Vaikom Mahadeva temple in Kottayam is one of the most revered Shiva shrines in South India. It is about 8 km from Kumarakom in Vaikom. Devotees fondly called the temple Vaikkathappan. The grandeur of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is articulated during Vaikathashtami – the annual festival that lasts for about 12 days.
The Vaikom temple is devoted to God Shiva and attracts thousands of tourists during Vaikkath Ashtami celebration during November/ December. Legends state that the Lord Shiva's idol placed in this temple is from the 'Treta Yug' and this is one of the oldest temples in Kerala.
Women are allowed to visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in traditional dress only.
This is one of the three powerful Shiva temples of Kerala. Sprawling over 8 acres, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple depicts four walls and its premises is levelled by river sand. The black stone Shiva Lingam in the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is six feet high. The crescent-shaped Lingam wears Chandra Kala, it has three eyes, nose, and four hands.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple’s annual festival falls in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam during November / December. The festival ends with a grand procession carrying the replica of the presiding deity. Processions join it from temples in the vicinity. The eighth and ninth day is celebrated with cultural programmes like Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu and Ottan Thullal.