Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple History, Timings, Darshan, Pooja and Route Info

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple History

As per the Legend, Khara an Asura of the Ramayana performed strict penance for Lord Siva. Impressed Lord Siva appeared before and granted boon and Three Shiva Lingas at Chidambaram. Khara held two Lingas in Right and Left hands and the third one in his mouth. He started his journey through the sky southward. On the way, the Lingas started gaining weight so decided to descend to the Earth. He set Linga in his Right hand at a sacred point, knee-deep in water. After a while, he resumed the journey and tried to remove the Linga but all his effort went vain. He entrusted the Linga to the care of the Sain Vyaghrapada and proceeded to Ettumanur which is 25 Km away, where he installed the left-hand Linga. The third one in the mouth was installed at Kuduthuruthy which is midway between the two places.

As per the folklore, Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati pleased with Saint Vyagharpada devotion gave darshan to him under a Peepal tree in the south of the eastern gateway. This place is marked and special poojas are offered at this place daily. It is said that in the early hours of Ashtami day, in the month of Vrischikam (Nov-Dec) the Vyaghrapada had the divine vision. Annual Ashtami festival is celebrated on this special day. Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu built the temple and appointed a priest for the daily rituals.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Timings

Morning Hours: 4:00 am – 12:00 pm

Evening Hours: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

How to reach Vaikom Mahadeva Temple?

By Air

1. The nearest airport is at Kochi which is 56 Km away.

By Train

1. The nearest railway station is at Ernakulam which is 33 Km away.

By Road

1. The direct bus is available from Ernakulam and Kottayam to the temple.

Reference Link: details