Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Ancient Hindu temple in Kottayam district, India
Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kottayam district, Kerala, dedicated to Shiva and known for its elaborate wall paintings. The complex consists of several roofed halls around a central courtyard, with the temple tower showing a large fresco of the dancing deity.
The current structure dates from 1542, when local rulers renewed the earlier shrine with copper roofing and additional halls. Later expansions introduced the wall paintings and the carved tower that define its appearance today.
The seven life-size golden elephant statues rank among the most elaborate religious artworks in Kerala and appear in public only once each year during the festival. Thousands of pilgrims arrive to witness this rare procession, which continues traditions maintained over several centuries.
Visitors can reach the shrine from the nearby Ettumanoor railway station or from Kottayam, with taxis and public buses running regularly. The main festival period from February to March brings larger crowds, so an early morning visit is quieter.
Devotees perform the Thulabharam ritual, offering items such as gold or fruits equal to their body weight on ceremonial scales. This offering is made in thanks for answered prayers or as a vow seeking divine blessing.
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