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...
Location
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple locates in a serene forest grove near Haripad in Alappuzha district, Kerala, India, spanning 16 acres.
Address
The address is Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Mannarasala P.O, Haripad, Kerala 690514, with contact at +91 479 241 3214 .
It offers wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms.
History and Legend
Lord Parasurama consecrated the temple to honor serpent gods Nagaraja and Sarpayakshini after they blessed Kerala's fertile land. Nagaraja promised eternal presence, leading to over 30,000 snake idols across the grounds. A unique matriarchal tradition features the senior Brahmin woman, Mannarasala Amma, as priestess conducting rituals.
Timings and Rituals
The temple operates daily from 4:30am-11:00am and evenings like 5:30pm-7:00pm (Saturdays) or up to 8:00pm (Sundays), with a 4.8 rating from 16,963 reviews.
Devotees offer Uruli for fertility blessings and Nurum Palum during festivals like Mannarasala Utsavam. It attracts pilgrims seeking relief from snake-related issues and prosperity .
How to reach Mannarasala from Kochi Airport
Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple lies about 115-120 km from Kochi International Airport (COK), near Haripad in Alappuzha district, Kerala. Travelers typically reach it via taxi, bus, train, or a combination, with total travel times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the mode.
Distance and Duration
The road distance is approximately 115 km, with driving taking 1 hour 44 minutes under normal conditions. Bus or train options extend to 2-3 hours including transfers.
By Taxi or Car
Hire a prepaid taxi or cab directly from Kochi Airport to Haripad/Mannarasala for the fastest option, costing ₹2,600-₹3,300 for a sedan or SUV. Drive via NH66 toward Alappuzha; the temple is 2-3 km southeast of Haripad bus/rail stations. Services like B Cabs or local operators provide on-demand rides.
By Bus
Take a KSRTC bus from the airport to Ernakulam South (30-45 minutes), then another to Haripad (2 hours 7 minutes, ₹80-250). From Haripad bus stand, an auto-rickshaw covers the final 2-3 km to the temple. Total cost: ₹650-₹1,000. �By TrainBoard a train from Aluva station (near airport, reachable by bus/taxi in 30 minutes) to Haripad (2 hours, ₹80-₹1,200).
Nearest Main Railway station is in Alappuzha.From Alappuzha passenger can travel to nearest local station Harippad. Trains run every 4 hours via Indian Railways; from Haripad station, autos go the remaining 2 km.
