30/08/2014
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple is very ancient Shiva temple of Kerala and it is believed that it was consecrated by an 'Asura' by name Khara. He received theree 'Shivlingas' from Lord Shiva himself and he brought them to Kerala.One of them was in his right hand, one in his left hand and the other he was holding in the mouth.
Khara consecrated the three 'Shivlingas' in three nearby places of Kerala at the same time because he was having a gigantic enormous figure.The one he had in his right hand was consecrated at 'Vaikom' and the one in his left hand was placed at 'Ettumanoor' and the 'Shivlinga' which he was holding in between his teeth at 'Kaduthurithy'.(The malayalam word 'Kadichiuruthy' became Kaduthiruthy' is the belief).
Khara later became a deer and the Lord Shiva of Ettumanoor took hold of him in his hand is another belief and hence the place name 'Ettumanoor'
The deity of Ettumanoor which the devotees call as 'Ettumanoorappan' is said to be in angry form which is 'Roudra Bhava' and he is also called as 'Akhora Moorthy'.He is not angry to his devotees but to sinful beings only.Devotees in large number visit these temples for the blessings of Lord Shiva.Visiting all these three temples in a single day is considered auspicious.
Lord Shiva at his abode at mount 'Kailas' dances joyfully during 'Pradosha' time is a belief.He will be in a joyful mood at that period and Lord Ganesa, Subrahmanya, Devi Parvaty including Nandi watch him dance.In all Shiva temples this time is considered as auspicious and special pooja rituals are performed.
In Ettumanoor Shiva Temple one of the famous mural painting is Lord Shiva in 'Pradosha Nritham' which is the dancing posture of Shiva.He is depicted with eight hands and in 'Soumya Bhava'.
