This
famous Mahadeva Temple is at Vaikom in Kottayam District. It is believed that
Kharasura was given three Siva Lingas by the Lord himself who was pleased with
his devotion. Khara carried one in each hand and the third around his neck. As
he was travelling south from the Himalayas, he rested for a while. When he
tried to take the lingas and go further he found that the lingas had got stuck
to the ground. So, he entrusted the lingas with Maharshi Vyaghrapada who was
following him. The Sage continued
more
to worship the lingas given to him. On an
Ashtami day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Vrichika, Lord Mahadeva and
Goddess Parvati appeared before Vyaghrapada. The Lord announced that the place
will be known as Vyaghrapadapura. It is believed that the linga that Khara
carried in his right hand is worshipped at Vaikom. The one in the left hand is
worshipped at Ettumanoor and the one around his neck is consecrated at
Kaduthuruthy. The fact that the distance from, Vaikom to Kaduthuruthy and from
there to Ettumanoor is the same adds credibility to the belief. Hence it is
believed that worshipping in all the three temples on the same day is as
beneficial as a darshan of the Lord at Kailas. Vyaghrapada left on a pilgrimage
after some time. Then Parasurama arrived there and realized the divine presence
in the place. He consecrated the linga there. Lord Siva appeared there and
declared that the presence of Shaiva Vaishnava chaithanya would be there for
the blessing of the devotees as the Siva Linga had been consecrated by
Parasurama, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is believed that it was Parasurama who
built the temple and decided upon the rituals to be followed. Then he left the
temple with the Brahmins
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