Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Ancient Hindu temple in Kottayam district, India
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kottayam district).
Illickal Kallu
24.7 km
Vaikom Temple
20.4 km
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
19.8 km
Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Changanassery
25.7 km
Syro-Malabar Catholic Archeparchy of Kottayam
10.1 km
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple
26.2 km
Vayalar Grama Panchayat
25 km
Aruvithura St. George's Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church
23.9 km
Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple
24.5 km
St. Thomas Cathedral, Pala
13.7 km
Karthyayani Devi Temple, Cherthala
24 km
St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Kottayam
10.1 km
Velorvattom Sri Mahadeva Temple
25.6 km
Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral
9 km
Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil
25.4 km
Morkulangara Devi Temple
19.4 km
Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple
6 km
Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
12.4 km
Puliyannoor Mahadeva Temple
8.5 km
Thaliyil Mahadeva temple
10.4 km
St. Mary's Church, Vechoor
15.3 km
Parippu Mahadeva Temple
4.9 km
Ernakulam Siva Temple
19.4 km
Maruthorvattom Temple
23.4 km
Malarikkal Water Lily field
14.6 km
Benjamin Bailey Museum
9.8 km
Holy Trinity Cathedral
9.9 km
Kumarakom Craft Museum
15 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes