Indian Temples : Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple Kottayam, Kerala- Highlights

 


The Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple, located in Kottayam district of Kerala, is one of the most ancient and important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Renowned for its majestic Dravidian-style architecture, exquisite murals, and sacred rituals, it holds immense spiritual, cultural, and artistic significance. The temple is particularly famous for its “Ezhara Ponnana” (seven and a half golden elephants) procession and for being one of the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Lord Parasurama.

The presiding deity here, Ettumanoorappan (Lord Shiva), is worshipped in his supreme cosmic form — as Dakshinamurthy, the divine teacher. The temple is not only a center of deep devotion but also a symbol of Kerala’s architectural heritage and Shaiva tradition.

History in Detail

The origins of the Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple date back to at least the 7th–8th century CE, though the legends surrounding it are even older. It is believed that Sage Vyasa and the Pandavas from the Mahabharata once worshipped here, which is why the place has been revered since mythological times.

According to legend, Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, constructed 108 Shiva temples across Kerala to sanctify the land after reclaiming it from the sea — Ettumanoor is considered one of these divine shrines.

The temple’s current structure is believed to have been rebuilt in the 16th century (around 1542 CE) under the patronage of local kings and scholars. During this period, the temple gained prominence not just as a place of worship but as a center of art and learning. The famous wall paintings and murals that adorn its walls were created around this time, including the celebrated Nataraja mural — one of the finest depictions of Lord Shiva in the cosmic dance form.

The temple has also been mentioned in the songs and writings of ancient Malayalam poets, including references in the works of Unnuneeli Sandesam and Ezhuthachan. Over centuries, the temple remained under the protection of local rulers and later came under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Significance

  • Spiritual Power:
    Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple is believed to be a place where Lord Shiva manifests his energy in its most auspicious form. Devotees visit to seek blessings for health, wisdom, and liberation from worldly sufferings.

  • Dakshinamurthy Form:
    The deity faces west, representing Lord Shiva as the divine teacher (Guru), symbolizing enlightenment and knowledge.

  • Ezhara Ponnana (Seven and a Half Golden Elephants):
    The temple’s most famous treasure — seven life-sized golden elephants and one half-sized elephant — is believed to have been donated by the Travancore Maharaja. They are brought out in a grand procession once a year during the Festival of Arattu.

  • Powerful Lamp (Akam Vilakku):
    Inside the sanctum, a perpetual lamp burns continuously. The lamp’s flame is said to be centuries old, and its ghee is believed to have healing properties. Devotees often take a small amount of it as prasadam.

  • Artistic Heritage:
    The temple is celebrated for its magnificent mural paintings, especially the one depicting Shiva as Nataraja, hailed as one of the most beautiful artworks in Kerala’s mural tradition.

Temple Architecture and Details

The Ettumanoor temple is a classic example of traditional Kerala temple architecture with its copper-roofed sanctum, wooden carvings, and stone sculptures.

  • Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum):
    The sanctum houses the Shivalinga, which is self-manifested (Swayambhu). The walls around the sanctum are adorned with murals that depict various forms of Shiva and other deities.

  • Namaskara Mandapam:
    This elaborately carved wooden hall is supported by beautifully sculpted pillars and ceilings that illustrate scenes from Hindu mythology.

  • Temple Gopuram:
    The outer gateway has wooden carvings and copper roofing, typical of Kerala architecture.

  • Sub-Shrines:
    The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to Ganapathi, Bhagavathy, Sastha (Ayyappa), Dakshinamurthy, and Naga deities.

  • Murals and Artworks:
    The famous “Shiva as Nataraja” mural, located on the outer wall of the sanctum, is a masterpiece of 16th-century Kerala mural painting — glowing with vibrant colors and intricate symbolism.

  • Festivals:

    • Ettumanoor Utsavam (Annual Festival): Celebrated in February–March (Malayalam month of Kumbham).
    • Ezhara Ponnana Darshanam: The seven and a half golden elephants are displayed on the eighth day of the festival.
    • Arattu Festival: Marks the ceremonial bathing of the deity, concluding the annual celebration with grandeur.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Main Poojas:

  • Nirmalyam: 4:00 AM
  • Usha Pooja: 7:00 AM
  • Ucha Pooja: 11:30 AM
  • Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM
  • Athazha Pooja: 8:00 PM

Special Ritual:

  • Ezhara Ponnana Darshanam – conducted annually during the temple festival.
  • Akam Vilakku oil collection – devotees receive sacred lamp ghee as a blessing.

Connectivity

  • By Air:
    The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (approximately 77 km) from Kottayam.

  • By Rail:
    Kottayam Railway Station is about 11 km away, well connected to major cities in Kerala and South India.

  • By Road:
    The temple is easily accessible via NH 183. Regular buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws operate from Kottayam town to Ettumanoor. KSRTC buses connect it with Kochi, Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Legacy

The Ettumanoor Mahadev Temple stands as a spiritual and artistic treasure of Kerala. It represents not just devotion to Lord Shiva but also the state’s ancient cultural and architectural excellence.

For centuries, devotees have considered the deity Ettumanoorappan as their guiding force — a source of wisdom, health, and prosperity. The temple’s mystical lamp, divine murals, and sacred rituals have preserved Kerala’s Shaiva and artistic traditions through generations.

The temple continues to inspire poets, artists, and pilgrims alike, symbolizing faith, continuity, and divine grace — a true gem in the sacred geography of Kerala.



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