Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Kerala, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram

Located in heart of Ernakulam, Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here the presiding deity, Lord Shiva is reverently called Ernakulathappan, which means Lord of Ernakulam. The temple is considered as the city temple. Ernakulam Shiva Temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Chengannur Mahadeva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. At present, the temple is under the administration of Cochin Devasom Board.

Legend

The legend of Ernakulam Shiva Temple is linked to the Mahabharatha story of Arjuna, the third Pandava. Once Arjuna got into a battle with Lord Shiva, who was testing his devotion in the guise of a Kirata or a tribal. After being defeated by the tribal, Arjuna made a Shiva Linga in mud and started praying. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva blessed Arjuna and presented him with the Pasupathastra. However, the idol made by Arjuna remained lost in the forest till a sage named Devala found it. He had a snake's body because of a curse and once he worshiped the idol, he was redeemed. The pond in which Devala bathed after being cured of the curse is known as Rishinagakulam.

Architecture

The Ernakulam Shiva Temple is built in typical Kerala temple architecture in about 1.2 acres (0.49 hectares). The Sanctum complex is circular with fine sculpted walls. The roof is covered with copper tiles. The Ernakulam Shiva Temple has two gates, the western Gopuram is a two storied structure in typical Kerala architecture with gabled roofs and slanting windows. The eastern gopuram is recently renovated similar to the western side.

The presiding deity of the Ernakulam Shiva Temple is Lord Shiva in Gourisankara form, located in main sanctum sanctorum, facing west towards the Arabian sea. The idol in the sanctum sanctorum is considered to be Swayambhoo (not manmade). On the northern side of the main sanctum sanctorum, there is the small shrine of Kirthamoorthy, which has the original Lingam worshipped by Arjuna. On the southern side, there is a small shrine for Lord Ganesha and the small area behind the main sanctum sanctorum is considered as abode of Goddess Parvati. Hence the east gate is known as the Devi Gate. Outside the Inner Ernakulam Shiva Temple circle, shrines for Lord Ayyappa and Nagaraja are situated.

Darsan Info

Ernakulam Shiva Temple Opens: 3.30 AM

Till :11AM

Ernakulam Shiva Temple opens in evening: 4.00 PM

Thripuka Nadathurakal: 8.00 PM

Darsan Dresscode

At Ernakulam Shiva Temple Male devotees are not supposed to cover the upper torso with clothes. All traditional dresses are allowed for women.

Travel Support

If you are interested in visiting please mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406 or Land Phone :- +91 22 28470990. Our team will be more than happy to assist and take care of your complete itinerary end-to-end in a personalized and professional manner.

Pooja Samagri

The accessibility to good quality pooja articles in today's adulterated world as well as availability of all the items required is a major concern for many devotees. Please check out our P-STORE page for various high quality Pooja Samagri for your Pilgrimage or mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406 or Land Phone :- +91 22 28470990.

Famous Festival

December-January : Annual Festival

March : Shivarathri

Culture

The culture of Kerala is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, developed and mixed for centuries, under influences from other parts of India and abroad. It has got a pre-historic genesis, but constant exposure to other cultures has instilled a cosmopolitan nature to it. Kerala welcomes and respects other cultures and assimilates good elements into its structure. It keeps an unique identity among other South Indian cultures.

Travel Support

Travel Support
[email protected]
+91 4842370415

Our team will be more than happy to assist and take care of your complete itinerary end-to-end in a personalized and professional manner.

Temple Rituals

The rituals of the Ernakulam Shiva Temple have been codified by Vilwamangalam Swami.

Special Rituals

On the northern side of the main Ernakulam Shiva Temple , is a temple dedicated to Lord Muruga. This temple is built in Tamil style. On the eastern side of Ernakulam Shiva Temple , a Hanuman temple is built in Kannadiga Udupi Madhwa Sampradaya style. Special poojas are conducted on all days of the annual festival, which will be led by famous priests from Chennose and Puliyannur Mana.

Additional Info

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