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.
Temple Timings
| 4.00 am | Temple Opens |
| 4:30 am | Nirmalyam |
| 5 am | Usha pooja |
| 6 am | Ethirthu pooja |
| 6:30 am | Usha Sheeveli |
| 8 am | Pantheeradi pooja |
| 10 am | Navakam |
| 11 am | Ucha pooja |
| 11:30am | Ucha Sheeveli & closing. |
| 5 pm | Opening |
| 6 pm | Deeparadhana |
| 7:30 pm | Athazha pooja |
| 8 pm | Athazha Sheeveli & closing. |
How to Reach Vaikom?
By Air: Cochin International Airport is about 60 Km away from Vaikom
By Rail: Ernakulam Junction and Town station are the nearest major railway stations, about 35 Km from the town. You can also reach Vaikom by getting down at Vaikom Road or Tripunithura Railway Stations.
By Road: Vaikom is well connected with all major cities in India by road. KSRTC runs direct bus services to all major destinations within and outside Kerala. You can visit the website Aanavandi for KSRTC bus timings to & from Vaikom. Private bus services are also abundant. Inter State bus services are available from Ernakulam to Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Chennai & Pondicherry.
Contact Information
Vaikom, Kottayam – 686141