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{{multiple issues|{{more citations needed|date=October 2018}}
{{Original research|date=October 2020}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Ettumanoor
| native_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = [[Municipalities of Kerala|Municipality]]<ref>https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417130137/http://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf |date=17 April 2018 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| image_skyline = File:Ettumanoor Temple North Gate Entrance.JPG
| image_alt =
| image_caption = North entrance to the temple
| pushpin_map = India Kerala#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Kerala, India
| coordinates = {{coord|9.67|N|76.57|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes = <ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/13/Ettumanur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Ettumanoor]</ref>
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kerala]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Kottayam district|Kottayam]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 27.8
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 4
| population_total = 51,129
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ettumanoorcds.com/ettumanoor-muncipality |title=Ettumanoor municipality - At a glance}}</ref>
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], English
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 686631
| registration_plate = KL-05
| blank1_name_sec1 = Nearest city
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Kottayam]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1 = Nearly 100%
| blank3_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank3_info_sec1 = Kottayam
| website =
| footnotes =
}}

'''Ettumanoor''' ({{IPA|ml|eːt̪uːmaːnuːr|}}) is a [[List of urban local bodies in Kerala|municipality]] in the [[Kottayam district]] of [[Kerala]], [[India]].<ref>https://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417130137/http://lsgkerala.gov.in/system/files/2017-10/localbodies.pdf |date=17 April 2018 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=August 2024}}</ref> It is located approximately {{convert|10|km|1|abbr=on}} north of the district headquarters at [[Kottayam]] and about {{convert|163|km|1|abbr=on}} north of the state capital, [[Thiruvananthapuram]]. According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 Indian census]], Ettumanoor has a population of 51,129 and a population density of {{convert|1839|/sqkm|abbr=on}}.

== Etymology ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

The name ''Ettumanoor'' is traditionally explained through several local and mythological interpretations. One interpretation traces the name to the [[Malayalam]] words ''maan'' (deer) and ''ooru'' (place), meaning "place of deer". Another version suggests that the name is derived from ''Ettu Mana Ooru'', meaning "the land of eight manas", referring to eight Namboothiri Brahmin households (''Ashta Grihas'') who are traditionally regarded as the original ''ooralans'' (trustees) of the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.

It is also believed that Lord [[Shiva]] appeared at this place (''ooru'') in eight (''ettu'') different forms, which contributed to the name Ettumanoor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ETTUMANOOR MAHADEVA TEMPLE |url=https://ettumanoormahadevatemple.com/ |access-date=2025-12-24 |website=ettumanoormahadevatemple.com}}</ref>

According to local tradition, Ettumanoor is considered a historically significant site, with myths stating that the [[Pandava|Pandavas]] and the sage [[Vyasa]] were associated with the establishment of the Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.

== Transportation ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

[[File:Ettumanoor Junction.JPG|thumb|Ettumanoor main junction]]

Ettumanoor has two bus stands: a [[Kerala State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) station master's office with an adjoining bus station, and a privately operated bus stand. Deluxe, express, and inter-state buses halt at the town. Direct bus services are available to several destinations, including [[Bengaluru|Bangalore]], [[Mangaluru|Mangalore]], [[Theni]], [[Cumbum, Tamil Nadu|Cumbum]], [[Velankanni]], [[Palani]], [[Madurai]], [[Thoothukudi|Tuticorin]], [[Kanyakumari]], [[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]], and [[Coimbatore]].

The two bus stands are located close to each other, with a large market situated between them, contributing to Ettumanoor's role as a local commercial centre. Two state highways intersect within the town, and two additional highways originate from it, making Ettumanoor an important transit point for commuters in the region.

== Economy ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

Ettumanoor hosts an industrial estate under the Government of Kerala, along with a production centre under the Government of India, which together form the town's principal industrial facilities. The industrial estate is noted as the only such facility in Kerala functioning under the Ministry of Labour, Government of India. The main products manufactured in the area include rolling shutters, bakery items, rubber products, and wood-based products.

