Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is the most important temple is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms away from Ernakulam.The Goddess Rajarajeswari (ADIPARASAKTHI) alias Durga Bhagavathy - the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika (Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning ,It is believed that the temple deity is worshipped in three forms of the Devi, as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and as Durga at the evening

The 'Devi' in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. The temple situated in a hilly region, is surrounded on all sides by green farms. The entry is through the west and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees.The deity is called as Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana, Bhadre Narayana and Lakshimi Narayana as there is a Vishnu (Naryana) idol placed in the same pedestal as of Goddess Rajarajeswari .

In the main temple, the golden hued idol of Bhagavathy 4 to 5 ft. high, is bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights splendidly. The idol has four arms. The upper right holds the disc, the upper left bears the conch, the lower right hand is held in a boon-conferring pose and the lower left indicates the abhaya (fearlessness) pose. The Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms as Saraswathy in the morning clothed in an impeccable white garment, Lakshmi at noon with crimson red cloth and Durga in the evening wearing a bright blue dress. Durga is a much milder form. The original idol of Bhagavathy, three or four feet high which faces east, is of laterite and is believed to be self-born (swayambhoo). This image called 'Rudraksha Sila' is irregular in shape, red in colour and is untouched by the human sculptor. This image can be seen only in the wee hours of morning at 4 am when the Nada opens for nirmalyam.

The Other Dieties : Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, temples for Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas and other Upa-Devas.

History : According to a popular belief,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 occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly..

Kizhukkave Temple :-On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing westward is belived to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar. After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m every night. Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia. An ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.

Festivals in Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple

" MAKOM Thozhal " (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March) It is believed that Bhagavathy in her full attire gave darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makom day and appears on the same day every year for giving darsan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirit from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.

Chingam - Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims

Kanni - Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted.

Vrishchikam - The 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.

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. There is Pooram ezhunnellippu with 7 Elephants in the morning and at night. The ulsavam ends with Uthram Aarattu and Valiya Guruthi (Atham Guruthy).

Medam - On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants.

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.

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.


Anna Prasam or Choroonu:- Choroonu' in Kerala is usually performed when the baby is 140-168 days old, that is between his/her 5th and 6th month, calculated according to the Malayalam calendar. It is the first rice giving ceremony of a child can be conducted before temple. The Anna Prasam is starting every day from 6 AM in the morning up to Uchapooja. You need to buy a receipt for the "Anna Prasam or Choroonu" from the Deavaswam counter. Maintain the dress code for Men: Dhoti/Mundu | Women: Salwar/Saree & The baby is dressed in a kasavu mundu. You can buy Mundu for child,Food items for Anna Prasam will be provided by Temple.

Address: - The Executive Officer / The Devaswom Manager, Chottanikkara Devaswom, Chottanikkara, Ernakulam Dist., Kerala, Pin - 682 312,
Phone — (+91 484) 2711032 , 2713300