Vaikom Mahadevar Temple, Kottayam District

The Vaikom Mahadevar temple is one of the most celebrated Shiva temples in South India.

Vaikom Mahadevar manifests himself as Dakshinamurthy in the panthiradi pooja in the morning,as Kiraata Murthy during Uchcha pooja and as Satchitananda in the evening.

The annual festival is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (Nov - Dec), and the twelfth day of the festival is Vaikathashtami. Mukkudi Nivedyam, an offering made to the lord in connection with the festival is renowned.

Some herbs combined and made into a powder using a secret formula, is offered to the Lord of Vaikom by Vellodu Illathu Moos. The Mukkudi is considered a great medicine and is prepared in the Thidappally in a new earthen pot and mixed with fresh butter milk. This is offered during the afternoon puja, after the famous Aarattu.

Web : http://www.vaikomtemple.org/