Cochin Devaswom Board welcomes you to Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple. It is the most important Temple among the 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala and coming under the administration of the Cochin Devaswom Board. The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Sri Lakshmi at noon and Durga Mata in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana, there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.
Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, temples for Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas and other Upa-Devas. The pleasant atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees.
“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 darshan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirits from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.
Chottanikkara Rajarajeswari Temple History:
The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shown in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people are tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhu (self-manifested) 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 myrid of light shine splendidly. It is a picturesque image bewitching everybody and embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship her.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy 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’s prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed to be present in the temple in the morning. That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns there late in the morning.
Kizhukkavu Temple:
On the eastern side of the temple, pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple. The idol facing westward is believed 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 an awe-inspiring and prolonged ceremony, find it an experience that 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.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple Timings:
Morning: 4.00 am to 12.10 pm
Evening: 4.00 pm to 8.45 pm
Chottanikkara Adiparasakthi Temple Timings:
4.00 am – Opening of Nada (nirmalaya darshan)
3.30 am – Opening of Nada (Fridays & During Mandala Season)
5.00 am – Dhara Of Lord Shiva
5.30 am – Ethruthu Pooja
6.00 am – Seeveli
7.30 am – Guruthi Naivedyam at Kizhukavu Temple
7.45 am – Pantheeradi Pooja
11.00 am – Dhara of Lord Shiva
12.00 Noon – Ucha Pooja
12.10 pm – Ucha Seeveli
4.00 pm – Nada Reopens
6.30 pm – Deeparadhana
7.00 pm – Guruthi Naivedyam at Kizhukavu Temple
7.30 pm – Athazha Pooja
8.00 pm – Seeveli
8.45 pm – Valiya Guruthi at Kizhukavu Temple
Dress Code Mandatory:
For Women: Saree or Chudidar.
For Men: Dhoti or trousers without a shirt.
How to Reach Bhagavathy Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is at Cochin International Airport which is 36.2 mm away.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is at Ernakulam South which is 14.8 km away.
By Road:
Direct buses are available from Ernakulam station which is 20 km away.
Rajarajeswari Temple Address:
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple,
Chottanikkara,
Ernakulam District,
Kerala – 682 312
Phone: 0484 – 2711032 , 2713300
email: info@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org