.png?w=1440&dpr=2)
About Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple
Opening Hours:4 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Monday and weekends,4:30 AM to 5:00 AM or 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours approximately
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Ettumanoor Railway Station,2 km away.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, 75 km away.
Nearest Bus Stop: Ettumanoor Bus Station, 600 m away.
The Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple, one of Kerala’s major Shiva temples, is an ancient shrine in Kottayam. It is renowned for its magnificent Dravidian architecture, featuring a copper-plated roof and a golden flagstaff. The temple’s walls are adorned with elaborate mural paintings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, primarily from the great Indian epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. A visit to this sacred site is a must for those exploring places to visit in Kottayam.
It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared in eight different forms in this temple. The Pandavas and Sage Vyasa also worshipped here, making it a place of extraordinary culture and history. Legend has it that Sage Khara Prakasha, a disciple of Lord Parasurama, established this sacred shrine.
At the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Lord Shiva is revered in three distinct forms throughout the day. In the morning, he is worshipped as Ardhanareeswara. In the afternoon, he is honored as Kirathamoorthy. In the evening, he appears in the Samhara Mudra, each form representing a unique aspect of the deity.
It is known for the annual Arattu festival, which is celebrated for 10 days. The festival features grand celebrations, elephant processions, and traditional performances. It concludes with the Arattu ceremony, marking the end of the festivities.
Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple Highlights
• Offer your prayers to Lord Shiva at the Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple, one of the most revered temples in Kerala.
• Explore the beautiful architecture of the temple which is a beautiful blend of Dravidian architecture with mural paintings.
• Dwell into the temple's rich heritage and spirituality exploring the spacious pond, gardens offering extreme tranquility.
• Immerse yourself in the temple's annual festivities known as Arattu, a feast for the eyes with many grand celebrations.
• Learn the fascinating myths related to this 1,000 years old temple, believed to have been worshipped by Sage Vyasa and the Pandavas.
How To Reach Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple
By car/taxi- The Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple is located around 11 km from the city centre of Kottayam and can be reached in approximately 21 minutes via MC road.
By bus- You can take the A1 Travels bus from Kottayam which will drop you off at the Ettumanoor Bus Station in approximately 15 minutes. From there, you can take a short 9 minute walk to the temple, covering around 700 metres.
Best Time To Visit Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple
Peak Season (October to March):
- Weather insights- Pleasant weather, clear blue skies, mild breezes with temperatures between 15°C and 27°C.
- Things to do- Visit the temple, participate in rituals, attend the Ezhara Ponnana Festival.
Moderate Season (July to September):
- Weather insights- Moderate rainfall, potentially humid with temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
- Things to do- Visit the temple,participate in abhishekams and rituals.
Low Season (April to June):
- Weather insights- Hot and humid, high temperatures ranging between 24°C and 36°C.
- Things to do- Visit the temple, participate in abhishekams and rituals.
Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple Other Essential Information
Know before you go to Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple
- Check priorly for the wheel chair accessibility.
- Note that the temple can be crowded especially during festivals.
- Attend special poojas onsite without any prior bookings.
- Remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Ask the security or follow the signs for the parking facilities at the temple.
Visit the temple
Visit the Ettumanoor Shiva Temple to seek blessings from Lord Shiva, the main deity. The temple also houses idols of Bhagavathi, Sastha, Dakshinamoorthy, Ganapathy, and Yakshi, making it a revered site for devotees. Daily poojas like Ezhunnallathu and Abhishekam are performed with devotion. Its stunning Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate murals and carvings, adds to its spiritual and cultural significance.
Witness the EzharaPonnana
The Arattu festival, held twice a year at the Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple, is a grand 10-day celebration featuring Ezharaponnana, the ceremonial procession of seven-and-a-half golden elephant statuettes. It includes a majestic elephant procession, traditional performances, and religious rituals, concluding with the Arattu ceremony, where the deities receive a ceremonial bath in a nearby river or sea.
Tourism Board Alliances
Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple FAQs
What is the speciality of Ettumanoor Temple?
The Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, a Shiva temple, is renowned for its splendid and magnificent Dravidian-style architecture. It is considered extremely special because of the fresco of Pradosha Nritham. Another speciality of the temple is its annual Ezhara Ponnana festival, featuring seven and a half golden elephants.
What is the significance of Ettumanoor Temple?
The Ettumanoor Temple is a famous Shiva temple. It is believed that the Pandavas and Sage Vyasa worshipped here. The temple stands out for its Dravidian architecture, beautiful mural art, and the annual Ezhara Ponnana festival, which showcases golden elephant statues.
Which god is worshipped at the Ettumanoor Temple?
The Ettumanoor Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Mahadeva). It also houses other deities such as Bhagavathy, Sastha, Dakshinamoorthy, Ganapathy, and Yakshi.
What is the dress code to be followed at Ettumanoor Temple?
Men must wear a dhoti or mundu without a shirt, while women should wear a saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta. Avoid wearing modern attire like jeans or shorts to respect the local culture and norms.
.jpg?w=1280&dpr=1)
