Located 12 kms north of Kottayam town, at Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple, which was built in the 16th century. Ettumanoor temple is a marvelous example of the Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state. The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine, is in itself a majestic structure.The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in (1542 AD). The mural paintings on the walls inside and outside the gopuram are quite famous. The images of Balagopalam and other Devas are painted with high artistic ingenuity. The golden flag staff inside the temple is a beautiful sight. On the top of it is the image of a bull surrounded by a small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree. The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops. The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.The temple has a majestic conical roof structure as the main central shrine is copper plated. The Ettumanoor shrine has exotic carvings of Ramayana, Krishna Leela and Bhagvatha scenes in the interiors.The arattu festival of this temple is celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham (February-March) every year. Large number of people flock to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of the festival when seven and a half elephants made of gold (nearly 13 Kgms) will be held in public view. The temple, the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala, has many valuable possessions and also A ten day festival is celebrated every year in the months of February or March. This shrine lures lots of devotees as well as arts enthusiasts.The Thulabharam is one of the important rituals of this temple. People make offerings to God for favours received. In a balance, the child or man for whom offerings were promised to God, is weighed against offerings ranging from gold to fruits. Ettumanoor is an important pilgrim Centre of Hindus, it is on the highway between Kottayam and Kochi.
The weather ranges between 5 °C (41 °F) and 10 °C (50 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F). Here the climate is cool.
History:
Legend has it that Shiva created a deer and set it to play in an island; when Parasurama reclaimed land from the sea, this island is said to have become part of what is Kerala now. The isle of the deer is referred to as Harinadweepa. The malayalam word for deer is Maan, and hence this place came to be known as Maanoor.And other one is that Khara of Ramayana worshipped Shiva at Chidambaram and obtained three Shivalingams from him and journeyed holding one shivalingam on each hand and one in his mouth. He sojourned at Vaikom, and set the Shivalingam on the ground and to his dismay realized that it had gotten rooted to the ground. Kharan therefore installed the two other shivalingams at Ettumanur and Kaduthuruthy.
Interesting things to do:
You can see the Best Mural Paintings in this Temple and also visit arattu festival of this temple is celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham (February-March).
Interesting things to Visit:
Vaikom Temple :This Shiva temple that is located 40 km away from the city is believed to be related with the legendary figure- Parshurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple is a magnificent work of art and exhibits the classical style of Kerala Temple architecture.Elaveezha Poonchira:This is a hill station that lies 60kms away from Kottayam and is an ideal place for picnics. It has a pool with picturesque beauty and legends say that this pool was used as a bathing place by Draupadi, the legendary persona of Mahabharata. You can trek on the enormous hills of ‘Elaveezha poonchira’ – a valley where no leaves fall and is named so because this place is devoid of trees.St Mary’s Forane Church:This 9th century church located at Athirumpuzha, near Kottayam is has an extraordinary filigree work on the rusty fold altar and this church encloses a unique crucifix which depicts Jesus Christ without a single wound.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport.
Road Transport:Kottayam is connected to major cities of South India by a good network ofroads.There are two bus depots- the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus station on T.B. Road and a private bus stand near the railway station. Buses to major cities ply from the the KSRTC bus station.
Nearest Visiting places:
Kurisumala:Three km from Vazhikkadavu is this renowned Christian pilgrim centre where hundreds of devotees from far and near converge during the holy week and after, to climb the hill in faith, carrying small wooden crosses. The peaceful Monastery at the top of the hill, the silence of the hills, the cool mountain air and the lush green landscape are all soothing to the soul. On the eastern side of the hill is Muruganmala housing a rock cut temple dedicated to Murugan (son of Lord Shiva).Matrumala:Matrumala is located in Kooropada village and is about 8 km from Vennimala. The place can be accessed from Kottayam through Pampadi. Matrumala is a hill top that offers stunning views of the entire surroundings.The place got its name as it has a small temple on its top dedicated to Goddess. The temple is believed to have been built by Parasurama, the legendary creator of Kerala who installed idols of the seven Goddesses (Saptamathas) here.Kallara:This quaint little village is located about 20 km northwest of Kottayam town. The place can be easily accessed from Kottayam by road as well as rail.Kallara and the neighboring villages of Kaduthuruthy and Thalayolaparambu