Today is the famous Vaikathashtami
Vaikom Mahadeva temple
Vaikkom, Kerala.
#Thread
The Vaikom Mahadeva temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Vaikom’s Shiva is fondly called Vaikkathappan. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be from the ‘Treta yuga’.

The temple, along with Ettumanoor Siva Temple & Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful trisome.

Legend is...

Khara, an asura did severe penance.
Thus Siva, who was pleased gave him three Lingas.

Khara carried Shivalingas one each in either hands and one by his neck. He got tired on his way back and put the Lingas down and rested a while. When he woke up, he realised that he was not able to take the Lingas out. These three Lingas, are worshiped at Vaikom, Kaduthuruthy and

Ettumanoor in Kottayam district. A visit to these three temples before 'ucha puja', is very auspicious. 

Vaikathashtami is famous festival here.
Vaikathashtami is celebrated on the day of Krishna Ashtami

@OmTheReality @Nidhi7007 @DivineElement

The legend behind the festival is, years ago saint Vyaghrapada prayed to Shiva for many years. Atlast Shiva and Parvathy Devi appeared in front of him on the day of Krishna Ashtami, Thus it is called Vaikathashtami.