Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in heart of Ernakulam, the downtown area of the city of Kochi. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector of the city, as per local Hindu faiths and traditions. As per the common practice in Kerala, the deity is reverently called Eranakulathappan, which means Lord of Eranakulam. The temple is located within the Durbar Hall Ground. The temple history itself has a deep association with the history of the city and was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas.
Initially, it was constructed under the Maharaja rule. Later it was reconstructed of the temple started in the year 1842 and finished in 1846 by Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier. After the remodeling of this temple, the power of the temple spread all over the Kochi and more devotees started to visit this temple often. It covers an area of about 1 acre. In 1949 it went under the control of Cochin Devasom board. It is the one of the rarest temple the idol of the god facing in the west direction. It is decorated with a golden flagpole. The other Gods worshipped in this temple are Parvathy, Ganapathy, Sastha, Kirathamoorthy, and Nagaraja. It is one of the ancient Shiva temples in Kerala. Gate placed on the east side is called as Devi gate.
According to myth, this temple originated by the Arjuna. Once he worshipped the Goddess Parvathy sincerely in this place. Lord Shiva masked himself as Kiratha like a tribal hunter and appeared before Arjuna. At that time a wild bear nearing Arjuna tried to attack him. At that time both of them shot an arrow on it. Actually, it was a devil named Mookasura disguised in the form of a bear. And later fight started between the Lord Siva and Arjuna to concluding who killed really. And finally,y the Lord Siva wins in that. Then Arjuna created a Shiva Lingam in the mud and start to worshipping the idol. Then he offered flowers to Lingam all fell on the Kiratha. Then he realized that Lord Siva has only come before him. And Lord Siva and Parvathy appeared before him gifted Pashupatha arrow to Arjuna. After some centuries later a boy called Devala is cursed by his Guru and his body changed as a snake. Then he visited this place where the Arjuna prayed the Shiva lingam. And he started to worship the god sincerely and got relieved from his curse. Then the god appeared before him and told to take a dip in the pond where the present pond is located inside the temple. Then he was relieved from his curse. Later that place is turned as famous Ernakulam Siva temple.
Museum and art gallery
Landmark
Botanical garden and park