has unending stretches of lush green paddy fields crisscrossed by numerous canals that drain into the backwaters of Ezhumanturuth and fall into the mighty Vembanad lake. In ancient days, large barge like country boats transported goods from Alapuzha to Thalayolaparambu and Kaduthuruthy through these intricate networks of waterways.The unique attraction here is the concentration of screw pine product making in this little village. Locally called ‘tazha’ the screw pine plants grow in abundance on the side of canals and waterways. The shaft of this plant is plucked, cut and seasoned. These are later woven into an array of beautiful and colorful products. Screw pine Products range from table mats, purse, file holders, mirrors, chapels, waste box, cushions, hats, kitchen pouches, decoration items etc. Kallara also produces bamboo products, rubber wood items and wood products.Ithipuzha:As you travel form Vaikom to Ernakulam by road you pass three bridges in succession. As you look out, you are greeted by lush green scenery on either side. It is the river Muvattupuzha and its numerous branches that drain into the Vembanad Lake at this spot creating picture post card scenery all round. And this village is called Ithipuzha.There are few houseboats, no resorts and hence charming and serene waterways all round the village. The various distributaries of the river create numerous beautiful islands in its course. Here there are endless stretches of coconut palms and vast green paddy fields. You can relax yourself on a country canoe ride – floating on the gentle ripples of the rivers and watching the fishermen carrying their catch in small canoes. lthipuzha can easily be accessed from Kochi.Pallam Backwaters:Pallam is located to the south of Kottayam town and is accessible via the Main Central Road. The setting is typical Kerala rural with quiet villages escorted by scenic backwaters and vivid green all along. Migratory birds come seeking this verdant landscape every summer and frolic in the natural splendors till the end of the season. A boat ride in this river Kodoorar to Kumarakom via Pallom backwaters is a great way to relax and enjoy nature’s bounties.Another unique feature hem is the old light house put up at this site in 1813 A.D. by the British resident of Travancore, Col. Munroe. Considered as a wonder of architecture, the light house still stands intact facing the placid backwaters providing an excellent view of the lush green paddy fields and swaying coconut palm.Kannadipara:As the name suggests, the valley of this rocky mountain reflects the morning sun with a mirror like perfection. This is also the highest point in Elaveezhapoonchira. Three km from here is the Pazhakakanam Plateau nourished by the Kadapuzha River. Bamboo groves, meadows and wild flowers make this place exotic. An added attraction here is the Kazhukankulimali Waterfalls that playfully cascade down the mountain and greet the river below with a magnificent splash.Mankallu Mudikal:The three hills in this region lie close to each other, their flat hilltops covered with lush grasslands. An aerial view of these resembles a traditional clay oven. With no trees around, the hilltops give you the feeling that you are walking in the clouds.Kootickal:This quaint hamlet situated in the Western Ghats is located 5km north of Mundakkayam in Kottayam District. The majesty of the mountain ranges combined with the beauty of the forest and the artificial lake created by the check-dam of the Manimala River makes the spot linger in your mind. Amruthameda, famous for medicinal plants is nearby. Kootickal is located only 12km from the pilgrim centre of Erumeli.Bharananganam:An important Christian pilgrimage centre, the town of Bharananganam is known as the site of the internment of Sister Alphonsa in a chapel next to the St. Mary’s Church. This millenium-old church features an attractive grotto of Virgin Mary.Bird Sanctuary:There is a place at Kumarakom where migratory birds from Siberia and other place arrive following weather conditions suitable for their survival. Several exotic species of birds are seen coining to this place year after year making the area an ornithologists’ paradise on the shores of the lake. In season such birds can be watched.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Puimoodu junction NH 220 Kottayam, Kottayam Kerala.Parangot Petrol Pump Kottayam, KeralaIndian Oil Petrol Pump Manarcadu Thenganal Road Puthuppally, Kottayam Kerala.Reliance Petrol Pump SH 32, Pala Kottayam, Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Backwater Ripples Kumarakom, Kottayam Kerala 686 563 Tel: 0481 2523600.Kumarakom Lagoon Ambika Market P.O, Vechoor Kottayam, Kerala 686144 Tel : 09811165753.Coconut creek farm and Homestay near nazreth church after hotel radisson plaza kumarakom south p.o kottayam, Kerala 686563 Tel :0481 2524203.Aida Hotel Aida Junction Near KSRTC Bus Stan Kottayam, Kerala Tel :0481 2568391.Hotel The Zuri Kumarakom V-235 A1 to A54 Karottukayal Kottatyam, Kumarakom Kerala 686563 Tel: 0481 2527272.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Ettumanoor Police Station MC Road – SH 1 Ettuman, Kerala 686631.S.I. Mundakayam Mundakayam P.O KottayamDistrict, Kerala Tel :04828-272317
Nearest Hospital:Bharath Hospital Azad Lane, Near Thirunakkara Temple Kottayam, Kerala 686001 Tel: 0481 2582947Mind and Body Homoeopathic Clinic and Research centre Karrotukunnel plaza ,Kalathipady vadavathoor po, Kottayam 10 Kerala 686003 Tel: 09994088751Kottayam Medical College Arpookara, Kottayam, Kerala Tel: 0481 2597284
