About

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is the most famous temple in Kerala. Two main deities are presiding here which can be seen in Melekkavu and Keezkkavu. Rajarajeswari is presiding in Melkkavu. Keezhkkavu bhagavathy is badrakali in Durga form. Other sub deities are Brahma, Shiva, Ganapathy, Muruga, and Ayyappa. Raja Rajeshwari is worshipped as Saraswathi in the morning, as Lakshmi in the afternoon and as Durga in the evening. Accordingly three different poojas are done during these three times for these three deities. The specialty is the idol of the goddess is not fixed to the ground but mounted on the sand. Deity is also known as Lakshmi Narayana because Lord Vishnu is seated on the same pedestal.

Large number of devotees comes to Keezhkkavu bhagavathy to get rid of evil spirit. There are several true examples and history that goddess here protects her devotees from all evil spirit and prayogas. Guruthy pooja is special here. It is said that devotees should first visit keezhkkavu and then visit Melakkavu. Lots of devotees comes for Bhajan (41 days Prayer). This temple will be packed with Samis during Sabarimala season, where almost all ayyappa swamis visits this temple.This is one among the most famous temples of Kerala where mentally disturbed people, come in thousands to get cured. This temple is 8 KM away from present-day Thripoonithura (which is a suburb of Kochy).

There are two main temples here. The first one we see as soon as we enter is the temple of Rajarajeswari. The one behind it in a slightly lower elevation is called Keezhekavu, which has Bhadra Kali consecrated there. The Rajarajeswari is worshipped as Goddess Saraswathi in the morning, as Bhadra kali at noon and Durga in the night. This temple opens its doors every day at 4 AM. People believe that Goddess Mookambika of Kollur attends the first worship here before going to her temple. Another peculiarity of this temple is that the Goddess is not fixed to the ground but rests on a bed of sand. Nearby her is the idol of Lord Vishnu. Hence the devotees always pray to her along with her brother Lord Narayana and chant 'Amme Narayana'.

HISTORY

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri, and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occasions. The golden-hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of light shine splendidly. It is a picturesque image bewitching everybody and embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in a hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spiritual solace to the entire devotees. This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning. That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns to there late in the morning.

The significance of the Chottanikkara Temple

• The temple is important in the religious history of Kerala due to the following reasons.
• Goddess Rajarajeswari is an evil destroyer here. She protects her devotees from danger.
  
• As per folklore, pilgrims get free from the stress of material life here.
• Goddess Rajarajeswari has three forms at the temple. In the morning worship, She is Goddess Saraswati. In the afternoon She is Goddess Lakshmi and in the evening She is Goddess Durga.
• She is in a white dress in the morning. In the afternoon She is in crimson red cloth and in the evening the Goddess is in a bright blue dress.
• There is a statue of Lord Vishnu on the same pedestal. For this reason, the Goddess is also known as Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana, and Bhadrenarayana.
• There are also deities of Lakshmi, Narayana, Brahma, Siva, Ganapati, Subramanya and Sastha on the pedestal.
• The temple also has various idols of mythological characters.

festivals

• Kumbam: The annual festival of the temple comes in Kumbham. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star. Daily Para ezhunnellippu over neighbouring areas (houses in the Thattakam) and then Aarattu is conducted on these days. During the ulsavam, comes the important day of Makom. Makom Thozhal (Devi darsan) between 2 pm and 8 pm is considered to be most effectual for Mangalyam (long married life) and for getting best marriage for girls. The Deity in full attire specially decorated with gold and diamonds shine in its entire splendor. There is Pooram ezhunnellippu with 7 Elephants in the morning and at night. The ulsavam ends with Uthram Aarattu and Valiya Guruthi (Atham Guruthy).
• Kanni: Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted. Babies of 3 to 6 age group are initiated to the three R's- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic in the presence of Devi SARASWATHY. Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami are very important. There is elephants procession. Annadanam and stage programmes are arranged on every day.
  
• Vrishchika: he Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season. Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc are conducted. During this month,Thrikkarthika festival comes. It is the birthday of the Goddess and the festival runs for three days, Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram. On these days,there is ezhunnellippu, Kazhcha siveli, stage programme, deepaalankaaram, Kaarthika vilakku, fireworks etc.There is also lakshaarchana and Vedamura abishekam for 15 days starting from January 1. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) and fire works.
  
• Karkitakam: Ramayana masam (Ramayana Month) is celebrated during this period. Daily puranam reading (Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, etc.,) daily annadanam, devotional speeches and discourse etc., is conducted - there is also illam Nira, when fresh paddy of the year is offered to God.
  
• Chingam: Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims.
  
• Medam: On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants.

POOJA

Rituals at Chottanikkara Temple

• Chottanikkara Temple follows some special rituals.
• Worship starts at the temple by blowing conch. Musicians play instruments at this time.
  
