Ernakulam Shiva Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in the heart of Ernakulam. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, considered as the protector of the city and hence reverently called, Ernakulathappan.

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in Gourisankara form, located in the main sanctum sanctorum facing west. The Shiva Linga is considered to be Swayamboo (Divinely derived).

Remember the battle fought between Arjuna and Shiva (disguised as Kiraatha), resulting in latter's victory. Vanguished Arjuna, made a Shivalinga out of mud and perform pooja offerings to this Shivalinga. To his surprise, the flowers he offered were falling over the head of Kiraatha, made him realised that Kiraatha is none other than Lord Shiva.

Centuries later, Devala, a boy was cursed by a Sage and was turned to a snake. This snake worshipped the above Shivalinga (hence called Rishinagam) in deep penance in hope for the curse. Moved by his severe penance, finally Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared in their original form and asked him to take a dip in the nearby pond. As soon as he immersed, he was redeemed from the curse and a new idol appeared just near to the original Linga.

On the northern side (left side) of the main sanctum sanctorum, one can see the small shrine of Kiraathamoorthy, where the original Linga worshipped by Arjuna is still worshipped.

On the southern side (right side) of the main sanctum sanctorum, a small shrine of Lord Ganesha is seen.

There is a small area behind the main sanctum sanctorum, considered as abode of Goddess Parvathi, hence, the east gate is known as the Devi gate.

Shrines of Lord Ayyappa and Nagaraja are worshipped outside the main temple.

The temple opens at 3.30 AM till 11.00 AM and from 4.00 PM till 8.00 PM.

This was one of the seven Royal temples of Kochi Maharaja, with Sree Poornathrayesa Temple at Tripunithura being their chief Royal temple.

This temple is now under the control of Cochin Devasom Board.

Adjacent to the main temple compound, two other temples are constructed. On the northern side, is a Murugan Kovil built in Tamil style and all rituals in this temple are in accordance to Tamil style.

On the eastern side, is a Hanuman temple built in Kannadiga Uduppi style. A 200 years old banyan tree can be seen near to this temple.

The yearly festival of this temple celebrated during the Malayalam month Makaram (coming between January & February). It's an 8 days festival celebrated in a grand manner.

This temple is pretty busy most of the days due to it's popularity, especially on Saturday evenings and on Pradhosham days. The entire temple compound exudes peacefulness and spirituality and can feel that vibrant energy once you enter...

The Parashurama Connection According to legend, Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, created Kerala by reclaiming land from the sea. He consecrated several Shiva temples, including Ernakulam Shiva Temple, to protect the region. The deity here is known as “Ernakulathappan” (Lord of Ernakulam) and is worshipped in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam. The Unique East-Facing Shiva Unlike many Shiva temples where the deity faces west, the presiding deity here faces east, looking towards the Arabian Sea. This is believed to signify Shiva’s role as a protector of the people and the land. The Link to the Mahabharata Some local legends suggest that Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed penance at this site to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and obtain the Pashupatastra weapon. Though Shiva blessed Arjuna at a different location (Kiratamurti form in another temple), devotees believe this temple retains spiritual energy from those times. The Influence of the Dutch and British During the colonial period, the Dutch and later the British took control of Cochin. The temple, being located near the Ernakulam city center, witnessed several historical transitions. The land around the temple was once part of the Cochin royal family’s property. Despite colonial influences, the temple remained a stronghold of Hindu traditions and practices. The Sacred Pond (Pushkarini) and Its Power The temple has a sacred pond known as Pushkarini, believed to have healing properties. Devotees used to take ritual baths before entering the temple. Some say that hidden tunnels once connected this pond to the sea, which were later sealed. Secret Tantric Rituals in the Past Ancient texts mention that the temple was once a center for Tantric worship, which included secret rituals performed by select priests. These practices faded over time, and the temple now follows conventional Kerala-style worship traditions. The Miraculous Survival from Attacks It is said that during invasions and wars, while several temples in Kerala were damaged, Ernakulathappan Temple remained untouched due to divine protection. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva himself safeguarded the temple from destruction.

Today, Ernakulam Shiva Temple is a major spiritual center, drawing thousands of devotees, especially during Maha Shivaratri. The temple is also part of the Cochin Devaswom Board and plays an important role in the religious and cultural...

Lord Shiva temple is situated at heart of Ernakulam .Lord Shiva is also called as ernakulathappan or rishinagakulathappan here.Temple is spread across an acre of land and deity is facing the sea.As per legends ,Arjuna ,Pandava prince performs a severe penance to please the lord and on getting pleased he comes to visit the prince along with goddess Parvathi in disguise as Kiratha or tribal warrior. Just before meeting Arjuna,a wild bear which is also the disguised form of Mookasura is seen and same is killed by the lord.A fight occurs regarding the ownership of the death of bear and finally Arjuna is defeated by the Kiratha.Shattered pandava prince makes a siva linga in mud and offers pooja and to his surprise ,flowers offered to linga were seen falling on Kiratha ,Lord getting pleased shows his original form and blesses him with a divine arrow called "Pasupathasthram "Kiratha moorthy is also worshipped in the temple .After ages a Rishi named Devalan who was cursed by his guru for killing a serpent came .The curse turned his face into the hood of a snake and was called Nagarishi .He can attain moksha only after sustained worship of Lord Shiva as per the guru. After rigorous worship he is blessed with a siva linga which is the same used by Prince Arjuna .Nagarishi comes to Ernakulam and performs poojas with the siva linga and it gets fixed to the ground .On understanding that lord has become pleased with his worship,Nagarishi takes a holy bath in the temple pond and he is relieved from his curse .This siva linga is worshipped as Kiratha moorthy in the temple and based on his request Lord Shiva and Parvathy appears and exists as Gaurisankara roopam in the temple which is the swayambhoolingam .Thereafter lord Shiva is called Rishinagakulathappan and Ernakulathappan meaning Lord of Ernakulam . Powerful deity which removes all the worries and devotees attain moksha .Every year festival is celebrated on January February months and it's a mesmerizing view to see the Elephants decorated with Nettipattam or Elephant Caparison and Panchavadyam at its best. Really a must visit temple. Om...