Om Namah Shivay: Worshipping Shiva at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

If serenity could be captured in architecture, then Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kerala is the perfect example of it. Sprawling over eight acres of land, this ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva is situated on the banks of Lake Vembanad. While the massive strong pillars of the temple instil a feeling of awe, the soft sand from the river bed in the expansive courtyards makes one feel the warmth and kindness of the god. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the biggest temples in South India and along with Ettumanoor Shiva and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadev temples, forms an important triangle for pilgrims. Every year in the month of October and November, the famous Vaikathashtami Festival adds immense grandeur to this famous Hindu temple in Kerala.
 

​Vaikathashtami Festival is actually celebrated on the eighth day or ashtami in the month of Vrischikam. However, the rituals carry on for around twelve days. People from far off places come to worship the five feet tall shivlinga, which is believed to belong to the Treta Yug! The significance of the festival lies in the popular legend that states that on this day Lord Shiva along with his wife Parvati gave darshan to sage Vyakrapada. Thus, devotees from all over the country come to seek blessings on this auspicious day. The proceedings of the festival are simply grand. The whole temple is lit up with diyas arranged in the shape of an Om and the venue reverberates with the chants of “Om Namah Shivay”. Lord Shiva is worshipped in his three different avatars. In the morning he is worshipped as Dakshinamoorti, in the afternoon as Kiratamurti and in the evening as Sambhashivan along with Goddess Parvati.

The processions in the evening are outstanding and enchanting. Picture a queue of lavishly decorated elephants carrying golden statues of Lord Shiva. A large number of priests and devotees carry huge lamps with flickering flames, all chanting shlokas and bhajans tirelessly. After the long and elaborate pooja, people can sit back and enjoy the vibrant dances that go on till late into the night and also shop at the local fairs, which sell indigenous fare of decorations and jewellery.
 

This highly revered temple of Indian God Shiva in Kerala has several interesting stories and legends attached to it. For example, it is believed that the temple has a closed door, which was shut when a proud and obnoxious man came to the temple and spat betel leaves in order to disrupt the pooja. He was then mysteriously captured and killed and people were ordered by a divine voice to never open the door again.

Shrouded in mystery and legends, this Shiva temple and the festival make for an interesting destination to be experienced on your next trip to Kerala. Plan your trip around Vaikatahshtami so that you can partake in the enchanting celebrations. Vaikom Makhadev Temple is just 35 kilometres from Kochi and 40 kilometres from Kottayam. Check out cheap air tickets, bus services and hotels in Kochi and Kottayam at MakeMyTrip.com.