About Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ettumanoor, Kottayam District, Kerala. Situated about 12 km northeast of Kottayam town, it is renowned for its traditional Kerala architecture, 16th-century mural paintings, and the annual Ezhara Ponnana festival featuring seven and a half golden elephants. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala and an important pilgrimage centre.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional Kerala-style temple complex with a gopuram, copper-roofed sanctum, pillared halls and a large temple courtyard. Inside, the main deity is Lord Shiva as Aghora Murthy. The walls and ceilings display notable mural paintings including depictions of Nataraja and scenes from epics. The surroundings include temple ponds and open grounds used during festivals. Visitors can observe daily rituals, oil-lamp lighting, and offerings, and explore the outer precincts where photography is generally permitted.
Key highlights
- 01
Ancient Kerala mural paintings including famous Nataraja mural on the gopuram
- 02
Ezhara Ponnana - seven and a half golden elephant statues donated by Travancore Maharaja
- 03
Traditional Kerala temple architecture with copper-plated roof and wood carvings
- 04
Annual 10-day Arattu festival and Ezhara Ponnana Darshan in February-March
- 05
Main deity Lord Shiva worshipped as Aghora Murthy
- 06
Historic inscriptions and artwork dating to 16th century renovation
History of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The present structure is believed to have been renovated in 1542 CE. According to tradition, the temple was founded by the sage Khara and later patronized by local rulers. It is noted for its 16th-century murals considered among the finest examples of Kerala mural art. The Ezhara Ponnana golden elephants were presented to the temple in the 18th century by the Travancore royal family.
Culture & Context
The temple is a major Shaivite pilgrimage centre in Kerala and part of the trio of important Shiva temples along with Vaikom and Kaduthuruthy. It is culturally significant for its annual Arattu festival concluding with Ezhara Ponnana Darshan, which draws large numbers of devotees. The temple's murals, music and classical arts associated with festivals reflect Kerala's religious and artistic traditions.