The Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Vaikom Kerala is one of the most famous Shiva temples which is located in South India. this temples commanding great respect throughout the region. It forms an integral part of the Vaikom-Ashtami festival that brings crowds of people to the place every year. The temple opens daily from 4:00 AM to 12:00 noon and then again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and thus devotees can attend darshan at these hours. Darshan of Lord Shiva, called Vaikathappan here is very auspicious, especially Mondays as the Tuesdays are specially sacred to the devotees of Shiva. It is an open entry to everyone, thus accessible by all.
Apart from daily darshan the temple also offers special poojas and sevas that have great spiritual significance. Among them are Udayasthamana Pooja for a day at ₹10,000 and Rudrabhishekam at about ₹300. The grand Vaikom-Ashtami festival is held every year during November-December for 12 days. In that period, the devotees visit the temple in hordes, and the count goes beyond 20,000 in a single day. And since it is more than a thousand years old, the temple is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the culture of Kerala.
Shirdi Sai Baba Free Darshan Passes Online Booking 2025
Overiew table on Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Darshan:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vaikom, Kerala, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Vaikathappan) |
| Temple Timings | 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Special Days | Mondays and Tuesdays |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Popular Sevas/Poojas | Udayasthamana Pooja (₹10,000), Rudrabhishekam (₹300) |
| Major Festival | Vaikom-Ashtami |
| Festival Duration | 12 Days (November-December) |
| Peak Devotee Count | Over 20,000 visitors on peak festival days |
| Historical Significance | Over 1,000 years old; considered a cultural symbol of Kerala |
Sevas and Darshan Options available at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple:
| Seva/Darshan | Description | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Udayasthamana Pooja | A full-day ritual | ₹10,000 |
| Rudrabhishekam | A special abhishekam | ₹300 |
| Mahaganapathi Homam | A ritual offered to Lord Ganesha | ₹500 |
| Mrityunjaya Homam | A powerful pooja | ₹1,000 |
| Sahasranama Archana | Chanting of the thousand names | ₹100 |
| Ashtabhishekam | Eight forms of abhishekam | ₹1,200 |
| Daily Darshan | Free entry for general darshan | Free |
| Special Darshan | Priority darshan | Varies by event |
Important Timings
| Timing | Activity |
|---|---|
| 3:30 AM | Palli Unarthal |
| 4:00 AM | Nadathurappu Nirmalya Darsana |
| 6:30 AM | Ethirthu Sribeli |
| 7:30 AM | Panthiradi Pooja |
| 9:00 AM | Navakam Pooja |
| 10:00 AM | Ucha Pooja Abhisheka |
| 11:30 AM | Ucha Sribeli |
| 12:00 PM | Temple Closing |
| 5:00 PM | Temple Reopens |
| 6:30 PM | Deeparadhana |
| 7:00 PM | Athaza Pooja |
| 8:00 PM | Athaza Sribeli |
| 9:00 PM |
Official website :- CLICK HERE
Step-by-step Guide to Book Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Darshan
- first of you have to Go to the official website of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple or the Kerala Devaswom Board website: https://kshrdb.com
- after that On the home page you have to look for the “Online Services” or “Darshan Booking” section.
- Click on “Darshan Booking” or “Vaikom Mahadeva Temple” if available in the list of temples under the menu bar section.
- Select the date and time slot when you want to visit the temple, include the important notices.
- Choose the number of people for darshan on the bar.
- Type your name, age, gender, ID proof number (like Aadhaar or Voter ID) and mobile number.
- If the darshan is paid (like for special darshan), pay using UPI, debit card, or net banking.
- If it is free darshan, you can just confirm your booking.
- After booking, your darshan ticket will be shown on the screen.
- Download the ticket or take a screenshot. You may also get it by email or SMS.
- On the day of your darshan, reach the temple at least 30 minutes before your time slot.
- Carry a printed ticket or show the mobile ticket at the counter.
- Carry a valid ID proof with you.
How to Reach Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
In Kottayam district, Kerala, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is situated at Vaikom. Air, train or bus can be used to get you to the temple.
- By Air: Cochin international airport, which is approximately 60 km away, is the nearest Airport. There are taxis or buses available that can be used to go to Vaikom when coming out of the airport.
- On the Train: The nearest railway station is Vaikom Road Railway Station and the distance between the temple and railway station is 12.5 km. Another is Kottayam Railway Station which is about 30-35 km distance. You can either pick a taxi or ride on a local bus to the temple either of station.
- Bus: The bus station of Vaikom is only 1km away. A large number of state and private buses join Vaikom with main cities such as Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alleppey. The bus station is close to the temple and you can walk or use the auto-rickshaw.
- Taxi/Car: Vaikom is road well connected. You can drive to the temple or take a taxi (at Kottayam, 35 km or at Ernakulam, 40 km). The highways are in good condition and it is not difficult to drive there.
The temple has visiting hours of 4 am 11.30 am and 5 pm 8 pm. Dress properly: men dress up in a dhoti (shirtless) and women in a sari and salwar kameez.
