The current temple structure dates back to a major renovation in 1542 CE. However, its spiritual history is much older, linked to the demon Kharasura and later to the philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya. The temple served as a major cultural center where the arts of Kathakali and temple percussion were nurtured under royal protection.

The Golden Elephants and Woodcarving Excellence

The temple is a prime example of **Kerala style architecture** with a conical copper-plated roof. The most striking feature is the **Gopuram** walls decorated with murals, including the world-famous 'Pradosha Nritham' painting near the entrance. The wooden carvings on the 'Sreekovil' (Sanctum) and the 'Namaskara Mandapam' are incredibly intricate, depicting the entire story of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple also houses the 'Valiya Vilakku' (Large Lamp), which has been burning continuously for over 450 years.

Ettumanoor represents the second Lingam placed by Kharasura (held in his left hand). The deity here is considered to be in an exceptionally powerful and fierce 'Aghora' mood. Legend tells of a time when the deity's power was so intense that it caused a drought in the region, which was only pacified when a massive oil lamp (Valiya Vilakku) was lit and kept burning eternally at the entrance.

Worship here is marked by grandeur. The 'Valiya Vilakku' near the entrance is the focus of much devotion; pilgrims offer oil for the lamp as a way to remove obstacles and 'shadows' from their lives. Being an 'Aghoramurthy' temple, the rituals are performed with great precision and discipline to maintain the sanctity of the powerful energy within the sanctum.

The 10-day **Earaat** festival (Feb/March) is iconic. On the 8th and 10th nights, the **Ezharapponnana** (Seven-and-a-half Golden Elephants) are brought out for public viewing. These statues, made of nearly 13 kg of solid gold, were offered by the Maharaja of Travancore. The 'Ezhunallathu' (procession) with these golden icons is one of the most magnificent sights in Kerala's temple calendar.

The most enduring modern folklore concerns the Ezharapponnana. It is said that the Maharaja of Travancore originally intended to offer eight full-sized golden elephants, but the deity appeared in a dream and suggested that seven and a half would be sufficient. Another popular belief is that the oil from the 'Valiya Vilakku' has medicinal properties and can cure skin ailments. Visitors are often told that the gaze of the Nataraja in the 'Pradosha Nritham' mural follows them no matter where they stand in the corridor, a testament to the optical mastery of the medieval artists.