Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple Timings, Entry Fee, Online Booking

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple is one of Kerala’s most revered Shiva shrines, drawing pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts alike to its ancient precincts in Kottayam district. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, locally known as Ettumanoorappan, this temple is renowned for its historic architecture, ever-glowing lamp, and the spectacular Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallathu festival. It offers a soulful darshan experience with free general entry, detailed ritual schedules, and options for special offerings that can be booked online.

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Location	Ettumanoor, Kottayam, Kerala, India
Temple Open (Morning)	4:00 AM – 12:00 PM (approx)
Temple Open (Evening)	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (approx)
Entry Fee	Free for general darshan
Online Booking	Available for poojas and offerings on official temple portal
Contact	+91 80781 33375 / ettumanoordevaswom@gmail.com
Management	Travancore Devaswom Board

About Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple

The Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine believed to be several centuries old, with rich traditional significance in Kerala’s spiritual culture. Governed by the Travancore Devaswom Board, it’s part of the network of major Shiva temples in the region. The temple is particularly celebrated for its murals and metalwork, including the iconic ever-burning lamp at the temple entrance and the annual Ezharaponnana procession featuring seven golden elephants. For official information, visit official TTD portal.

Temple Timings

Timings for general darshan and poojas at the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple reflect Kerala temple tradition, with separate morning and evening sessions.

Session	Time
Morning Darshan	4:00 AM – 12:00 PM (approx)
Evening Darshan	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (approx)

Daily ritual timings include early morning rites (Nirmalyam, Abhishekam, Usha/Madhavippalli Pooja), mid-day services like Ucha Pooja, and evening archanas like Deeparadhana and Athazha Pooja. These ceremonies offer rich cultural immersion and are ideal times for devotees seeking spiritual depth.

Entry Fee And Booking

General entry to Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple is free for all devotees. However, if you wish to perform specific poojas or offerings, these are fee-based and can be booked online.

Online Booking Steps

Booking specific poojas or offerings can improve your visit with traditional rituals.

1. Visit the official Ettumanoor Temple offerings page: Temple Offerings & Vasippadu.
2. Browse the list of available poojas and their prices (e.g., Ganapathy Homam ₹60, Shiva Pooja ₹135, Sahasranama Archana ₹40).
3. Select your desired pooja and add it to the cart.
4. Enter your name, contact details, and preferred date for the ritual.
5. Complete payment online through the secure portal.
6. Save your booking confirmation for temple reference.

For assistance with bookings or offerings, you can also contact the temple office at +91 80781 33375.

How To Reach Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple

By Air

The nearest major airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 75–77 km from Ettumanoor. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Kottayam, then proceed to the temple.

By Train

Ettumanoor Railway Station is about 2 km from the temple and well connected to major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum. Trains from Ernakulam and other Kerala stations stop here frequently, making rail travel convenient.

By Road

Ettumanoor is easily accessible by road, with regular bus services from Kottayam, Kochi, and nearby towns. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private vehicles ply frequently to Ettumanoor Bus Station, a short walk from the temple.

Insider Tips From My Visit

When I visited the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple early in the morning, the calm and serene atmosphere before dawn was truly captivating. I recommend arriving before 6 AM to witness the temple rituals and experience the quiet energy of the ceremonial Abhishekam. The early morning Madhavippalli Pooja and Usha Pooja felt especially powerful.

What surprised me was how smoothly the crowds moved even during peak hours; the temple management’s queue system keeps darshan orderly. I personally recommend prioritizing your visit during weekdays if possible—weekends can get quite busy around Ucha Pooja time. Also, carry a small offering like flowers or coconuts if you want to participate in traditional customs.

Nearby Attractions

• Kottayam – Approximately 11 km from the temple, known for its backwaters and cultural spots.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Around 20 km; ideal for wildlife and nature lovers.
• Vembanad Lake – Around 15 km; perfect for a houseboat ride.
• Vaikom Mahadeva Temple – ~ 35 km, another ancient Shiva temple worth a visit.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple is between October and March when the weather in Kerala is pleasant and conducive to long sightseeing and darshan sessions. The annual Ezharaponnana Ezhunnallathu festival—typically in February-March—is also a spectacular occasion to witness local traditions and vibrant processions.

Early mornings (before 7 AM) are ideal for peaceful darshan, while evenings around 5 PM offer cooler temperatures and beautiful Deeparadhana ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There An Entry Fee For The Temple?

No, general entry for darshan at Ettumanoor Mahadevar Darshan Temple is free. Fees apply only for special poojas or offerings.

Can I Book Poojas Online?

Yes, special poojas and offerings can be booked online through the temple’s official offerings page.

What Are The Temple Timings?

The temple normally opens early at 4:00 AM for morning darshan, closes around noon, and reopens around 5:00 PM for evening darshan until about 8:30 PM.

Is There A Dress Code?

While there’s no strict dress code enforced, traditional attire is recommended out of respect. Many men wear mundu or dhoti, and women wear sarees or traditional salwar suits.

Are Non-Hindus Allowed Inside?

Traditionally, only Hindus are permitted inside the inner sanctum for darshan, a practice observed at many Kerala temples.