Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple — Attraction in Kerala

The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening.

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 give 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 darsan to the devotees in her special appearance.

The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirit from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.

Bhajanam is an important vazhipaadu being done by the devotees for certain special purposes. Bhajanam here, is quite different from chanting hymns (Namajapam). It is a peculiar way of attempt to appease the Goddess by undergoing certain sacrifices. it can be done for getting rid of mental or physical illness or afflictions, tension, stress and strains, lack of concentration, unruly behaviour, poor education, job or to get married or have no children etc. But the bhajanam should be conducted or will definitely be fruitful only if the devotees observes following rules and regulations. Experiences of innumerable devotees prove that it is an effective remedy.

FOR THE KIND ATTENTION OF THOSE DEVOTEES WHO CONDUCT BHAJANAM AT THIS TEMPLE Those who intend to conduct the bhajanam should come to the temple on the previous evening and be present for the Nirmalya Darsanam when the nada opens in the morning next day (4.00 a.m. on normal days and 3.30 a.m. on Fridays and Mandalam season).

After having Nirmalya Darsanam both at the Melkavu and Kizhukkavu Temples, they have to conduct prathakshinam with perfect purity and chanting of God's names. They have to come to Sivan Nada at 5 a.m. for having darsanam of Sivandhara and see the Ethruthu pooja at 5.30 a.m. in Melkavu Temple. Also conduct prathakshinam for the seeveli afterwards. Then go to Kizhukavu temple for worshipping the Guruthi pooja and obtain Guruthy Prasadam. This Guruthy prasadam should be kept in custody and taken, after obtaining bhajanam ghee from the Melkavu Temple after the Pantheeradipooja (8a.m.) Then only one should take food.

After the breakfast, the devotee should continue the prathakshinam with namajapams and be present for the Dhara at Sivan Nada ( at 11.00 a.m. ), Uchapooja at Melkavu Temple (12.00 noon ) and the Uchaseeveli. After that the devotee should obtain the nivedyam choru and eat it.

Then the devotee can take rest but avoid day-sleep When the Nada reopens at 4.00 p.m., as earlier, the devotee should pray and conduct prathakshinam in both the temples. Then the Deeparadhana ( 6.30 p.m. ), Athazhapooja and seeveli should be seen and prayed. Then go to the Kizhukavu Temple and pray during the Guruthi pooja and obtain Guruthi prasadam. After this, they can have the supper.

The devotee shouldn't take food from outside. Salt, sour and chilly etc., should be consumed less. It is better to consume milk, fruits, vegetables etc.

Those who conduct bhajanam couldn't go outside the temple premises.

Those who are possessed by evil spirits or doubt so or have some sort of diseases should see that no unsacred things are happening on their part. There should be a person accompanying the devotee who conduct the bhajanam. The above said people should be brought only up to the Balikkalpura. Conducting the prathikshinam of the Banian tree with the strict rituals will mitigate the Navagrahadosha etc.

Those ladies who enters in their periods, should be removed from the temple premises and continue their bhajanam only after 7 days.

The devotee should conduct the various vazhipaadus to the Deities according to their...

Chottanikkara Rajarajeswari temple is a very famous Bhagavathi temple in Kerala at Chottanikkara, Ernakulam Dist. Main deity: Rajarajeswari facing east. Pooja is performed in morning for Deity as Saraswathi, Noon time for Deity as Lakshmi and Evening pooja for Deity as Durga, hence overall the devi is believed and worshipped as Rajarajeswari. Along with the idol of Devi in Sreekovil, another idol of Vishnu also is placed, so the deities together are worshipped as Lakshmi Narayanamoorthy.

Subdeities: In North-east corner of the temple inside Nalambalam, Dharma Sasthavu is placed and worshipped in another Sreekovil, which is very rare in location wise. In South-west corner of the temple out side Nalambalam, Lord Shiva, Ganapathi, Yakshi and Nagadevatha are placed and worshipped. The interesting myth of this Yakshi is related to Shri.Gupthan Namboothiri of Kandarappalli Illam. Devi killed the Yakshi to save her devotee, Kandarappalli Namboothiri.

In South side of the temple, we can see the famous worshipping spot, Pavizhamallithara which is considered as the Sree Moolasthanam of the temple.

