Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam – Legends

Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam – Legends

Ettumanoor:

According to legend, an Asura called Khara worshipped Shiva at Chidambaram and got three Shivalingas from Lord Shiva himself. He took them with him to Kerala, holding one by his teeth and one each in his right and left hand. While the Lingam held by his teeth was consecrated in Kaduthuruthi, the one held in his right hand was consecrated in Vaikom (Vaikom Mahadeva Temple) and the one held in his left hand was consecrated in Ettumanoor. After consecrating the Lingas in these 3 divine places in the same day, Khara is believed to have become a deer and started worshiping the Gods.

It is believed that the God in Ettumanoor took the deer in his hand and held it there. Because of that, this place was called Udhruthaina Puram, which means Ettumanoor in Malayalam (The place where the deer was lifted). Legend also has it that Khara installed an image of Krishna in the north western corner of this temple. It is believed that visiting these triad of temples in a single day is of great significance.

Maanoor:

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 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.

Lomharsha Curse:

Another myth states that Saint Lomharsha came to offer prayers at the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple and fell in the tank while bathing. People laughed at him and he cursed that the place will turn into a jungle. It gradually became a jungle until Vilwamangalathu Swamiyar discovered the Siva Linga within the forest. He also reconstructed the temple and established the rituals that are performed at this temple.

Dwarapalakas:

There are two Dwarapalakas at the Sree Kovil sanctum. They are the guards of the temple. It is said that these guards used to beat the devotees who came to the temple. Hence to stop them, holes have been placed on their hand and feet.

Goddess Parvati Residence:

Another myth states that Goddess Parvati stays at the eastern end of Sree Kovil. Hence this door is never opened.

Nandi Statues:

There are two large Nandi statues at the Muhamandapam. One statue is made of wood and the other is made of bronze. As per legends, the bronze statue was gifted by the King of Chempakassery after he was cured of stomach pain. This statue was filled with paddy. There is a belief if a grain from this statue is eaten it can cure stomach ache. There is also a hole in the belly of the statue for this purpose.

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Pandavas and the sage Vyasa worshipped the Lord at this temple.

Adi Shankaracharya wrote Soundarya Lahiri here:

Adi Shankaracharya wrote Soundarya Lahiri on his visit to Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple. He is a famous Indian philosopher.