The famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is situated in Kottayam district, Kerala, on the shores of Vembanad lake. It has with it some of the vibrating moments of history since the famous Vaikom Satyagraham in 1924 demanding equal right for all Hindus to enter the temple was held here.

It is believed that Vaikom gets its name from Vyaghra Pada, the sage who carried the idol of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity, to the temple. The temple, with exquisite sculptures and carvings celebrates two Ashtami (the eighth day of waning moon) festivals every year- one in the month of Kumbha and the other in the month of Vrischika according to the Malayalam calender. The latter one is more prominent and colourful.