Keezh kavu Bhagavathi: Out side the east nada of main temple, Keezh kavu Bhagavathi is placed and worshipped in another temple facing west. Keezh kavu Bhagavathi is Bhadrakali. Some vazhipadu (offerings) like Mahaguruthi and spiritual procedures like hammering iron nails to the 'Pala' (a kind of tree) in this temple are very famous for treatment of mental ailments. Another separate temple of Sasthavu is there in between these Bhagavathi temples. Vedi vazhipadu in this temple is an important offering. These Bhagavathi temples are included in the list of 108 Durga temples of Kerala. Overall the divine atmosphere of Vaishnav, Saiva, Saktheya sakthies together vibs the temple premise. So it is a must visit temple atleast once, to get the divine feelings and spiritual vibs.

Temple: A medium size temple of kerala style Architecture roofing with copper sheets. Golden flag mast.

Vazhipadu (Offerings): Guruthi, Guruthi Pushpanjali, Raktha Pushpanjali, Sahasranamarchana, Neeranjanam, Vedivazhipadu etc. Other offerings as usual to other Devi temples. Festival: 8days festival with Aarattu on Pooram day of Kumbham. The most important day is on Makam day of the festival.

History: As per one of the myth, a tribal man named Kannappan started worshipping Devi in the place where it is now called Pavizhmallithara. Later this worshipping place was abandoned when tribals left the place permanently. However the place again came in to focus when a local lady observed the presence of Holiness in the old idol. So the landlord of that locality, Edattu Namboothiri had initiated reconstruction of temple and worshipping Devi. The great scholars and spiritual leaders like Adi Sankaran, Villuvamangalam Swamiyar and Kaakkasseri Bhattathiri had also some major contributions to finalize the rituals and renovations in the temple. We can see a mandapam as the memmorial of Kaakkasseri Bhattathiri in the West-north corner of the temple.

Travel: Chottanikkara is a small town centered to this famous temple in Ernakulam district. It is by the side of Kochi-Madhurai National Highway-85, around 16kms from Ernakulam KSRTC Bus stand/Railway station. The temple is around 3km south of Thiruvankulam Junction at NH-85, which is 13kms from Ernakulam and 26kms from Muvattupuzha. Public transport facilty is available mainly with private and KSRTC buses.

Facility: Vehicle parking ground is available near the temple to accomodate reasonable number of vehicles. Eventhough the temple area is slightly crowded and congested, nearby bypass road also can be used for parking. Hotels and vegetarian restaurants are available nearby to get good...

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. Divine and peaceful atmosphere Beautifully maintained temple premises Idol of Goddess Bhagavathy is stunning and mesmerizing Temple architecture is a blend of traditional Kerala style and modern facilities Prasad (offerings) are delicious and authentic Friendly and helpful temple staff Can be very crowded during peak hours and festivals Limited parking space Some visitors find the queue system disorganized

Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds Dress modestly and follow temple rules Try the prasad, especially the payasam (sweet dessert)

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple has a rich history dating back to the 10th century.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. According to legend, the temple was established by a devotee named Kannappan, who built the shrine after receiving a vision from the Goddess. 10th century: The temple was initially a small shrine, but it gained prominence during the reign of the Cochin Royal Family (12th-19th centuries). 16th century: The temple underwent significant renovations and expansions, including the construction of the main sanctum sanctorum. 18th century: The temple became a major pilgrimage center, attracting devotees from across Kerala and beyond. 19th century: The Cochin Royal Family continued to patronize the temple, and it remained a significant cultural and spiritual hub. 20th century: The temple underwent modernization efforts, including the installation of electric lighting and other amenities. Present day: The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in Kerala, attracting millions of devotees annually.

The temple's unique architecture, which blends traditional Kerala style with Tamil and other influences. The presence of ancient inscriptions and sculptures, including a rare statue of Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple's association with the nearby Periyar River and the legend of Kannappan.

Chottanikkara Devi Temple is famous for its exorcism rituals, particularly for those believed to be possessed by evil spirits or Bhutas. The temple is considered a sacred place for performing rituals to cleanse and free individuals from such possessions.

The temple's presiding deity, Goddess Bhagavathy, is revered for her powerful energy and ability to ward off negative forces. Devotees believe that the Goddess's presence and blessings can help alleviate mental and physical afflictions, including those caused by supernatural entities.

The temple offers special rituals and prayers for exorcism, including:

Bhuta Shanti: A ritual to calm and appease malevolent spirits. Raksha Homam: A fire ritual to protect individuals from negative energies. Durga Homam: A ritual invoking Goddess Durga's power to vanquish evil forces. Ganapathy Homam: A ritual to appease Lord Ganesha, believed to remove obstacles and negative energies.

These rituals are performed by experienced priests and involve chanting, offerings, and sacred rites. Devotees often report experiencing relief and liberation from possessions and afflictions after performing these rituals.

Chottanikkara Devi Temple is a must-visit for spiritual seekers, architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Be prepared for crowds, but the divine experience makes...