About Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is in the town of Ettumanoor in Kottayam district, Kerala, about 12 km north of Kottayam and 54 km from Ernakulam. Shiva is worshipped here as Ettumanoorappan, and the temple is one of the most important Shiva shrines in central Kerala. Smaller shrines are dedicated to Bhagavathy, Sastha, Dakshinamurthy, Ganapathy and a Yakshi, and there is a separate temple for Krishna. The temple is known for its splendid murals and for its annual Arattu festival, when its treasured golden elephants are shown to devotees. Thulabharam, in which a devotee is weighed against offerings in fulfilment of a vow, is an important ritual here.
The name Ettumanoor is variously explained: as the land of deer, as the place of eight Namboothiri families, or as the place where Shiva appeared in eight forms. Temple tradition says the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa worshipped here, and another tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya composed the Soundarya Lahari while staying at Ettumanoor. History records that the present temple, with its gopuram and surrounding walls, was rebuilt in 1542 CE (717 of the Malayalam era). The town grew up around the temple and its festivals, and the shrine remains the focus of local life.
The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style, with copper-sheathed roofs crowned by fourteen ornamental finials. Wall paintings in the Dravidian mural tradition cover the walls inside and outside the main entrance; the large fresco of Shiva's Pradosha Nritham, the dance at twilight, is counted among the finest wall paintings in India. A golden flagstaff topped by the image of a bull stands within the courtyard. At the entrance hangs the Valiya Vilakku, a great old oil lamp into which devotees pour oil as an offering. The highlight of the year is the midnight Ezharaponnana darshan, when seven and a half golden elephants are displayed.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Usha puja | Around 5:00 AM (approx.) |
| Ucha puja (noon puja) | Late morning (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
| Athazha Sreebali | Around 8:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport is about 75 km away.
By train
Ettumanoor station is about 2 km away; Kottayam station is about 12 km away.
By road
Ettumanoor is on the Main Central Road (MC Road) north of Kottayam, with frequent KSRTC and private buses.
Festivals at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
- Ettumanoor Arattu festival (Ezharaponnana darshan)Feb/Mar
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Following Kerala temple custom, men enter bare-chested wearing a mundu or dhoti; women wear saree or other traditional dress. Entry to the inner temple is generally for Hindus.
- Entry
- Free. Offerings such as oil for the Valiya Vilakku and Thulabharam can be booked at the counter.
- Look closely at the murals near the main entrance, especially the Pradosha Nritham painting.
- Pouring oil into the Valiya Vilakku is a popular offering.
- For the Ezharaponnana darshan, expect huge midnight crowds and arrive early.
- Follow the Kerala dress code; men will need to remove shirts before entering.
Places to visit near Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
- Vaikom Mahadeva TempleAncient Shiva temple on Vembanad Lake, about 25 km away
- Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva TempleHistoric Shiva temple, about 15 km away
- KumarakomBackwater village and bird sanctuary, about 20 km away
- Kottayam townDistrict headquarters and rail hub, about 12 km away
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ezharaponnana at Ettumanoor?
Seven and a half golden elephants displayed to devotees during the Arattu festival, most famously at midnight on the eighth day.
What are the Ettumanoor temple timings?
Usually about 4 AM to 12 noon and 5 PM to 8 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
How far is Ettumanoor from Kottayam?
Ettumanoor is about 12 km north of Kottayam.
Is there a dress code at Ettumanoor temple?
Yes. Men enter bare-chested in a mundu or dhoti, and women wear traditional dress.
Why are the Ettumanoor murals famous?
The Pradosha Nritham fresco of Shiva's dance is regarded as one of the finest wall paintings in India.
What is the aarti time at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple?
Usha puja: Around 5:00 AM (approx.); Ucha puja (noon puja): Late morning (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset; Athazha Sreebali: Around 8:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
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