Vaikom

Vaikom is a place of great religious importance. A famous Shiva Temple in the area, Vaikom Mahadevar Temple also known as Dakshina Kasi, is a major pilgrim destination. The temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. While the Garbagriha is surmounted by a golden Stupa, a golden staff that measures 19.5m dominates the surrounding landscape. Traces of a few paintings might be seen on the exterior of the Garbagriha. A 1m high Shiva Linga (a phallic symbol representing Shiva, the Destroyer) is the main deity of the temple. Legend has it that Khara of Ramayana worshipped Shiva at Chidambaram and obtained from him three Shivalingams and journeyed holding one shivalingam on each hand and one in his mouth. He sojourned Vaikom and set the shiva lingam on the ground and to his dismay realized that it had gotten rooted to the ground. Kharan, therefore, installed the other two shiva lingams at Ettumanur and Kaduthuruthy. He entrusted the shiva lingam at Vaikom to the care of Vyagrapadar. Vaikom therefore acquired the name Vyagrapuri which ultimately became Vaikom for short. Please note: Kochi Taxi 24/7 offers best affordable and cheap taxi service from Kochi - Cochin, Ernakulam Railway stations and Cochin International Airport to Vaikom and its nearby places