Vaikom Holidays
¤ Vaikom--A Place of Religious
Significance
Shiva Temple
Also known as Dakshina Kasi, Vaikom is a place of great religious
importance. A famous Shiva Temple in the area is its sole claim to
fame. The temple is built in the Kerala style of architecture. While
the garbagriha (a temple sanctuary) is surmounted by a golden stupa
(dome shaped), a golden staff that measures 19.5m dominates the
surrounding landscape. Traces of a few paintings might be seen on the
exterior of the garbagriha. A 1m high Shiva linga (phallic symbol
representing Shiva, the Destroyer) is the main deity of the temple.
The Festival Celebration
The temple celebrates two Ashtami festivals during the months of
Kumbham (February-March) and Vrischikam (November-December).
Multitudes of people come from far and wide to pay homage to Lord
Shiva. According to the local lore, Parasuram, the legendary founder
of Kerala erected the sacred temple at Vaikom. He is said to have
discovered the sacred linga in the shallow waters of the Vembanad
Lake. He consecrated the linga at the site where the present temple is
standing.
The ceremony of Sahasrakalasam is still celebrated in the temple with
great fervour and devotion. During the final day of the festival, a
procession of the idol is taken out on the back of a magnificently
caparisoned elephant. Other richly decorated elephants follow in the
steps of the leader. |
