Vaikathashtami

Vaikom Mahadevar Temple (40km from Kottayam) on the shores of Vembanad lake celebrates two Ashtami festivals annually - one in Kumbham and the other in Vrischikam. The ashtami celebrated in the malayalam month Vrischikam (November/December) i.e the Vaikathashtami is more prominent. It is celebrated to commemorate the legend that it was on this day that Parasurama, the founder of the temple granted boons to the sage. The highlight of this 12 day long colourful festival is the elephant processions carrying the image of Lord Shiva. Another procession from the nearby Muruka temple of Udayanapuram joins with this. Devotees gather together to witness this unique event believing that it is the meeting of Lord Shiva and his son Lord Subrahmania. Musical ensembles, fireworks, Kathakali, Ottamthullal, Pathakam, Velakali and several programmes were held during the festive days.