Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ancient Shiva temple in Kerala, famed for its 16th-century murals, golden elephants, and powerful spiritual aura.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Shiva temple in Kerala, famed for its 16th-century murals, golden elephants, and powerful spiritual aura.
"One of the most powerful Shiva temples in Kerala, where prayers are heard and hearts are blessed."
🎯 Respectful Attire is Key
Dress modestly: men in mundu/dhoti, women in sarees/traditional wear. Avoid shorts & t-shirts.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous, free parking is available, though it's open and not shaded.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ezhara Ponnana
Inner Sanctum
Marvel at the seven and a half golden elephants, a sacred treasure displayed annually.
Ancient Mural Paintings
Temple Walls
Behold exquisite 16th-century murals depicting Hindu mythology, a testament to Kerala's art heritage.
Golden Flagstaff and Bull Idol
Temple Courtyard
Admire the impressive golden flagstaff topped with a majestic bull idol, symbolizing devotion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Divine Blessings
Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Respectful Attire is Key
Dress modestly: men in mundu/dhoti, women in sarees/traditional wear. Avoid shorts & t-shirts.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous, free parking is available, though it's open and not shaded.
🙏 Visit All Three Temples
Legend says visiting Ettumanoor, Vaikom, and Kaduthuruthy temples on the same day brings special blessings.
📸 Photography Rules
Photography inside the inner sanctum is generally prohibited. Be mindful of signage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Respectful Attire is Key
Dress modestly: men in mundu/dhoti, women in sarees/traditional wear. Avoid shorts & t-shirts.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Generous, free parking is available, though it's open and not shaded.
🙏 Visit All Three Temples
Legend says visiting Ettumanoor, Vaikom, and Kaduthuruthy temples on the same day brings special blessings.
📸 Photography Rules
Photography inside the inner sanctum is generally prohibited. Be mindful of signage.
💧 Washroom Facilities
Basic washroom facilities are available on-site for visitor convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple for its profound spiritual energy and divine atmosphere, calling it one of the most powerful Shiva temples in Kerala. The exquisite mural art and the unique Ezhara Ponnana are highlighted as significant cultural and artistic treasures. While the temple is revered, some visitors note that timings can be specific and photography inside the inner sanctum is restricted.
"Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple – A Divine Experience
One of the most powerful Shiva temples I have ever visited. The moment you step inside, you can truly feel the divine energy of Lord Mahadeva. The temple’s architecture, the sacred atmosphere, and the peaceful vibes make it an unforgettable spiritual experience.
The Ezhara Ponnana (Seven-and-a-half golden elephants) and the ancient carvings here show the temple’s great heritage. Early morning darshan and the divine chants give a deep sense of devotion and inner peace.
This is not just a temple; it is a powerful spiritual centre where prayers are heard and hearts are blessed. Truly one of the most powerful Shiva temples in Kerala. 🕉️🙏
A must-visit for every devotee of Lord Shiva."
Kiran Raj
"Ettumanoor Shri Mahadeva Temple, located in Kottayam, Kerala, is an ancient and revered Shiva temple renowned for its stunning Kerala-style architecture. Dating back to at least the 16th century, its current structure was completed in 1542 CE and features copper-plated gabled roofs, a golden flagstaff with a bull idol, intricate woodwork, and exquisite mural paintings depicting Hindu mythology. The temple is steeped in legend, linked to both Sage Khara and the Pandavas, and attracts large crowds for its annual Ezharaponnana festival, making it a symbol of Kerala’s cultural heritage."
VASUDEV K
"Visited Ettamanoor Shiva Temple after visiting Vaikom temple & Major Mahadev Temple Brahmamangalam. We reached after 10:30, so there was wait for the abhishekam. Not too crowded but yes there was enough crowd.
There's huge parking but open not shaded. But it's free. There are small stalls to get some assescories and gift items and Statue. There's a refreshment stall too
There's washroom available."
Preethi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The temple is located in Ettumanoor, Kottayam district, Kerala. It's easily accessible by road. You can reach Kottayam by train or bus, and then take a local bus or taxi to the temple. Ample parking is available on-site.
The nearest railway station is Ettumanoor Railway Station, which is very close to the temple. Kottayam Railway Station is also a major hub and is about 10-15 km away.