Since the 1950s, Ettumanoor has also been recognised as a major centre for the trade of building materials in the [[Central Division (Travancore)|Central Travancore]] region.

== Education ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

[[Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala|Mahatma Gandhi University]], established on 2 October 1983, is located at Athirampuzha, approximately {{convert|6.7|km|1|abbr=on}} south-west of Ettumanoor. Government-run educational institutions in the town include an Industrial Training Institute (ITI), a Government Boys' Higher Secondary School, a Government Girls' Model High School, a Teachers' Training School, and a Lower Primary School.

Privately managed institutions include SFS Public School and Junior College, Shree Vidyadhiraja Higher Secondary School, and Ebenezer International Residential School. The Town U.P.S. School is a privately aided institution established in 1918. Higher education institutions in and around Ettumanoor include [[Mangalam College of Engineering]] and Ettumanoorappan College, Ettumanoor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Principal’s Message |url=https://ettumanoorappancollege.edu.in/ |publisher=Ettumanoorappan College |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524233222/https://ettumanoorappancollege.edu.in/ |archive-date=24 May 2025}}</ref>

There are more than a dozen colleges and professional institutions within the Ettumanoor Assembly constituency. Ettumanoor also serves as the headquarters of the Kerala Chuvar Chithra Kala Kendram, under the Government of Kerala.

== Hospitals ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

[[Government Medical College, Kottayam]] is located approximately {{convert|6|km|1|abbr=on}} from Ettumanoor town. Direct public and private bus services operate between Ettumanoor and the medical college. A Kerala Government–run general hospital is also located in Ettumanoor, near the former panchayat office, providing general treatment services.

Private healthcare facilities in and around Ettumanoor include Caritas Hospital and Matha Hospital, both situated within a {{convert|3|km|1|abbr=on}} radius of the central junction towards Kottayam. Mitera Hospital, which specialises in maternal and child healthcare, is located at [[Thellakom]].

== Politics ==

Ettumanoor Assembly constituency forms part of the [[Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency|Kottayam (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf |title=Assembly Constituencies – Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304011026/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S11/KL_Dist_PC_AC.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2009 |publisher=Election Commission of India |access-date=19 October 2008}}</ref>

The major political parties active in Ettumanoor include the [[Indian National Congress]], the [[Communist Party of India (Marxist)]], the [[Communist Party of India]], the [[Kerala Congress]], and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]. As of the most recent municipal administration, the Ettumanoor Municipality is governed by the Indian National Congress.

== Mahadeva Temple ==
{{Refimprove section|date=February 2025}}

{{main|Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple}} [[File:Ettumanoor temple.jpg|thumb|Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple]]

The ancient [[Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple]] is one of the most prominent landmarks of Ettumanoor and has contributed significantly to the town's cultural and religious identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple - Info, Timings, Photos, History |url=https://www.templepurohit.com/hindu-temple/ettumanoor-mahadeva-temple/ |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=TemplePurohit - Your Spiritual Destination |language=en-US}}</ref> According to local tradition, the [[Pandava|Pandavas]] and the sage [[Vyasa]] are believed to have worshipped at this temple. One interpretation associates the name of the place with the word manoor, meaning "the abode of deer".

The present temple structure, including the gopuram and the surrounding fortifications, was reconstructed in 717 ME (1542 AD). The temple features [[Kerala mural painting|Dravidian-style mural paintings]] on the walls inside and outside the main entrance. Among these, the [[fresco]] depicting Pradosha Nritham (the dance of [[Shiva]]) is regarded as one of the finest examples of [[Mural|wall painting]] in [[India]]. The temple has a golden flagstaff topped with a sculpted bull, adorned with small bells and metal leaves shaped like those of a banyan tree. The roofs are covered with copper sheets and are crowned with 14 ornamental finials. In addition to the main deity, shrines dedicated to Bhagavati, Sastha, Ganapathy, and Yakshi are present. Tradition also holds that the philosopher [[Adi Shankara|Shankaracharya]] composed the Saundarya Lahari while staying at the temple.

