Located in the spiritually vibrant town of Vaikom in Kerala’s Kottayam district, Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most powerful Shiva temples in South India. Revered by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, the temple is affectionately known as the abode of ‘Vaikkathappan’—Lord Shiva himself.
The temple forms a sacred triad with Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temples, and it is believed that worshipping all three temples before the Ucha Pooja (midday ritual) will grant all wishes of the devotee.
Temple Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple |
| Location | Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala – 686141 |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Vaikkathappan) |
| Architecture | Traditional Kerala Style |
| Famous Festival | Vaikathashtami (Next: December 12, 2025) |
| Managed By | Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) |
| Official Website | vaikomtemple.org |
Darshan Timings 2025
| Ritual/Session | Timings | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Opens | 04:30 AM | Mon–Sun |
| Morning Darshan | 04:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Mon–Sun |
| Afternoon Break | 11:30 AM – 05:00 PM | Mon–Sun |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Mon–Sun |
| Temple Closes | 08:00 PM | Mon–Sun |
Daily Pooja Schedule
| Pooja | Time |
|---|---|
| Palli Unarthal | 03:30 AM |
| Nadathurappu & Nirmalya | 04:00 AM |
| Ethirthu Pooja / Usha Pooja | 04:30 AM |
| Ethirthu Sribeli | 06:30 AM |
| Panthiradi Pooja | 07:30 AM |
| Navakam Pooja | 09:00 AM |
| Ucha Pooja & Abhishekam | 10:00 AM |
| Ucha Sribeli | 11:30 AM |
| Evening Reopening | 05:00 PM |
| Deeparadhana | 06:30 PM |
| Athazha Pooja | 07:00 PM |
| Athazha Sribeli | 08:00 PM |
Vazhipad (Seva) Offerings Price List
| Vazhipad Name | Malayalam Name | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Aaluvillaku | ആലുവിളക് | ₹550 |
| Abhishekam | അഭിഷേകം | ₹10 |
| Udayasthamana Pooja | – | ₹10,000 |
| Aravana Payasam | അരവണ പായസം | ₹50 |
| Ashtaabhishekam | അഷ്ടാഭിഷേകം | ₹100 |
| Mruthyunjaya Archana | മൃത്യുഞ്ജയ അർച്ചന | ₹30 |
| Sahasranama Archana | സഹസ്രനാമ അർച്ചന | ₹40 |
| Shankhabhishekam | ശംഖാഭിഷേകം | ₹25 |
| Palpayasam | പാൽപായസം | ₹40 |
| Ganapathy Homam | ഗണപതി ഹോമം | ₹60 |
| Vivaham (Marriage) | വിവാഹം | ₹1,500 |
| Mathaparivarthanam (Conversion) | മതപരിവർത്തനം | ₹151 |
📝 For the full list of offerings (over 50), devotees are encouraged to check directly at the temple or official website.
How to Book Vaikom Temple Darshan Online
Though direct online darshan booking is not yet fully integrated, the temple allows guest booking requests through their portal. Here’s how:
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Visit the official site: www.vaikomtemple.org
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Click on “Guest Book” on the homepage.
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Fill in your name, mobile number, email, and address.
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Mention your darshan or seva request in the message box.
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Click Send. The temple team will contact you for further confirmation.
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If approved, proceed to make payment and plan your visit.
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Your name may appear in the Guest List section once confirmed.
🔔 For now, most offerings and darshan are best booked on-premises.
Vaikathashtami Festival 2025 – Mark Your Calendar!
Vaikathashtami, one of Kerala’s most spiritually significant festivals, will be observed on December 12, 2025.
Highlights include:
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Vadakkupurathu Pattu – A 12-day Kalamezhuthu Pattu performed every 12 years
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Ritualistic offerings to Goddess Bhadrakali
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Cultural processions, Guruthi ceremonies, and devotional songs
The festival attracts lakhs of devotees and is a true display of Kerala’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Contact Details
| Purpose | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Temple Office | ☎ 04829-215812 |
| Not Available | |
| Official Website | www.vaikomtemple.org |
| Location | Vaikom, Kerala – 686141 |
Why Visit Vaikom Mahadeva Temple?
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Ancient Shiva temple worshipped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites
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Daily Poojas, affordable Vazhipads, and spiritual environment
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Close to Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy Temples – ideal for tri-temple pilgrimage
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Home of the grand Vaikathashtami festival
FAQs
Q1. Is there online booking for darshan or pujas?
There is a request-based booking system on the temple’s official website. Direct booking is available at the temple counter.
Q2. What is the best time to visit?
Visit early morning for Nirmalya Darshan (around 4:30 AM) or evening after 5:00 PM for Deeparadhana.
Q3. What are popular poojas here?
Abhishekam, Mruthyunjaya Archana, Ganapathy Homam, and Udayasthamana Pooja are highly sought-after.
Q4. Can I perform a wedding here?
Yes, Vivaham (Marriage Seva) is conducted for a fee of ₹1,500.
Q5. What’s special about Vaikathashtami?
It is the most important festival held annually, with rituals, processions, and special poojas attracting thousands of devotees.