Ettumanoorappan refers primarily to Lord Shiva as he is worshipped at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple in Ettumanoor, Kerala, India. Here's a breakdown of key details:
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple:
This
is an ancient Shiva temple located in the Kottayam district, of Kerala.
It's a
significant religious site in Kerala, known for its rich history and artistic
heritage.
The
temple showcases traditional Kerala architecture and intricate mural paintings.
One of
the most famous murals is the depiction of Nataraja.
Ettumanoorappan
(Lord Shiva):
The
deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva, known as Ettumanoorappan.
Devotees believe that Ettumanoorappan embodies different aspects of Shiva throughout the day.
Key
Festivals:
The
annual festival, particularly the Ezhara Ponnana procession, is a major
highlight.
Ezhara
Ponnana refers to "seven-and-a-half golden elephants," which are
displayed during the festival.
The
festival is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).
Historical
and Cultural Significance:
The
temple has a long history, with legends linking it to ancient sages and even
the Pandavas.
The
Ezhara Ponnana offering is believed to have been donated by a Travancore ruler.
The
temple is a repository of Kerala's artistic and cultural traditions.
In
essence, Ettumanoorappan is the revered deity of a historically and culturally
significant temple, drawing devotees and visitors with its spiritual aura and
artistic treasures.