=== Festivals ===
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

[[File:Ezharaponnana ezhunnallathu.jpg|thumb|Ezhara Ponnana festival]]

The Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple is known for its annual arattu festival, celebrated on a large scale on the day of [[Thiruvathira]] during February–March. Large numbers of devotees visit the temple, particularly on the eighth and tenth days of the festival, when the Ezhara Ponnana—seven-and-a-half golden elephants weighing approximately {{convert|13|kg|1|abbr=on}}—are ceremonially displayed. These golden elephants were donated to the temple by a Maharaja of [[Travancore]]. The temple, administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, possesses several valuable ritual and ceremonial objects.

The [[tulabhara|Thulabharam]] ritual is also an important practice at the temple, in which devotees are weighed against offerings such as fruits or other items, symbolising gratitude for perceived blessings received. As a result of its religious significance, Ettumanoor is recognised as an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

According to temple tradition, the deity Ettumanoorappan is believed to have originated from [[Kattupakkam|Kattampakkam]], a village in the Kottayam district. Local legends further associate the temple town with visits by sages, including Vyasa, reflecting its long-standing religious importance.

== Ettumanoor railway station ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

Ettumanoor railway station played an important role as a logistical hub for the supply of steel during the construction of the [[Idukki Dam|Idukki dams]]. Several express trains, including the [[Venad Express]] and the [[Parasuram Express]], have scheduled halts at the station. During major festivals at the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, additional express services, such as the [[Vanchinad Express]], are provided with special stops at Ettumanoor railway station.

== Radio Mangalam 91.2 FM ==
{{Unreferenced-section|date=October 2020}}

[[File:Radio_Mangalam.png|thumb|Radio Mangalam logo]]

Radio Mangalam 91.2 FM is a community radio station managed by [[Mangalam College of Engineering]]. It has been operational since 2016 and broadcasts programmes primarily aimed at the local community.

The station airs three live programmes daily. Mangalam Wishes, broadcast from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., features greetings and messages from listeners. Mangalam Vani, aired between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., focuses on discussions, interviews, and topics of local and community interest. The evening programme, Crazy Time, broadcast from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., provides entertainment-oriented content. These programmes reflect the station's emphasis on community participation and locally relevant broadcasting.

== Notable people ==
{{alumni|residents|date=October 2020}}
* [[Karoor Neelakanta Pillai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography on Kerala Sahitya Akademi portal |url=http://www.keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/Profiles/Karoor/Html/Karoorgraphy.htm |publisher=[[Kerala Sahitya Akademi]] |access-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804164803/https://keralasahityaakademi.org/sp/Writers/Profiles/Karoor/Html/Karoorgraphy.htm |archive-date=4 August 2016 |language=ml}}</ref>
* [[S. P. Pillai]]
* [[Victor George]]
* [[V. D. Rajappan]]
* [[George Kurian (politician)|George Kurian]]
* [[Dennis Joseph]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Ettumanoor Temple Front Arch.JPG|Temple entrance
File:Ettumanoor Temple Deity Outside.JPG|Ucha Pooja or noon prayer
File:Ettumanoor Temple Bhandaram of TDB.JPG|Temple Bhandaram (Donation box)
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.browsekerala.com/kottayam/panchhomepage.asp Details] about services
* [http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/ettumanoorfestival.htm About Ettumanoor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610032214/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/ettumanoorfestival.htm |date=10 June 2011 }} from Kerala Public Relations department

{{Central Travancore}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Kottayam district]]
[[Category:Suburbs of Kottayam]]

Ettumanoor - Revision history

Rudra2020 at 11:59, 16 March 2026