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...
The Pana Festival, also known as Pallipana, is a unique ritualistic event held every 12 years at the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala, India.
Festival Details
Performed by Velans (traditional sorcerers or ritual specialists), it involves intense devotional dances, trance-like invocations, and offerings to invoke divine blessings and ward off evil. The Festival spans about two weeks with dramatic performances using drums and chants, drawing large crowds for its mystical atmosphere.
Historical Context
Originating from ancient Kerala traditions, Pallipana commemorates protective rites linked to the temple's history during turbulent times, such as invasions. It occurs alongside the temple's famous Palpayasam offering, enhancing the spiritual experience.
Significance and timing
Devotees believe participation cleanses sins and brings prosperity, making it a highlight beyond annual festivals like Arattu.
The Pallipana festival aligns with the temple's annual Arattu festival in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April), specifically on the Thiruvonam star day, where Velans perform the ritual.
Upcoming Pallipana
The last Pallipana took place in 2014. After the 12-year cycle, the next is expected to be held in the months of March - April 2026.
Foreign tourists regularly visit the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala, drawn by its serene atmosphere, traditional architecture, and famous Pal Payasam offering.
How to get to Ambalpuzha Sreekrishna Swami Temple
Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple lies about 98 km from Kochi Airport (COK), reachable in 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the mode.
Fastest Options
Taxi or drive takes 1 hour 29 minutes and costs ₹120–150 (about $1.50–2), offering direct access via NH66.
Bus
Take a bus from Angamaly (near airport) to Ernakulam (47 min, ₹2–7), then bus to Ambalapuzha (1h 43m, ₹5–11); total 2h 53m for ₹34–50.
Train
Train from Aluva railway station (short ride from airport) to Ambalapuzha railway station takes 1h 40m (₹8–70).
Prepaid and Rental Cabs
Apps like Uber,Ola and MakeMyTrip offer airport cabs to Alappuzha for ₹1660 (around $20), including AC sedans. Services like Savaari provide one-way rentals from Kochi.