Mahadeva Temple Ettumanoor

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.