Ernakulathappan Temple
The Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as the Ernakulathappan Temple is located in the heart of Ernakulam, Kerala. It is one of the major temples of Kerala. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector of the city.
Legend has it that a boy named Devala who had been cursed by a sage, now had the body of a snake. He crawled into this forest and saw this lingam completely submerged into mud and worshiped this lingam as part a deep penance in hope that the curse will be lifted. Soon a few people spotted this mysterious man with body of snake and called him as Rishi Nagam (Saint Serpent) and feared even to go near to him. Some even tried to thwart him with sticks etc. Unmoved by all these action, Rishi Nagam continued his severe penance. Finally Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared in their original form and asked Devala to take a dip in the nearby pond. As soon as he immersed, he was redeemed from the curse. Soon a new idol appeared just near to the original lingam. Based on this legend, the place got its new name, Rishnagakulam (The pond of Rishi Nagam) and the temple was constructed by the public.
The existence of temple was first mentioned in Sangam Literature as one of the major temples under Chera Dynasty. Cheras were adherent worshipers of Lord Shiva. When Chera dynasty ended, the place fell into the hands a few Nair nobles who renamed the place as Ernakulam in recognition of the famous sacred pond of this temple.
Location
Marine Drive
Main Deity
Lord Shiva (in Gourisankara form)
Other Deities
Kirthamoorthy, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ayyappa and Nagaraja.
Festivals
The Uthsavom (temple festival) of Shiva temple is one of the grandest festivals in the Kochi city, celebrated during the Malayalam month of Makaram. Maha Shivratri in the month of Kumbham & Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu.
Main Offerings
Jala Dhara, Shankhabhishekam, Koottu Payasam, Ganapathy Homam, Mrithyunjaya Homam.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated at 35.3 KM from the temple.
By Rail: Ernakulam Town North Railway Station is 3.5 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Ernakulam Town KSRTC Bus Depot is 2.1 KM from the Temple.