Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is ancient shiva temple located in Ettumanoor, Kottayam district in the state of Kerala, India.
Considered to be the oldest temple in the state of Kerala, the temple is believed to have been a common site of worship by the Pandavas and Sage Vyasa in the ancient days.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the shrine is popular for its spectacular murals, beautiful frescos and excellent wood carvings made in the 16th century, which are borrowed from the classic epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
The age-old lamp at the entrance of the temple is fed with oil by devotees every day; it was believed to have been lighted 450 years ago and has been burning ever since.
Renovated in 1542 AD (717 ME), the shrine is popular for its magnificent gopuram (monumental gatehouse tower), roofs covered in copper plates, a golden flagstaff and outstanding wall paintings.
The temple premises consist of a sanctum sanctorum, the chief idol of Lord Shiva, and smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi and Lord Shasta
Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is visited daily by thousands of devotees for holy darshan of Lord Shiva. This Temple festival falls in the month of Kumbha (February-March) and lasts for ten days.
Many devotees visits on 8th & 10th Day of the festival when Seven & Half Elephants(ezhara ponnana in Malayalam)made of gold will be displayed in the public view. Like other temples, the Nada also closes in afternoon and then opens again for darshan.
ALSO READ: ABOUT VADAKKUNNATHAN TEMPLE
Architecture of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The temple has superb frescoes and unique 16th-century wood sculptures based on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas epics. The worshippers fill the antique light at the temple’s entrance with oil every day.
The seven-and-a-half golden elephants known as Ezhara Ponnana are maintained in the temple vault and brought out once a year for viewing by worshippers.
The eight statuettes, seven of which stand two feet tall and the eighth of which stands half as tall (thus the name Ezhara (seven-and-a-half) Ponnana (Golden elephant), have a long history.
Quick Facts
- Address: Ettumanoor Temple Rd, Ettumanoor, Kerala 686631
- District: Kottayam
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Timings: 4:00 AM- 12 PM & 5PM – 8PM
- Deity: Shiva as Ettumanoorappan
- Entry Fee: Free
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: arattu festival
- Best Time to Visit: November To March
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Timings:
The following are the Ettumanoor temple timings. You can refer to the following table for the timings.
| Days | Temple Rituals | Temple Pooja Timings/Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Mon to Sun | Opening of Sreekovil | 04:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Nirmalyam | 04:00 to 04:30 |
| Mon to Sun | Abhishekam | 04:30 to 05:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Madhavippalli Pooja (Usha Pooja) | 05:30 to 06:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Ethruthu Pooja | 06:00 to 06:30 |
| Mon to Sun | Pantheeradi Pooja | 08:00 to 08:30 |
| Mon to Sun | Dhaara, Navakom etc | 10:00 to 10:30 |
| Mon to Sun | Ucha Pooja | 11:00 to 11:30 |
| Mon to Sun | Ucha Sree Bali | 11:30 to 12:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Reopening of Sreekovil | 17:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Deeparadhana | 18:30 to 19:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Athaazha Pooja | 19:30 to 20:00 |
| Mon to Sun | Athaazha Sree Bali | 20:00 to 20:30 |
ALSO READ: ABOUT GURUVAYUR TEMPLE
How to reach Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple?
By Air
Kochin International airport is the nearest airport to the temple which is located at 98km from the temple.
By Rail
Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest railway station 25km from the temple. Taxi and cabs are available for further commute.
By Road
The roads are really nice. One can travel by own car or opt for state run govt. buses.
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