Yes, local buses frequently ply to Ettumanoor from Kottayam and surrounding towns. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available.
Many devotees hire a taxi or use their own vehicle to visit these three prominent Shiva temples on the same day, as it's believed to bring special blessings.
While the main temple complex has some ramps, navigating older structures can be challenging. It's advisable to inquire with temple authorities for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to enter the temple premises. However, donations are welcome and appreciated.
The temple typically opens early in the morning around 4:00 AM and closes around 11:30 AM. It reopens in the evening around 5:00 PM and closes at 8:00 PM. Timings can vary slightly, so it's good to check locally.
Information regarding online booking for special poojas or darshan is not widely available. It's best to inquire at the temple counter or contact the temple administration directly for current options.
Early morning darshan, shortly after opening, or late afternoon before closing usually offers a less crowded experience. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.
During the annual Thiruvulsavam festival (February-March), the temple experiences very large crowds. While it's a vibrant time, expect significant queues and potential restrictions on movement.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Ezhara Ponnana, meaning 'seven and a half golden elephants,' is a sacred treasure of the temple, symbolizing devotion and prosperity. It is displayed only once a year during the annual festival.
The temple walls are adorned with exquisite 16th-century mural paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Kerala.
Photography is generally not permitted inside the inner sanctum and certain other areas of the temple. Please respect the rules and look for signage.
The temple offers facilities for various rituals. For specific timings and booking for ceremonies like Choroonu, it's advisable to contact the temple administration.
It is a popular belief that visiting these three prominent Shiva temples on the same day brings immense blessings and spiritual fulfillment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are small stalls near the temple selling religious items and refreshments. You can also find local eateries and restaurants in Ettumanoor town offering traditional Kerala cuisine.
Prasadam is usually available at most major temples in Kerala. It's best to inquire at the temple counter about the availability and types of prasadam offered.
Kerala cuisine offers many delicious vegetarian options. Local restaurants in Ettumanoor will likely have a good selection of vegetarian dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The temple's architecture, the golden flagstaff, the intricate woodwork, and the exterior views offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding areas can also provide scenic shots.
During festivals, photography might be more restricted due to the large crowds and the sacred nature of the events. Always check for specific guidelines.
Photography of the mural paintings might be restricted to protect them. It's advisable to check with temple authorities before attempting to photograph them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to make the experience more comfortable for younger ones. While there aren't specific play areas, the open spaces around the temple can offer some room to move. Pack snacks and water, as dining options immediately outside might be limited. The nearby Sreekrishna temple also offers a different, yet equally serene, experience for families.
🙏 Devotees of Lord Shiva
🏛️ Art and History Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the murals, the ancient architecture with its distinctive Kerala style, including the copper-plated roofs and intricate woodwork, offers a fascinating glimpse into historical construction techniques. The legends associated with the temple, including its connection to the Pandavas and Sage Khara, add a layer of historical intrigue. The Ezhara Ponnana also represents a significant historical and cultural artifact.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Artistry: Mural Paintings and Architecture
+1The temple's construction itself is a marvel, with legends attributing its establishment to Sage Khara and its current structure to the 16th century. The presence of a golden flagstaff topped with a bull idol adds to the grandeur. Visitors often marvel at the blend of architectural brilliance and spiritual devotion that permeates the temple complex. The peaceful ambiance, combined with the visual splendor, creates a truly immersive experience for devotees and art enthusiasts alike.
The Legend of the Ezhara Ponnana
This sacred offering is typically displayed only once a year during the temple's grand annual festival, the Thiruvulsavam, which takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). The sight of the Ezhara Ponnana is a major draw for devotees and tourists, symbolizing prosperity, devotion, and the temple's rich heritage. Its annual unveiling is a highlight, drawing thousands to witness this spectacular display of faith and artistry.
+1The Tri-Temple Pilgrimage
This tradition highlights the interconnectedness of these sacred sites and the deep-rooted faith of the local population. Many visitors, especially those on a spiritual journey, make it a point to complete this 'tri-temple' circuit. The proximity of these temples within the Kottayam district makes this pilgrimage feasible and a popular choice for those seeking a comprehensive spiritual experience in the region.
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