Name: Kottayam
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Vaikom, Kottayam Overview

Vaikom is a town located in the district of Kottayam in Kerala. It was also a destination of Satyagraha during the Indian Independence Movement. It is the oldest city in Kottayam and lies very close to the famous tourist spot of Kumarakom. Vaikom Temple lies at the heart of the town and becomes very prominent during its Vaikom Ashtami celebrations during the month of November. This temple was constructed in the year 1594. It is also enclosed by a courtyard which is spread across 8 acres of land.

The history of Vaikom can be traced back to the time when there existed a kingdom known as Venmalanadu of which Vaikom is a part. Later, Venmalanadu was broken down into Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor. Vaikom became a part of the dynasty of Vadakkumkoor.

In 1742, Vaikom became a part of the Travancore after the Maharaja of Travancore took over Vadakkumkoor and merged it into his kingdom. However, Vaikom became famous due to the Satyagraha which was held in there during the Indian Independence Movement. It has a population of approximately 22637 and a literacy rate of 92%.

1. Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam

The Vaikom Shri Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Vaikom in Kerala that is dedicated to the God Shiva. Located in the Kottayam district of the south Indian state of Kerala, this te (Read More)mple is one of the main pilgrim centers of the south. The shiva lingam in this temple is believed to be from the Treta Yuga (the third age of Hinduism). Also, the temple is renowned for its Vaikom Ashtami festival celebrated in November-December. Remarkably, it is one of the few temples which are a worshipping place for both Shaivites and the Vaishnavaites.

Opening Hours : Monday - Sunday: 4:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Parking Fee : INR 10

Location :

Vazhamana Rd, Vaikom, Kerala 686141

Note :

The Vaikom Mahadeva temple has a dress code according to which men should wear only dhoti and Angavastram (no shirt allowed), and women devotees should wear a sari, salwar kameez, pavadai sattai, or churidar.
At this temple, the visitors get holy ash as the prasadam. It is known as Vaikkathappan amongst the locals, and it is believed that this ash can cure hysteria, poison, and wounds.
On worshipping Lord Shiva at noon, the temple gets closed until 5:00 PM.
Taking pictures at this temple (even on the outer premises) by DSLR or any other camera is restricted. If you want to take a photo with a DSLR, you have to pay a fee.
Here, food feasting, known as Prathal, is very famous. The cooking takes place in the big kitchen, and the food is served every day after the afternoon worship.
Notably, special worships are organized on Mondays and the occasions of Pradosha, Pournami, Thiruvathira, and Krishna Paksha Ashtami.