Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Introduction to the Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Ernakulam Shiva Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Shiva. It is located in Ernakulam city, Kerala. Other names for the temple include Ernakulathappan Temple and Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple. The Ernakulam Shiva Temple has great religious significance and is one of the main Shiva temples in Kerala. Since 1949, the Ernakulam Shiva Temple has been under the administration of the Cochin Devaswom Board.

Legend of the Ernakulam Shiva Temple

According to legend, the story of Ernakulam Shiva Temple is associated with Arjuna. Once, he sincerely worshipped Parvathi here. Shiva disguised himself as a tribal hunter (Kiratha) and appeared before Arjuna. At that time, a wild bear tried to attack Arjuna. After seeing it, both of them shot an arrow at it. It was a demon named Mookasura disguised as a bear.

A fight started between Shiva and Arjuna over who killed the bear. Eventually, Shiva won. Then, Arjuna created a Shiva Lingam using mud and started worshipping the idol. When he offered flowers to the idol, they fell on Kiratha. Then he realized Shiva was Kiratha. Shiva and Parvati appeared before Arjuna and gifted him the Pashupatha arrow.

Some centuries later, a boy named Devala was cursed by his Guru, and his body changed into a snake. He visited this place and sincerely worshipped the Shiva Lingam. Shiva appeared before the boy and told him to take a dip in the temple pond. He took a dip in the pond and got relieved from the curse. Later, that place became the 'Ernakulam Shiva Temple'.

The Architecture of the Ernakulam Shiva Temple

The Ernakulam Shiva Temple features the traditional Kerala architectural style, with intricate carvings, majestic entrance, Mandapams, and a sacred sanctum dedicated to Shiva.

The temple was initially constructed under the Maharaja's rule. Later, Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier started reconstructing it in 1842 and completed it in 1846. After the renovation, devotees across Kochi began to visit the temple.

The Ernakulam Shiva Temple sprawls over a one-acre area. The ring-shaped sanctum has beautifully sculpted walls, a copper-tiled roof, and a golden dome on top. Visitors can see splendid views of the two-storeyed Western Gopuram, designed with slanted windows and gabled roofs. The temple has a 70-foot-high golden Dhwaja Sthambam. A dining hall and a marriage hall were recently constructed.

Shiva graces from the sanctum in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam facing west, which is a unique feature of the temple. Before the sanctum, there is a small rectangular prayer hall. A Nandi is on the east side of the prayer hall.

Devotees from various parts of the state come here to seek Shiva's blessings and pray for their well-being, prosperity, and protection. Ganapati, Sastha, Parvati, Ayyappa, Kirathamoorthy, and Nagaraja are the other deities worshipped here. This ancient Ernakulam Shiva Temple has a gate on the east side called the Devi Gate. Outside the temple wall, there is a large pond on the northeast.

Festivals in the Ernakulam Shiva Temple

The Ernakulam Shiva Temple celebrates many festivals throughout the year and attracts a large crowd. "Ernakulathappan Utsavam," the annual festival and the major event, spans ten days during Vrischikam (November-December). Visitors can enjoy traditional music, dance, cultural performances, and processions during the festival period. Thiruvathira and Shivratri are other festivals celebrated at the Ernakulam Shiva Temple.