Vaikom Mahadeva Temple: Kerala's Timeless Shrine of Lord Shiva Nestled in the historic town of Vaikom in Kerala's Kottayam district, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple stands as one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in South India. Known affectionately as Vaikkathappan Temple , this sacred shrine is not merely a place of worship but also a symbol of Kerala's rich spiritual heritage, architectural brilliance, and social history. A Temple Steeped in Antiquity Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is believed to date back thousands of years, with traditions tracing its origins to the Treta Yuga. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped here in the form of a sacred Shiva Lingam. Devotees lovingly refer to the deity as Vaikkathappan , meaning "the Lord of Vaikom." The temple occupies a prominent place among Kerala's most sacred Shiva temples. It forms part of the renowned trio of Shiva temples in central Kerala, alongside Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple and Kaduthuruthy Thaliyi...
Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple (ആറന്മുള ശ്രീ പാർത്ഥസാരഥി ക്ഷേത്രം) is one of the most important and ancient temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Parthasarathy (the charioteer of Arjuna).
Location
Aranmula village, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala Situated on the western bank of the holy river Pamba
Deity
Main deity is Lord Vishnu as Parthasarathy (Krishna as charioteer of Arjuna). The idol is believed to be worshipped by Arjuna himself after the Mahabharata war.
Historical & Religious Importance
One of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in the works of Alvars).
Part of the Panchapandava temples in Kerala:
Triprangode (Yudhishtira)
Thiruvalla (Bhima)
Aranmula (Arjuna)
Thirukadithanam (Nakula)
Thiruvanvandoor (Sahadeva)
Major Festivals & Traditions
Aranmula Uthrattathi Boat Race (Vallamkali)
Famous Palliyodam (snake boat) race held on the Pamba river during Onam season (usually Uthradam day)
Unique feature: boats are offered to the Lord and race in his honour
Vijnana Kalavedi (cultural festival)
Classical music, dance, and traditional art forms
Garuda Seva
Held on the 10th day of the Malayalam month Dhanu (December–January)
Aranmula Kannadi
The temple is closely associated with the famous handcrafted Aranmula metal mirror (Aranmula kannadi), a GI-tagged craft made using a secret traditional alloy of copper and tin. The artisans claim the technique was originally taught by the temple priests.
Unique Features
The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war as an act of atonement.
The temple has four entrances (east, west, north, south) but the main entrance is from the east.
The idol is said to face Kovilakam (the palace) on the opposite bank of the river.
How to Reach
Nearest railway station: Chengannur (≈ 10 km)
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (≈ 110 km)
Well connected by road from Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, etc.
Best Time to Visit
During Onam season (August–September) for boat race
December–January for Garuda Seva
The temple has a very serene and spiritual atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the temple bells and the river create a divine ambiance.