Ernakulam Mahadev Temple

The Ernakulam Shiva temple is one of the major temples in Kerala. It is also called as Ernankulathapan temple, located in the heart of the city of Kochi. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity who is in the form of Gourisankara and is considered a rare one as the deity faces the Arabian sea towards west. The main sanctum is home to a Lingam that's considered to be Swayambhoo. There are sanctums on either side of the Lingam. 

The temple festival (Uthsavom) of Shiva is celebrated with great pomp every year in the month of Makaram (January - February). Various programmes like Kathakali, classical dances and music with colourful fireworks and procession are held with thousands of people to witness. The Pakalpooram and Arattu processions are the major highlights of the festival. 

The temple belonged to the Chera dynasty and was mentioned in the Sangam literature. The Cheras were ardent followers of Lord Shiva hence the temple was named Rishnagakulam (based on a legend). As their rule ended, the place was taken over by few Nair nobles and was renamed as Ernakulam. It is now managed by the Cochin Devasom Board.