The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Vaikom, Kottayam, Kerala, India. It is regarded as one of the significant Shiva temples, alongside the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple, all recognized for their spiritual potency and significance in the region.
It is believed that devotees who worship at all three temples—Vaikom, Ettumanoor, and Kaduthuruthy—before the Ucha puja will have all their wishes fulfilled. As one of the oldest temples in Kerala, Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is particularly renowned for its vibrant Vaikom Ashtami festival, which attracts numerous devotees each year.
The temple is one of the few places of worship that is highly revered by both Shaivas, the followers of Shiva, and Vaishnavas, the followers of Vishnu. In Vaikom, this unique blend of devotion showcases the temple's significance as a unifying spiritual center.
Shiva is affectionately known as Vaikkathappan, the lord of Vaikom. The lingam in this temple is believed to date back to the Treta Yuga, the second age of Hinduism, and it is regarded as one of the oldest temples in Kerala where worship has been continuously conducted since its establishment.