- Deity
- Lord Shiva (Vaikathappan)
- Timings
- 5 am to 12 noon, 4 pm to 9 pm
- Main festival
- Vaikathashtami (November/December)
- Nearest airport
- Cochin International, about 76 km
- Nearest railway station
- Vaikom Road
- Dress code
- Traditional; men without shirts
Legends
Tradition holds that the sage Vyaghrapada had a vision of Shiva and Parvati here, and the place was once called Vyaghrapadapuram, later shortened to Vaikom. Another story tells of the asura Khara, who received three lingas from Shiva as a reward for his penance. On his way back he set them down to rest and could not lift them again. One was enshrined at Vaikom, one at Ettumanoor and one at Kaduthuruthy. Devotees believe that worshipping at all three on the same day, before the midday puja, fulfils their wishes.
The tank on the eastern side is believed to be as holy as the Ganga, and the sacred ash given as prasadam is thought to heal.
The temple
The temple complex spreads across a courtyard of about eight acres, its ground covered with river sand. The sreekovil, or sanctum, is roofed with copper sheets and has a stone-and-wood mukha mandapam in front. The black stone linga inside is about six feet tall. Through the day the deity is worshipped in three aspects: Dakshinamurthy at dawn, Kirata Murthy at midday and, after dusk, Shakti Panchakshari.
Festivals
Vaikathashtami, held over twelve days in November or December, is the main festival, with elephant processions and traditional performances. Shivaratri is also celebrated.
Timings and dress code
The temple is open from 5 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Traditional dress is expected. Women may wear a saree, churidar or pavada and blouse. Men must remove their shirts before entering.
How to reach
Cochin International Airport is about 76 km away. The nearest railway station is Vaikom Road, and the Vaikom bus station is about 1 km from the temple, with frequent state and private buses. We can plan a single-day visit to Vaikom, Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.
Also nearby
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