What is the Ezhara Ponnana at Ettumanoor?

Ezhara Ponnana refers to seven-and-a-half golden elephant statues (replicas) that are the most prized possessions of Ettumanoor Temple. According to legend, they were gifted by a devotee who earned a boon from Lord Shiva. The golden elephants are brought out in procession during the annual Arattu festival.

What is special about the murals at Ettumanoor Temple?

Ettumanoor Temple houses some of the finest mural paintings in Kerala, dating back to the 16th century. The most famous is the Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) mural, considered a masterpiece of the Kerala mural art tradition. These murals depict various scenes from Hindu mythology with remarkable detail.

When is the Ettumanoor Arattu festival?

The Ettumanoor Arattu festival is held during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and spans 8 days. The highlight is the Arattu procession with the Ezhara Ponnana (golden elephants), 15 caparisoned elephants, Panchavadyam, and a grand fireworks display.

What is the Ezhara Ponnana at Ettumanoor?

Ezhara Ponnana refers to seven-and-a-half golden elephant statues (replicas) that are the most prized possessions of Ettumanoor Temple. According to legend, they were gifted by a devotee who earned a boon from Lord Shiva. The golden elephants are brought out in procession during the annual Arattu festival.

What is special about the murals at Ettumanoor Temple?

Ettumanoor Temple houses some of the finest mural paintings in Kerala, dating back to the 16th century. The most famous is the Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) mural, considered a masterpiece of the Kerala mural art tradition. These murals depict various scenes from Hindu mythology with remarkable detail.

When is the Ettumanoor Arattu festival?

The Ettumanoor Arattu festival is held during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and spans 8 days. The highlight is the Arattu procession with the Ezhara Ponnana (golden elephants), 15 caparisoned elephants, Panchavadyam, and a grand fireworks display.

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Kottayam, Kerala

Main God

Lord Shiva

Timings

3:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location

Kottayam

Type

REGIONAL

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Lord Shiva

3:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Plan Visit

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in Kerala, famous for its exquisite mural paintings including the iconic Nataraja painting. The Arattu festival with 8 elephants and the Ezhara Ponnana (seven-and-a-half golden elephants) are major attractions.

Darshan Guide

Enter & Remove Footwear

Enter through the main entrance on the MC Road side. Remove footwear and deposit belongings. The temple has a grand presence with its traditional Kerala architecture.

Main Shrine Darshan

Proceed to the sanctum of Lord Shiva (Mahadeva). The Shiva Lingam is powerful and the ambience is deeply spiritual. Offer prayers and ghee/milk Abhishekam if booked.

View the Famous Murals

After darshan, observe the world-renowned mural paintings on the temple walls. The Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) mural is the most celebrated - a masterpiece of Kerala mural art tradition.

Festival Season: Ezhara Ponnana

If visiting during the Arattu festival (Feb-Mar), witness the spectacular procession of Ezhara Ponnana - seven-and-a-half golden elephant statues - accompanied by Panchavadyam and fireworks.

How to Reach

By Bus

KSRTC buses from Kottayam (12 km) and Ernakulam (60 km) stop at Ettumanoor. Regular buses from Thodupuzha, Pala, and Changanassery. Ettumanoor bus stand is adjacent to the temple

By Air

Cochin International Airport (COK) - 60 km (2 hours drive)

By Rail

Ettumanoor Railway Station - 1 km. Kottayam Railway Station - 12 km, with better national connectivity

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws from Kottayam and within Ettumanoor town. The temple is on the MC Road (Kottayam-Ernakulam highway), easily accessible

Temples & Travel

Services

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

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About Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

Darshan Timings

Darshan Guide

Enter & Remove Footwear

Main Shrine Darshan

View the Famous Murals

Festival Season: Ezhara Ponnana

Location & Directions

How to Reach

About the Main God

Lord Shiva

Frequently Asked Questions

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