Vaikathashtami Festival: Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kerala

Vaikathashtami Festival is dedicated towards worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of Shivalinga. The festival is celebrated at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kerala which is one of the oldest and extremely popular temples of Kerala both from religious and social perspectives.

Vaikathashtami Festival: Date

• 2024: 23 November, 2024 [Saturday]

The festival of Vaikathashtami or Vaikkath Asthami is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November – December). Lord Shiva, the main deity in the temple appears in three forms in the day – morning he is Dakshinamoorti, noon he is Kiratamurti and in the evening he is Sambhashivan along with Goddess Parvati. The temple of Vaikom Mahadeva is held in very high esteems among the Hindus. The Shivling established here is five feet in height, and is believed to have formed during the Treta Yuga.

Vaikathashtami, also known as Vaikathashtami or Vaikathashtami, is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the waxing moon in the month of Vaikasi (May-June) according to the Tamil calendar. The festival is particularly prominent in the state of Kerala, India.

The main event of the festival is the special worship of Lord Shiva at temples, especially at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, which is one of the most important shrines dedicated to Shiva in Kerala. The temple’s special rituals and ceremonies on this day draw thousands of devotees.

Vaikathashtami is marked by elaborate offerings, prayers, and processions, including the display of traditional art forms and performances. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and devotion, and the temple activities often include chanting, music, and other religious observances.

Although the festival of Vaikathashtami is celebrated for 12 days, but the Ashtami is the most important day. The sacred Ashtami day celebrations are held during the dark lunar fortnight of the Malayalam month Vrischikam (Sagittarius).

Colorful processions are carried out from one place to another, joined by different deities. The festival celebrations also include Dance performances and musical shows spreading throughout the night. Popular dance forms like Kathakali are also performed here.

The celebration of Vaikathashtami is marked by several significant events and rituals:

Temple Pooja:

Devotees visit temples, particularly the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, to participate in special pooja (prayer) ceremonies. The day starts with early morning rituals and continues with various offerings and prayers throughout the day.

Processions:

Temples often organize grand processions with decorated elephants, traditional music, and dance performances. These processions are a major highlight of the festival and attract a large number of devotees.

Devotional Activities:

Devotees engage in devotional singing, chanting of hymns, and recitation of scriptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special hymns and chants related to Shivas’ mythology are performed.

Offerings:

Offerings of flowers, fruits, and other items are made to Lord Shiva. Some devotees also perform special acts of charity and donate to the temple or other causes as a mark of devotion.

Traditional Performances:

Cultural performances, including traditional dance and music forms, are organized in the temple premises or surrounding areas. These performances are meant to honor the deity and add to the festive atmosphere.

Community Meals:

In some regions, community meals are organized where devotees come together to share food and celebrate the festival.

Overall, Vaikathashtami is a time for religious observance, community gathering, and cultural expression, emphasizing devotion and spiritual growth.

How to Reach?

Ernakulam is a major city in the state of Kerala, India, and is well-connected by various modes of transportation. Here’s how you can reach Ernakulam:

By Air:

Kochi International Airport (COK): This is the nearest airport to Ernakulam, located about 25 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or use other local transportation options like buses or trains to reach Ernakulam from the airport.

By Train:

Ernakulam Junction (ERS) and Ernakulam Town (ERN): These are the two main railway stations in Ernakulam. The city is well-connected to major cities across India by train, including cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. You can check train schedules and book tickets through the Indian Railways website or various travel booking apps.

By Road:

By Bus: Ernakulam is accessible by bus from various cities in Kerala and neighboring states. You can opt for government or private bus services. Major bus terminals in Ernakulam include the KSRTC Bus Station and various private bus stands.

By Car: You can drive to Ernakulam via National Highway 66 (NH 66), which connects it to other major cities. There are also rental car services available if you prefer to drive.

By Water:

Ferries: Ernakulam has a harbor, and you can also reach it via ferry services from nearby locations, such as the nearby islands and other coastal areas in Kerala.

Each mode of transportation has its own convenience and travel time, so you can choose based on your starting point and preferences.