ettumanoorappan - Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple Principal deity: Mahadeva (Shiva) – worshipped as DAKSHINAMOORTHI in the morning, AGHORA MOORTHI (Kirathamoorthi) at noon and ARDHANARISWARA in the evening. The temple and immediate surroundings are situated 5-6 feet below street level. The main Gopura (entrance) is on the west side. Temple murals on the inner walls are ex
quisite-especially ‘Anantasayana’ on the Northern side and ‘Pradoshathandava’ and ‘Akhoramoorthi’ on the Southern side. The Thandava mural is especially notable for its expressiveness. Here Shiva is seen with Ganga and the crescent moon in his coppery, matted hair holding his bow (Pinaaka) with the attached drum (Udukku) in the right hand, his sword (Khatwanga) in another, and arrow (Varunapaasa) in yet another. Other hands hold the divine bell (signifying Nadabrahma), apocalyptic fire (Pralayaagni) and a blazing mace. The mural of Shiva as Akhoramoorthi is simply superb in its ability to evoke the feelings of awe and courage in the viewer’s mind. Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) is circular. It was built over a period of three years (717-720 Malayalam Era; 1542-1545 A.D.) and this fact is documented on its foundation. The entire outer wall of the Sreekovil is covered with exquisite wooden sculptures depicting various scenes from the Puranas.They exude a combination of liveliness and character. Especially notable is the comical/whimsical face of Ashtaavakra Maharshi. Other sculptures include Ganesha with consort, Raasaleela, Aditya, Vaamana measuring three worlds, Maha Vishnu, Shiva Thandava and Sree Rama’s coronation. There is no record of who the sculptors are. They did not leave behind any information about themselves. However one feels compelled to bow in front of their skills and honor them while appreciating their timeless work of pure art. Two Dwaarapaalakas guard the doors to the Sreekovil. The legend goes that in olden days, they used to beat and kick many devotees who came here. Therefore, in later years their power was ritually controlled and holes were placed in their hands and feet. These holes can still be seen. The Eastern door of the Sreekovil is never opened. Parvati is supposed to reside in it. Shiva Linga is three feet tall. A golden statue of ‘Akhoramoorthi’, approx 2 ½ feet tall, is placed in front of the Linga after morning pooja and removed after the next day’s Nirmaalya pooja. Two large Nandi statues (one in bronze and the other in wood) sit in the Mukhamandapam. The bronze Nandi was offered by the King of Chempakassery in gratitude for being cured of an intractable stomach pain. It was originally filled with ‘Chennellu’ (paddy grain). Taking a grain from this is supposed to cure stomach pain. There is even a small hole on the belly of the statue for this purpose. The temple tank is on the Northern side and is semi oval (arc) shape. The great philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya wrote “Saundarya Lahari” while visiting Ettumanoor temple. Temple festival (‘Utsava’) falls in the month of Kumbha (February-March) and lasts for ten days. ‘Araat’ is on Thiruvathira day. The highlight of the festival is on the 8th night, when the eight golden elephants (‘Ezharapponnana” – see below), are brought outside in a grand illuminated procession. Tens of thousands of devotees throng to witness this once-a-year event. Shivarathri is also celebrated in grand and elaborate style. HOW TO REACH
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Ettumanoor temple is approximately 11 kilometers northeast of Kottayam on MC Road. Kochi International Airport is 73 kilometers to the north. POOJA TIMINGS
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04.00 – Opening of Sreekovil
04.00-04.30 – Nirmalyam
04.30-05.00 – Abhishekam
05.30-06.00 – Madhavippalli Pooja (Usha Pooja)
06.00-06.30 – Ethruthu Pooja
08.00-08.30 – Pantheeradi Pooja
10.00-10.30 – Dhaara, Navakom etc
11.00-11.30 – Ucha Pooja
11.30-12.00 – Ucha Sree Bali
17.00 – Reopening of Sreekovil
18.30-19.00 – Deeparadhana
19.30-20.00 – Athaazha Pooja
20.00-20.30 – Athaazha Sree Bali
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