As per legend, the antiquity of Ernakulam Shiva Temple dates back to times of Pandavas & Kauravas and gets associated with the epic Mahabharata. It finds mention in Sangam literature. In fact, history of the temple has a deep connection with history of the city. Ernakulam Shiva Temple is also believed to be one of the major temples belonging to Chera dynasty. The recorded history of the temple dates back to 16th century when the Dutch conquered Kochi and acquired Fort Kochi. At that time, the Kochi rulers had to move their capital to Ernakulum. They built a beautiful palace that overlooked pond of the temple. They considered and declared Ernakulam Shiva Temple as protector of the city. The temple was built in 1846 AD under active patronage of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrior. The temple is said to have raised the bar of the Kochi temples of the Maharajas.
Most of the Hindu festivals and religious ceremonies in Cochin are centred round Ernakulam Shiva Temple. The main festival ‘Uthsavom’ of the city is celebrated in December / January in Ernakulum. The festival begins with hoisting of a flag called Kodiyettam. Another major activity during festival is a procession on 7th day of the religious process. During the procession, the deity is taken for a ride on an elephant all dressed up. The procession is called as ‘Pakalpooram’. Another ceremony is carried out on the last day of ‘Uthsavom’ festival; the temple flag is brought down. The flag-lowering happens in the evening when the presiding deity is given a holy bath in the tank (‘kund’) of the temple. This is called Arattu. The Arattu is followed by many cultural programs. Classical music concert, ‘bhajans’, temple arts like Paatakam, Ottanthullal, Thayambaka, Kathakali, and other classical dance forms are performed on the occasion. ‘Uthsavom festival is one of the most auspicious and celebrated festive occasions of the town. People have high regards for this festival.
The architecture of Ernakulam Shiva Temple is of typical Kerala style. The sanctum complex of the temple has circular sculpted walls. Copper tiles are used to cover the roof of the temple. There are two gates (‘gopurams’) in the temples – eastern gopuram & western gopuram. Both of the gates (gopurams) are mostly similar having two storey structures with slant windows and gabled roof. Devasom office is located near western Gopuram. The northern side of the temple is recently added with a marriage hall and a dining hall that is also called as Oottupura.
The temple is now administered by Cochin Devasom Board. The whole area of the temple is located in an area of 1 acre. The worship ceremony (‘puja’) in the temple starts from 3.30 AM every day. There are various time-slots in which the puja and aarti is carried out.