Vaikom

Vaikom is a capital town of Vaikom Taluk, situated in the northwest of Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India. The town is also noted for its role in the Indian independence movement for being the venue of Vaikom Satyagraha, a civil rights movement aimed at securing freedom of movement for all sections of society through the public roads leading to The famous Shiva temple situated here.LocationVaikom town is situated at the northwestern end of Kottayam district, close to Ernakulam district border. Its western border is the Lake Vembanad, and is crossed by various estuaries of the River Muvattupuzha. Vaikom is the oldest township in Kottayam district, and among the oldest in South India. Vaikom is also very close to the popular tourism destination Kumarakom. It is 37 from Ernakulam and 32 km from Kottayam and about from Kochi International Airport.Vaikom TempleThe Vaikom Shiva Temple, known as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Kashi), is the heart of the town, and is remarkable for the Vaikom Ashtami celebrations during November. It is notable as the venue of the Vaikom Agitation for achieving for the lower castes the right to walk on the roads surrounding the temple. One of the most popular temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was built in 1594.