Vaikom Mahadeva Temple near Kottayam in Kerala

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala and was also the ground zero of the famous Temple Entry Proclamation in Kerala before independence. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Madevar temple and Vaikom are mentioned in the Bhargava Purana and Sanalkumara Samhita. 

Legend has it that Vyaghrapada Maharshi got darshan of Shiva here. The name of the place is shortened version of Saint Vyaghrapada.

Three forms of  Vaikkathappan

Shiva gives darshan to his devotees here in three forms

1. In the morning as Dakshinamurti
2. In the noon as Kiratha Murti
3. In the evening, he is the Lord of Kailash who is seated in a happy mood with his family – Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Kartik.

Sacred Bhasma at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple 

The most important Prasad at the temple is bhasma or ashes. It is taken from the kitchen in the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva comes here in disguise and cooks food. Devotees believe that the bhasma has power to cure poison related problems, wounds and hysteria. Those people suffering from various kinds of fears get relief after wearing the bhasma on forhead.

There are three sacred ponds in the temple complex. All of them were believed to have be blessed and created by Shiva.

Vaikathashtami festival observed in November/December is one of the most popular festivals in Kerala.

The temple is also noted for its Kerala style architecture and is also one of the largest temples in Kerala.

The temple has Goddess Bhagavathy, Ganesh and Nagas as subsidiary deities.