Chottanikkara Bhagavathi - Temples - Kerala

The beautiful place Chottanikkara in Ernakulam, gained its fame for housing the famous Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple the most renowned pilgrim destination in Kerala.

The presiding deity of Chottanikkara temple is Goddess Lakshmi Devi who is also known by the name Sree Bhagavathi or Chottanikkaramma. The temple became famous among the pilgrims due to the healing powers of the Goddess. The spectacular architecture of the Chottanikkara Temple is regarded as the ultimate testimonial for the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis (wooden sculpture). Lord Shiva, Ganapathi, and Sri Dharma Sastha form the Upadevas of the Chottanikkara temple.

History

There are a lot of myths and legends attached to the history of the Chottanikkara Temple. The most prominent legend is about a tribesman named Kannappan who was an ardent worshipper of Goddess Kali.

Kannappan lived in a dense forest which is said to be infested by Yakshis and Raktharakshas. In order to please the Goddess Kali, every day Kannappan used to sacrifice a cow ritually. One day, he kidnapped a beautiful black calf from the thick jungle and decided to offer it to Goddess Kali. But his daughter Manimanga insisted him from killing the calf. Kannappan who loved her daughter very much, let her keep the calf as a pet. But unfortunately, a few days later his daughter Manimanga passed away. Kannappan decided to cremate her body and when he looked for her corpse, to his surprise, it had vanished. He went to a priest to know the reason for such an occurrence and the priest analysed that his daughter Manimanga was taken as a punishment to Kannappan, as he used to forcibly take young calves from their mothers and sacrifice them. When Kannappan looked for the calf, he found two divine stones in its place that represent the divine couples, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. In order to wash off his sins, Kannappan built a small shrine and started worshipping the two deities which became a tradition ever since. Later the temple was reconstructed and came to be known as Chottanikkara Temple.

Another popular legend about this temple is related to the spiritual leader Shankaracharya (Adi Shankara). As there wasn’t a single temple in Kerala dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Shankaracharya was very disappointed that he set off to the Kodachadri hills in Karnataka to meditate to the Goddess to appear before him. The Goddess who was pleased with his meditation appeared before him, dressed in white. He told her his wish to establish a temple as a dedication to her in Kerala, so he begged her to come with him to Kerala. She agreed and said that she would follow him but only on one condition that he wasn’t supposed to doubt and look back at her. He also agreed to her condition and both of them started their journey with Shankaracharya leading the way and the goddess' anklets tinkling to let him know that she was with him. But after some time, Shankaracharya couldn’t hear the tinkling of her anklets so he quickly turned back to check the goddess still with him. This angered the Goddess to a great degree. But Shankaracharya was not ready to give up, so he begged and apologized and at last, they agreed to a compromise.

The Goddess agreed to appear before the devotees of Kerala in the early hours of the morning at the Chottanikkara Temple and she told him that she would return to the spot where she stopped in the afternoon. And that spot is now the Mookambika Temple. Since then, the sanctum doors of the Chottanikkara Temple are opened during the early morning hours to worship Goddess Saraswati before the doors of the main sanctum in Mookambika Temple are opened.

Speciality

Melekkavu and Keezhekkavu are the two main temples of the famous Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple.

The speciality of the idol of the Goddess Rajarajeswari is that it is not fixed to the ground but mounted on the sand. The deity of Melekkavu is also known as Lakshmi Narayana because Lord Vishnu is seated on the same pedestal.

The main speciality of Melekkavu is that here, the deity Goddess Rajarajeswari is worshipped in three different forms in which the idol is worshipped as Saraswati, draped in white in the morning, as Lakshmi, in red in the afternoon and as Durga in blue in the evening.

Goddess Bhadra Kali of Keezhekkavu temple is known for healing powers, especially those that are related to mental illness and disorders.

Every evening, an important ritual called ‘Guruthi Pooja’ is performed at the Keezhekkavu temple.

The devotees beat in long nails using their forehead to a large tree near the temple on the belief that doing so can disable the spirit of evil residing in the patient's body that causes mental illness.

Festivals

Makam Thozhal: This festival is celebrated for seven days in the month of Kumbham which falls between the months of February and March. This festival is conducted on the belief that Bhagavathy will appear on the same day every year to give darshan to the devotees in her special appearance.

Thiruvonam: Thiruvonam is celebrated with great grandeur at this temple offering Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims.

Navarathri: The Navratri festival of this festival attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Vijayadashami day when Vidyarambam is conducted.

Mandala Mahotsavam: Mandala Mahotsavam is another important festival of this temple which is celebrated during the entire period of the Mandalam season.

Vishu: With Vishukkani, Vishu Sadya and ezhunnellippu on three elephants, the Vishu festival is celebrated during the month of Medam.

Timings

Morning: 4 AM to 12:10 PM

Evening: 4 PM to 8:45 PM

Dress code

Traditional Indian clothes are the most preferred attire for men and women. Men are not allowed to wear shirts. Women can wear traditional sarees or North Indian suits.

Way to Reach

By Air - Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Chottanikkara Temple which is situated about 36.2 Km away from the shrine. On reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi, bus or auto rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Rail - Ernakulam Junction Railway Station and Ernakulam South Railway Station are the nearest railway stations to Chottanikkara Temple which is situated at a distance of 16 Km and 18 Km respectively. On reaching the railway station, one can hire a taxi, bus or auto rickshaw to reach the temple.

By Road - Many State transport buses and private buses are easily available to Chottanikkara Temple from different parts of the state.

FAQs about Chottanikkara Bhagavathi - Temples - Kerala

Who is the presiding deity of Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple?

The presiding deity is Goddess Lakshmi Devi, also known as Sree Bhagavathi or Chottanikkaramma.

What is the significance of Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple?

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned pilgrim destination in Kerala, dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi Devi. It is believed to have healing powers and is known for its unique rituals and offerings.

Why is Chottanikkara Temple so renowned among devotees?

Chottanikkara Temple is widely revered for its spiritual significance and is believed to possess healing powers, especially for mental afflictions. Many devotees seek solace and blessings at this temple for various ailments, including mental health issues.

Can I take pictures while visiting Chottanikkara Temple?

While photography is generally permitted within the temple premises, it is always advisable to check with the temple authorities for any specific guidelines or restrictions. Some areas might have limitations on photography, especially during rituals or pujas.

When is the grand Makam Thozhal festival celebrated at Chottanikkara Temple?

The magnificent Makam Thozhal festival at Chottanikkara Temple is held annually during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (usually falling between mid-February and mid-March) on the auspicious Makam star. This vibrant celebration attracts devotees from far and wide and is a highlight of the temple's annual calendar.