Ernakulam Shiva Temple

Situated in the heart of Ernakulam, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala. Popularly known as Ernakulathappan, this temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector of the city, as per local Hindu traditions and faiths. Constructed during the Kochi Maharaja Rule, this temple of Lord Shiva is located within the Durbar Hall Ground.

It is believed that the history of the shrine is related to the history of the city. The temple was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas and was reconstructed in the year 1846 by Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrior. But currently, it is under the administration of the Cochin Devasom Board.

History Of Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

This temple was founded by Cheranalloor Kartha Family. It is said that the temple was linked with Vaishnava and also deeply associated with Hindu epic- Mahabharata. It is believed that the Ernakulam Shiva Temple was one of the most important temples under the Chera Dynasty. After the death of the Chera family, the place was named as Ernakulam in recognition of the famous sacred pond of this temple. Then very soon the place came under the rule of Kochi Kingdom. Later, during the 16th century, the Kochi Fort was acquired by the Dutch and so the Kochi rulers shifted their capital to Ernakulam and made a wonderful place that overlooks the pond of this temple. Later, the major disputation between Edappally Nair Lords and the Kochi Maharajas led to the destruction of the temple.

In the year 1842, the diwan of Kochi, Sri Edakkunni Sankara rebuilt which was ruined. The construction began in the year 1843 and the two Gopura Mandapams were designed elegantly in the traditional architectural style of Kerala which was just like Sri Poornathrayesa Temple (Tripunithura). The new temple complex was opened for the public in the year 1846. And then the temple was brought up under the direct administration of Kochi Government Devaswom Board.

Highlights Of Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

• The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and is in the Gourisankara form found in the main sanctum facing the Arabian Sea towards the west.

• The lingam located in the main sanctum of the temple is called Swayambhoo. When one moves towards the northern side of the main sanctum of the temple, he/she can come across the shrine of Kirthamoorthy where the real Lingam revered by Arjuna is still worshiped.

• While on the southern side of the temple, a small shrine of Lord Ganesha is there. After worshipping Lord Ganesha, one can get the blessings of Goddess Parvati, located behind the main sanctum.

• Next to the temple, there are two other temples constructed on the premises. Visitors can see Murugaon Kovil on the northern side which is made in Tamil style. This is maintained by the Tamil Brahmin Association of Ernakulam and the presiding deity here is Lord Muruga with his wives Valli and Devanyani. Visitors may also seek the blessings of Dakshinamoorthy, Vishnu, and Durga Devi in the temple complex.

• After visiting the northern side of the complex, visitors can step towards the eastern side where they can visit Hanuman Temple which is constructed in Kannadiga Udupi style. This temple was built in the year 1850 by Diwan Venkat Rao and the presiding deity here is Hanuman Ji facing towards the temple of Lord Shiva on the eastern side.

• After visiting the temple complex, people may step outside to view the surroundings of the inner temple where they visit to seek the blessings of Lord Ayappa and Nagaraja.

Architecture Of Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

Sprawled over an area of 1.2 acres, the temple is elegantly embellished in typical Kerala style of architecture. The sanctum here is ring-shaped with magnificently sculpted walls. The roof of the sanctum is shrouded with copper tiles. A charming view of the western Gopuram which is a two-storied structure made with gabled roofs and slanting windows in the typical architectural style of Kerala is a must-see when one is here. Additionally, a new Oottupura (Dining Hall) and a marriage hall are also built recently on the northern side of the temple.

Festivals:

One of the major festivals of Ernakulum Shiva Temple is the Uthsavom, celebrated in the months of December-January with great splendor and zeal. The festival starts with Kodiyettam on the very first day. On the seventh day, Pakalpooram is done, when the deity is being taken out with dressed up elephants and Panchavadyam and finally ended at Durbar Hall after the known Pandimelam and colorful fireworks. A solemn ceremony is held on the last day of the festival in the evening on which the flag is brought down and the deity is taken for the holy bath (Arattu) in the tank nearby the temple. After all these rituals, the famous Arattu procession starts with the complement of Panchavadyam.

Sheeveli is arranged during these festive days inside the temple and the best Chendamelam arts are also arranged for this festival. Additionally, special poojas are also conducted every day at this festival by the priests from Puliyannur Mana and Chennose. Apart from these, various cultural programs are also held during this festival and the main concern is given to the arts of temples (like Thayambaka, Paatakam, and Ottamthullal), Classical dances, Classical music concerts, Bhajans, etc.

Pooja Timings In Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

• Nadathurakal Time- 3.30 am

• Nirmalyam- 3.30 am

• Abishekam- 4.00 am to 4.45 am

• Shankhabhishekam- 5.15 am

• Ushapooja Nadathurakal- 5.45 am

• Yethertha Pooja Nadathurakal - 6.15 am

• Ethirtha Sheeveli- 6.30 am

• Pantheeradi Pooja- 7.30 am to 8.15 am

• Uchcha Pooja- 9.30 am to 11 am

• Vykunneram Nadathruakal- 4.00 pm

• Deeparadhana- 6.45 pm

• Athaazhapooja Nadathurakal- 7.30 pm

• Thripuka Nadathurakal - 8.00 pm

Best Time To Visit Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

The temple can be visited at any time in the year. But, devotees often visit this place during the festival Uthsavom, which is held in the months of December and January.

How To Reach Ernakulam Shiva Temple:

As the temple is located in the heart of Ernakulam city, it is easily accessible.

• By Road- There are buses to Ernakulam from all major towns in Kerala. Most buses pass through the MG Road and the nearest bus stop is Pallimukku. The KSRTC bus station is 2 KM away from the Ernakulam Shiva Temple. Local private buses can be taken once one is in Ernakulam town.

• By Air - The nearest airport is the Kochi International Airport, which is about 20 km away from Ernakulam city and the temple.