- Location: Near Kottayam, Kerala
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Major Attraction: Mural Paintings
- Period of Construction: 16th century
- Timings: 4 am–12 pm, 5–8 pm
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Ettumanoor Temple is among the most popular Shiva temple that belongs to the 16th century. As you go 12 kilometers north to Kottayam, you will see the splendid site of this sacred temple. Visited by a number of devotes every day, the temple is a major attraction for Hindu devotees.
Attractions of the Temple
Built in the typical style of Kerala Architecture, Ettumanoor Temple is built with a Gopuram, an exclusive feature of Dravidian temples. Resting on a circular sanctum is a conical roof which is covered with numerous copper plates. A circumambulatory passage is present around this sanctum.
The images of deities like Bhagwati, Yakshi, and Sastha have been installed in the temple premises. The carvings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are the prominent features of this sacred temple. Another feature that will strike you while visiting this place is the presence of a number of elegant sculptures and numerous mural paintings. The themes of the paintings have been drawn from mythological stories. Some of the themes have been taken from religious texts of Hindus like Upanishads.
Among the wall paintings of Ettumanoor Temple that are worth watching is the fresco depicting the dance of Lord Shiva. This dance is commonly called Pradosha Nritham. You will also notice a golden flagstaff in the interior of the temple; it is ornamented with a sculpture of bull, leaves, and a number of bells. Murals on west entrance are eye-catchy.
Legend Associated with Temple
As per legend, Khara, a character from Ramayana had acquired three Shiva lingams after worshipping the deity. He carried two lingams, one in each hand while the third one was carried in his mouth. At Vaikom, as he laid one of the lingams on the ground, to his utter surprise, he found that this lingam got fixed to the ground. The other two were installed at Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanoor. The devotees consider it sacred to visit these three sites.
A different legend is also linked with Ettumanoor Temple. According to belief, the temple was in complete wilderness; by the efforts of Vilwamangalam swami, the temple was restored and renovated.
Festival
Another attraction of the place is a festival called Ezhara Ponnana Ezhunallathu which is celebrated over 10 days. If you want be a part of this Cultural event, you can visit the temple in the months of February or March. The last day of this festival is important as it falls on Thiruvathira. Devotees visit the festivities especially on the eighth and tenth day when the visual display of a golden elephant attracts a number of tourists from all over the state. This elegant statue forms a part of the rich treasures of the temple and was donated by a king of Travancore.
Thulabharam: While visiting the temple premises, you will observe a unique ritual that involves making offers to the deity. It involves making a person sit on one side of the balance and is weighed against an equal amount of offering on the other balance.
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Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this temple is during the annual Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Festival, which usually falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). During this festival, the temple is beautifully decorated, and cultural programs and processions add to the festive atmosphere, making it an ideal time for a spiritual visit.
Weather
The weather in Ettumanoor is characterized by a tropical climate. The best time to visit in terms of weather is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is relatively cool and pleasant, making temple visits and sightseeing comfortable.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, approximately 78 kilometers away from Ettumanoor. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: Ettumanoor has its railway station, Ettumanoor Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala. It is situated just 2 kilometers from the temple, making it the most convenient option.
By Road: Ettumanoor is well-connected by road, and you can reach the temple by bus or taxi. It is approximately 12 kilometers from Kottayam, another major city in Kerala, and you can hire a taxi or take a local bus from there to reach Ettumanoor Temple.