Mahadeva Temple located at Ettumanoor is about 17 kms away from Kottayam
town. This ancient Siva temple in Kerala style of architectural was constructed
in the 16the century (1542). The temple is famous for its mural paintings
and carvings, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram. The
walls of the temples are adorn with scenes from Ramayana, Bhagawatam and
other Hindu ethics. The main attraction of the temple is the Ezharaponnanan,
i.e the seven large and one small elephants made of nearly 13 K grams
of gold. These elephants were offered with devotion to the Lord by Karthikathirunal
Maharaja of Travancore.
The temple is opened to the devotees from 4 to 12.30 in the
morning and 5 to 8 in the evening. Non-Hindus are not allowed to get inside
the temple. The temple celebrates its annual Arattu festival on Thiruvathira
in Kumbham (February - March). This magnificent 10 day long festival draws
thousands of pilgrims. The major rituals performed during the festival
is Ezharaponnana Ezhunallathu and Kedavilakku.A Mural Art Center is located
nearby the temple which was under the authority of State Archaeological
Department.
Mahadeva Temple located at Ettumanoor is about 17 kms away from Kottayam
town. This ancient Siva temple in Kerala style of architectural was constructed
in the 16the century (1542). The temple is famous for its mural paintings
and carvings, especially the painting of Nataraja in the gopuram. The
walls of the temples are adorn with scenes from Ramayana, Bhagawatam and
other Hindu ethics. The main attraction of the temple is the Ezharaponnanan,
i.e the seven large and one small elephants made of nearly 13 K grams
of gold. These elephants were offered with devotion to the Lord by Karthikathirunal
Maharaja of Travancore.
