Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
A grand Shiva temple that anchors the Mars leg in local practice.
⭐ Why it is famous
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is one of Kerala's most celebrated Shiva temples, famed for its mural paintings and the Ettumanoor Ezhara Ponnana lamp; it is not a dedicated Aṅgāraka shrine, but strong local Bhoomi/Mars associations with Shiva worship make it the temple this trail treats as its Mars stop.
📜 Pilgrimage history
The temple's present structure dates back several centuries with later renovations sponsored by Travancore rulers; its mural of Nataraja is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Kerala mural art.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Morning: 3:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🙏 Darśan details
- The Ettumanoorappan utsavam (Feb–Mar) and Shivaratri are the biggest events.
- Traditional dress required: mundu for men, sari/set-mundu for women.
- Ezhara Ponnana (the temple's giant bronze lamp) is displayed during festivals.
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Ettumanoor, KottayamEttumanoor railway station (EMY) — 2 km
Ettumanoor bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Cochin International Airport (COK) — 60 km
On the NH183/MC Road at Ettumanoor town, well served by KSRTC buses between Kottayam and Kochi.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Hotels in Kottayam, 12 km
- Lodges in Ettumanoor town
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹700 | ₹1,700 | ₹3,800 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Ettumanoor mural gallery
- Meenachil riverbanks
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
Shivaratri and the Feb–Mar utsavam season