Location
Vaikam Mahadeva temple is the most famous Shiva temple in the Central Kerala and is located at Vaikam, a historical town near to Chottanikkara. Mythological stories relate Parasuraman, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to the installation of Shiva linga at this place. Other mythology relates the origin of this temple to Kharasuran, who installed three Shiva temples at the corners of an equilateral triangle, Vaikam, Ettumanur and Kaduthurithy.
The deity in Vaikam Mahadeva temple is also known as Vaikuntappan, from which Vaikkom is derived. Vaikam temple is a temple in which huge flow of pilgrims is observed all through the year. The temple encloses a 'Sanctum sanctorum', mandapam, five enclosures (prakaram) and a tower.