Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
The famed golden elephant statuettes known as
the 'Ezhara Ponnana' are the hallmark of Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple in
Kottayam. The statuettes are kept in the temple vault and taken out once a year
on the eighth day of the ten-day annual festival. Celebrated during the
Malayalam month of Kumbham (February - March), this unique festival is a
glimpse into the rich religious and cultural history of Kerala.
'Ezhu' means seven and 'Ara' means half. Even though there are eight golden elephants, they are collectively referred to as 'Ezhara Ponnana' because seven of them are two feet high and the eighth one is only half that size. Made out of Jackfruit wood and covered with nearly thirteen kilograms of gold, these statuettes are believed to have been presented to the presiding deity by the Maharaja of Travancore. Varying stories are told regarding the reason for this donation. One legend says that the statuettes were offered as compensation for the damages inflicted on the temple during the annexation of Thekkumkur by Travancore. Some believe that the offering was made when Tipu Sultans' plundering army arrived at Travancore's gate.
'Ezhara Ponnana' is perceived as a symbol of luck. 'Ezhara Ponnana Darshanam' (ceremonial sighting), the high point of the annual festival, takes place at midnight on the eighth day. Witnessing the grand spectacle of the golden statuettes displayed in the presence of caparisoned elephants and the traditional temple orchestra is an experience of a lifetime.