• The day starts with Nirmalya Darshan. The swayambhoo image of Goddess is visible only at this time.
• Dhaara of Lord Shiva is the next ritual.
• Several types of worship take place throughout the day. Ethruthu Pooja, Seeveli, Guruthi Nivedyam, Pantheeradi, Ucha, Uchaseeveli are the other afternoon worships.
• The Evening Nada opening again worships Goddess Rajarajeswari.
• Deeparadhana, Athazha and Seeveli worships take place at evening.
• Bhajanam is a special ritual that takes place on request of the devotees. Devotees can request Bhajanam only if they stay at the temple. They do not go out of the temple this time. Worshippers do not have food with salt, chilly and sour at this time. Bhajanam can heal diseases.
• Mandapathil Paattu is another ritual which gives blessings of the Goddess. Bronze lamps and flowers decorate the temple. The devotees present satin clothes, fineries, rice and paddy to the Goddess. Devotees play Brahmini Amma Paatu devotional songs. After worship they get Chathussatham. This is a kind of sweet pudding.
• Annadanam is another ritual that satisfies the Goddess.
• Rudrabhishekam worship is for Lord Shiva.
• Chuttuvilakku and Nirmala rituals are for prosperity.
• Thrikala worship is also for prosperity. In this ritual the devotee has to worship the Goddess three times in a day.
• One day worship is another ritual in which the devotee has to worship Goddess Rajarajeswari complete day.
• Mahabhagavath Seva is for the main deity. This ritual gives jaggery to the Goddess.
• Noorum Palum ritual worships the Naga snakes.
• Palpayasam ritual worships Lord Vishnu.
• Mrithyunjaya Homam ritual gives blessings of Lord Shiva. This ritual also provides long life. it helps to cure diseases.
• Chathussadam is another form of worship of Goddess Rajarajeswari.

Nearby Temples

• Kizhukkavu Temple: This temple is situated just on the eastern side of the Chottanikkara Temple. Moreover, the temple is famous for its ValiyaGuruthy worship. This means great sacrifice and the event takes place every day at 8.45 pm. This ritual takes place after the evening worship at the Chottanikkara Temple. This ritual cures women from mental disorders, like schizophrenia.
  
• Ernakulatthappan Temple: This temple is situated at the heart of the Eranakulam city. Here also Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. The important feature of this temple is that the deity is west facing. In addition, here the great Villawamangalathu Swamiyar framed rituals. The shrine depicts Kerala style of architecture. The temple also has deities of Lord Ganesha and Sastha.
• Ettumanoor Shiva Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is at Travancore. The temple is also historically important. The Pandavas and Saint Vyasa worshipped here. The temple has mural paintings.
• Kaduthuruthy Temple: Also known as the Thali Temple, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is near the Vembanad Lake. In addition, Lord Shiva is east facing here. Kharasura demon worshipped Lord Shiva here. The wooden carvings of the temple narrate various stories related to Lord Shiva. Also, there are Lord Ganesha, Sastha and Goddess Durga here.
• Sree Poornathrayesa Temple: This temple is also significant as it is 1000 years old and is dedicated to Poornathrayesan. Poornathrayesan is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Furthermore, childless couples can pray here to get child. Also, Vrishchikoltsawam is the main festival here. It takes place during the months of November and December.
• Vaikam Mahadeva temple: This is the most famous Lord Shiva temple of central Kerala. While some believe that Parasurama installed Shiva Lingum here, others believe that demon Kharasuran placed the Siva lingum at this shrine. Also, Ananadana Prabhu is the major festival at the temple.

Tips

• Dress Code: Traditional dress like Saree or Churidar for women. Dhoti or trouser without shirt & banian.
  
•  All males are required to remove their shirts, so it will be good for you to carry angavastra. shorts are not allowed
• Ladies and kids can take the exclusive queue.
• Devotees can have free meals at the temple during the afternoon.
  
• there is free parking on the north side of the temple and don't fall prey to paid parking touts.

The Accommodation Manager, Chottanikkara Devaswom, Chottanikkara, Ernakulam Dist., Kerala, Pin - 682 312, Phone: 0484 - 2711032 , 2713300 E-Mail: eo@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org

How to Reach

• By Air: The temple is at 38 km from the Cochin airport. This international airport is well connected to the other airports of India, Singapore and gulf countries.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Thrupoonithura railway station. It is at 4 km from the temple. The temple is 18 km from Eranakulam south and north railway station. Eranakulam is a junction and connects the city with the other cities of the country. There are auto rickshaws and private cars available from the railway stations which take you directly to the shrine. Trains are available throughout the day, starting from 4.00 am till 10.00 pm.
  
• By Road: The temple is at 20 km from the Eranakulam KSRTC bus stand. It is at 22 km from the Kaloor private bus stand. Road transport to the Chottanikkara Temple is economical. Deluxe Volvo buses are available which connect the temple to the different cities, like Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Timings