LORD SIVA OF ETTAMANUR

It is this temple that contains a mysterious lamp, obtained and lighted up by none other than the Moolavirat amidst thunder and lightening about three and half a century back, which is still burning round the clock with five wicks and oil overflowing; it is this temple's metal bull that gave grains used as a remedy for curing stomach oilmen's; it is this temple's mural paintings and wooden carvings that illustrate Sivalilas to igniting the slumbering theistic instincts and are hailed as specimen of superior craftsmanship; it is this temple that celebrates an annual festival called 'asthanamandapa' late in midnight, attended by Bhaktas in several thousands and it is when the much venerated Ezhara Poonanai seven and half an elephant Darshan is made available; it is the glory of this kshetra, described elaborately in legends, like Vamana and Padmapuranas, and was very popular in the Tretayuga as Manimanoor; it is in this place, where Lord Siva unable to keep pace with Khara in deer's form carried it in his hands, hence the name of Ettamanur, it is here Khara performed Kanakabhisheka to Lord Siva' it is here he installed Balagopala image to appease and lessen the fierceness of Lord Siva, and it is this pace that was cursed by Sage Lomaharsha to be without worship for about 1000 years, and was given a fresh lease of life by Bilvamanagala Swamiyar, who entrusted it to Ashtamanagalathu Muthatu after building a grand temple.

Renowned thus both in legend and history, enshrining awe-inspiring marvels, trodden by Lord Siva himself, adored by sages anti demons, like Vedavyasa and Khara, praised for the works of arts and architecture, endowed munificently by princes of fame, this shrine of Lord Siva has been luring thousands of devotees since the Treta yuga.

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