Kottayam -> Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the most
famous Siva temples in South India. Vaikom is in Kottayam district of
Kerala and is at a distance of 40 km north of Kottayam. Vaikom Mahadevar
manifests himself as Dakshinamurthy in the panthirati pooja in the
morning, as Kiraata Murthy during the Uchcha pooja at noon and as
Satchitananda in the evening.
Vaikom Mahadeva temple is situated in about 8 acres of land and has four
gopurams, with a very large 'Oottupura" where "Prathal" (feast offered to
devotees) is given to all those who come in. So the Vaikom Mahadevan is
also known as "Annadhanaprabhu" (Public feeding).
Vaikom temple has some historic importance also. The well-known "Vaikom
Satyagraha" is held in this temple in 1924, in which Gandhiji took part.
The Sathyagraha was for demanding equal right for all Hindus to enter the
temple.
The utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve days during the dark
lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, (November-December) the Ashtami falling on
the last day. During the night on the Ashtami day the deities of the
neighbouring temples will be ceremoniously brought in procession to Vaikom
temple. This is a very colourful and very important function. At dusk of
the Ashtami day, Vaikathappan is taken out in procession and is kept in
the Aanakkottil, where the other deities from the nearby temples would
also be assembled. A ceremony called Kanikkiduka (offering of presents) is
performed, which is unique to the Vaikom temple.
A procession at night from the nearby Udayanapuram Subramanya temple
involves the meeting of Shiva and Subramanya in celebration of
Subramanya's victory over the demons. No poojas are carried out on the
Ashtami festival inside the Vaikom temple as it is believed that Mahadeva
fasts, feeds guests and prays for his son's victory in the battle against
demons.
It is said that the great Rishi Khara, while bathing in the sea,
discovered three Lingams. He installed one in Vaikom, second at
Kadathuruthi and the last at Ettumanur . These three places are
equidistant from one another. And it is believed to be auspicious to visit
these three temples on a single day in the order
Vaikom-kadathuruthi-Ettumanur. Vaikom temple is exquisite in its
sculptures and carvings. The Siva lingam inside the sanctum sanctorum is a
huge one. It is believed that Sage Parasurama built these structures in
Vaikom Temple.
Vaikom can be reached from both Kochi and Kottayam. Kochi is nearer to
Vaikom. A good number of Private and Transport buses are running between
Kochi and Vaikom. There are also bus services to Kottayam.
View
Vaikom Temple Photos |
