Renowned temples in Kottayam district
Like all other districts of Kerala, Kottayam too has many pilgrimage places. In this article I have listed the main temples in Kottayam district. I have also added a brief explanation about each of them.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is a very ancient temple in Ettumanoor of Kottayam district. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Siva in 'roudra bhava'. The place Ettumanoor is famous due to the presence of this temple. This temple has Dravidian mural paintings done on its wall. It is believed that Adi Sankaracharya wrote "Soundarya Lahari" during his stay in this temple.
The main festival celebrated in Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is "Arattu festival". This festival is celebrated on Thiruvathira Nakshatra in the month of February - March. Thiruvathira nakshatra is the star of Lord Siva, hence the celebration on this day is on a grand scale. Thulabharam is an important ritual performed in this temple.Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple
Thirunakkara Sree Mahadevar Temple is a renowned temple situated at the heart of Kottayam district. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Siva. This temple was constructed by the King Thekkumkoor Raja. It is believed that a Siva Linga has spontaneously emerged, which is about six inches tall. To the left of the Siva Linga, there is a small idol of Goddess Parvathy. The main festival celebrated in this temple is "Painkuni festival". This festival is held on the first ten days of the Malayalam month Meenam (March - April). This temple is administrated by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
Muzhukkappu, Ksheeradhara, Rudrabhishekham, Ashtabhishekam, Mruthyunjayahomam, Ganapathy Homam, Bhagavathiseva, Ayilyam Pooja, Noorum Palum, Neelanjanam and so on are the main offerings.Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple
Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is a very ancient temple in the state of Kerala. The main deity in this temple is Lord Siva and is commonly known as "Vaikathappan". It is believed that the Siva Linga in this temple is from Treta Yuga. The other deities worshiped in this temple are Panachikkal Bhagavathi,Sthambha Vinayaka and the Sarppa Sanidhya. There are two Ashtami festivals held annually in this temple. One is held in the month of Kumbham (February-March) and the other in the month of Virshichikam (November-December). The main offering here is "Prathal". There is a school by the name "Kshethrakalapeedhom" in this temple to teach temple arts.
The interesting part of this temple is that every devotee has to pass through the six steps to obtain darshanam. Each of these steps represent six different things - Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Madha and Mathsarya or the thantrik chakras - Mooladhara Chakram, Swadhishtana Chakram, Manipuraka Chakram, Anahatha Chakram, Visudhi Chakram and Jnana Chakram.Kumaranalloor Karthyayani Devi Temple
Kumaranalloor Karthyayani Devi Temple is situated in a small village Kumaranalloor of Kottayam district. This temple is a renowned Devi temple in Kerala and is one among the 108 Durgalayas. It is more than 2400 years old. Both the nalambalam and sreekovil is built in sreechakra style hence is unique. The main festival of this temple is Kumaranalloor Thrikarthika festival. This festival is held in the month of Vrischikam (November–December). Kathika lights are lightened up during this festival and this itself makes the temple amazing. Maha Navami, Uthrattathi OOruchuttu Vallamkali and Meena Bharani are some other occasions celebrated here.
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