linga present here is an ancient one which date backs to 5000 BC.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Mythology & History

It is believed that the demon named Khara Asura brought this Shiva Linga directly from the Kailas Mountains from Lord Shiva. He carried 3 Lingas and when he was tired he placed on the ground. These Lingas was never able to lift there on and the Sage Vyaghrapada worshiped him and built a temple in the Thretha Yuga. Since then, this place was called by the sages name Vyaghra Puram and later shorten to Vaikom by the Keralites. Currently the temple is also named as the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Architectural Significance

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a vast temple spread across an 8 Acres of land area. Everywhere, one can see the river sand in this temple land. This is an ancient temple which underwent many developments and changes in the passage of time. The present temple is seen as built out of lateritte stones, terracotta tiles and teak wood. It is a very beautiful temple built in the traditional Kerala temple model. There are many metals casting works seen on its sculptors and wood lining. This temple is really appreciable for its frescoes, motifs and particularly for wooden structure adopted in this temple. It has four Gopura (Tower) on all four directions. The main entrance has a huge Gopura with 6 cylindrical pillars as two pillars joined on the extreme side and the other two departed and kept in between the central doorway. It has a beautiful lintel with geometrical designs on it. The top of the Gopura is covered with a triangular dome and covered with terracotta tiles gives it a traditional touch. Inside this temple there are many open spaces accompanied by Mandapas (Porch). The main deity is kept in the Grabha Graha (shrine cell) which has a shining Shiva Linga in ebony black color. This Linga is considered to be the oldest one in South India and is carried away from the abode of Lord Shiva from the Kailas Mountains. This temple has a Valia Velaku (Temple Lamp Tower) which has 11 plates for lighting. Both of this Vilaku is a monolith stone carved structure. One of them is covered by brass is also seen inside this temple premises.

Festivals at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

The Ashtami is the important festival of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. This is a grand fair with lot of lightings and decoration throughout this inner and outer side of this temple. The festival is of utmost importance and it carries immense importance among the people. During these days the temple elephants are covered with silk cloths and ornate on it head areas and stands elegant in the front of this temple welcoming its devotees. It is a grand event to witness and to be here is worth as one can have an experience of lifetime to see the beauty of the festivals and the importance of the participation of elephants in almost all the festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala.