The annual Arattu Festival at Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple (Ettumaanur Mahadevar Temple) will be celebrated with much pomp and splendor. Ettumanoor Shiva Temple is one of the oldest Kerala temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Ettumanoor Temple is located at Ettumanoor, around 12 km north-east of Kottayam town in Kerala. Arattu festival, popularly known as Ettumanoor Ezharapponnana, is a 10 day long festival which falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. The Arattu (Arat) is on the 10th day on Thiruvaathira (Aardhra / Ardra / Arudra) Nakshatra.
The ceremonial procession of Ezharaponnaana (seven and a half elephants) is on the 8th day of the festival. Ezharaponnana (‘Ezhara’ means seven-and-half and ‘Ponnana’ means golden elephant) is a unique treasure of the temple which was donated by a Travancore Maharaja. Each of the seven elephants is two feet high and the eighth one is of one foot only. Ezharaponnana represents the Ashtadigjam - which are Airavatham, Pundareekam, Kanmudam, Ajnana, Pushpadantham, Supradeekam, Sarvabhauman, and Vamana. As Vamana is a short one, the eighth elephant is a short one. The 7th of the Ettumanoor Arattu Festival also holds special importance as the temple's famous golden umbrella is taken out and for procession on this day.
The ceremonial procession of Ezharaponnana Picture
Cultural and traditional programs will be held during the ten day long festival. Thousands of devotees from across the state visit the temple during the Ettumanoor Ezharapponnana festival season.
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