Ettumanoor - Mahadeva Temple - Kerala

Among the other murals of the temple, the most outstanding one is the painting at the gopuram of the temple that depicts Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer - Nataraja and is one of the finest Wall painting in India. The ten-day long Arattu festival is the most significant celebration of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. 'Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu' is one of the biggest highlights of the Arattu Festival of this temple during which seven-and-a-half golden elephants are displayed for darshan for the devotees.

History

There are a lot of myths and legends behind the history of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. But the popular one is related to an Asura named Khara. It is said that Khara got three Shivalingas from Lord Shiva himself. He set off to Kerala with all three Shivalingas, holding one each in his right and left hand and the third one by his teeth. After reaching Kerala, Khara consecrated the three Shivalingas in three different places on the same day, the one in his right hand at Vaikom (Vaikom Mahadeva Temple), the one in his left hand in Ettumanoor (Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple), and the one held by his teeth in Kaduthruthy (Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple). It is believed that Khara turned into a deer and started worshipping the Gods after sanctifying all the three Shivalingas. It is said that the God in Ettumanoor took the deer in his hand and as a mark of appreciation, held him in that spot. Since then the place is known as Udhruthaina Puram or Ettumanoor, meaning the place where the deer was lifted.

Speciality

• The main speciality of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is its magnificent architecture.
• The interior and exterior of the temple are adorned with amazing Dravidian mural paintings.
• The fresco of Pradosha Nritham (Dance of Shiva) is the most admired paintings of the temple and is one of the finest Wall painting in India.
• In terms of engineering skills, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple stands out to be an ultimate testament for the Vishwakarma Sthapathis.
• The golden flagstaff of the temple is another architectural marvel with the idol of a bull on the top surrounded by small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree.
• The roof of the temple has 14 ornamental tops and are covered with copper sheets.
• It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher wrote the famous Soundarya Lahari while staying at this temple.
• 'Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu' is one of the biggest highlights of the Arattu Festival of this temple during which seven-and-a-half golden elephants are displayed for darshan for the devotees.
• These seven-and-a-half elephants weigh close to 13 Kg and are made in pure gold.
• There is an age-old lamp at the entrance of the temple which is believed to have been lighted 450 years ago and is still fed with oil by the devotees every day.

Festivals

Arattu Festival is the main festival celebrated at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple with much passion, devotion and enthusiasm. This 10-day festival is celebrated every year on the Thiruvathira day that falls between the months of February and March. The temple witnesses the maximum crowd on the 8th and 10th day of the festival because of the display of the seven-and-a-half golden elephants, colloquially known as Ezharaponnana. These elephants weigh close to 13 Kg and are made in pure gold. The display of the Ezhara Ponnana in the Asthana Mandapam at midnight for darshan by the devotees is the most important part of the Arattu Festival of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. These sculptures of seven-and-a-half golden elephants were donated to the temple along with other valuable possessions by the Travancore Maharaja, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma.

Timings

Dress Code

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple follows a strict dress code. Traditional Indian clothes are the most preferred attire for men and women visiting the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Men are not allowed to wear shirts or vests while entering the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. Women can wear traditional sarees or North Indian suits.

Way To Reach

 By Air -  Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple which is situated at a distance of 75 Km. On reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi, bus or autorickshaw to reach the temple.

 By Rail -  Ettumanoor Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple which is situated at a distance of 2 Km. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a taxi, bus or autorickshaw to reach the temple.

 By Road -  Ettumanoor Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple which is situated at a distance of 2 Km.

FAQs about Ettumanoor - Mahadeva Temple - Kerala

What is the architectural style of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple?

The temple is built in the unique Dravidian architectural style and is adorned with beautiful murals, frescos, and wood carvings.

Is Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple associated with any legends?

According to legends, the temple was established by an Asura named Khara, who consecrated three Shivalingas in Kerala. One of these Shivalingas was placed at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.

What is the connection between Adi Shankaracharya and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple?

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher, wrote the famous Soundarya Lahari while staying at this temple.

Can non-Hindus visit Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple?

Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, though certain inner sanctum areas may be restricted to Hindus only.

What is special about the lamp at the entrance of the temple?

A remarkable lamp, believed to have been lit over 450 years ago, continues to burn brightly at the temple entrance. Devotees maintain its flame by regularly adding oil, a testament to its enduring significance.