Ernakulam Shiva Temple is in the heart of Ernakulam city. The deity is well-known as Ernakulathappan. Lord Shiva is the main deity.
History
This was one of the major temples under the Chera Dynasty. After the Chera Dynasty came to an end, the region came under the rule of the Kingdom of Kochi. Their capital was in Fort Kochi. They moved the capital to Ernakulam after the Dutch laid a siege on Fort Kochi in the seventeenth century. The rulers built a new palace facing the temple.
In 1842 Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier, Diwan of Kochi, started restoration work on the temple. He constructed two gopurams in traditional Kerala architectural style. The gopurams are similar to those in Sree Poornathrayesa Temple in Tripunithura which was the pricipal temple of the Kochi Maharaja. Ernakulam Shiva temple is under the control of Kochi Devaswom Board.
Architecture
The temple complex is in a 1.3 acre parcel of land opposite Durbar Hall in Ernakulam. Construction of the temple follows the Kerala style of architecture. The sreekovil is circular in shape. Copper sheets cover the roof. There are two gopurams or entrance towers to east and west of the temple. The gopurams are of two storeys.
On the northern side of the temple complex is a Murugan Temple which the Tamil residents of Kochi had built. A Hanuman Temple in Kannadiga Udupi style is on the eastern side.
Deities
The presiding deity of Lord Shiva is in Gourishankara form. The lingam in the sreekovil is thought of as a Swayambhu.
To the north of the sreekovil is a shrine of Krishnamoorthy. The shrine of Lord Ganesha is in the south. Shrines of Ayyappa and Nagaraja are outside the inner temple circle.
Festivals in Ernakulam Shiva Temple
The 8-day long annual festival at the temple usually falls in the months of January/February. On the seventh day, the deity is taken out in a grand procession with caparisoned elephants and to the accompaniment of Panchavadyam. This is Pakalppooram or daytime pooram. The procession ends at the Durbar Hall Grounds where the devotees enjoy rhythmic Pandi Melam and spectacular fire works.
During the festival, the temple is resplendent with flower decorations. The organisers hold many art events.
One of the elephants in the temple procession was Pallattu Brahmadathan who has many fans in Kerala. Interestingly 13,327 people like his Facebook page.
During the festival, the temple is resplendent in flower decorations. The organisers hold many art events.
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