Vaikom Shiva Temple is one of the oldest and famous Shiva Temples in Kerala.

Thousands of devotees throng to the temple throughout the year. The history of this
temple is connected with the legendary Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

One of the most respected shrines of Lord Shiva, Vaikom Shiva Temple is popularly
known as Kashi of South. It is believed that if a devotee visits and prays at
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple and Ettumanoor
Mahadeva Temple on the same day, before Ucha Pooja (Noon Pooja), his wish will be
fulfilled by Lord Shiva.

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. Although Vaikathashtami is the important festival
at the temple.

There are many other smaller festivals too. Some of them are unique and worth
seeing. Vaikom Shiva Temple hosts popular �Vaikathashtami� festival during the
lunar fortnight of Malayalam month Vrishchikam (November/December)

Elephant pageants, traditional art performances and annual Vaikathashtami Festival

are the main attractions related to Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. On the final day of
Vaikathashtami, the deities of the neighboring temples are ceremoniously brought to
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. Holy �Prathal� (mid-day food offering) of Vaikom Shiva
Temple is very famous and is offered to devotees, after the daily prayers.

The sleepy town of Vaikom is situated on the western side of Kottayam district and
shares its border with Vembanattu Kayal (Vembanad lake). Vaikom is the oldest
township in Kottayam district and amongst the oldest in Keralam. Its importance in
Indian history is �Vaikom Satyagraham� against untouchability and as venue for
achieving for the lower castes the right to walk on the roads surrounding the
temple. Leader of the Indian Freedom Movement Mahatma Gandhi participated in this
struggle.

Mahadeva temple is famous for Ashtami (vaikattamshtami), and the temple also known
as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Varanasi) is the heart of the town, and is remarkable
for the Vaikom Ashtami celebrations during November.

This temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva
Temple is considered a powerful trisome. The belief is that if a devotee worships
at these three temples before �Ucha 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. Vaikom�s Shiva is fondly called
Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the �Treta yuga� and
considered as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where pooja has not been broken
since inception.

Mixture of Hindu, Christian, and Muslim residents lead peaceful life in this
beautiful place.

The Vaikom temple is famous for the Vaikom Ashtami, one of its main festivals,
which is held in November�December. The exact date of the festival is determined by
the Malayalam calendar. Vaikathashtami is celebrated on the day of Krishna Ashtami.
Coconut and rice are the major crops and these used to be backbone of Vaikom
economy along with Fishing. More recently spices like Nutmeg, Black Pepper have
also caught the attention of Vaikom farmers. Another recent addition is Latex.

if you are in kochi enjoy the vaikom backwateer it is an hour journey from kochi