Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple - Hindu temple in Kochi - Ernakulam, India

The Chottanikkara Bagavathy Temple boasts impressive architecture, but I was disappointed by the absence of drinking water facilities. The security personnel's behavior was abrasive and loud, which detracted from the serene atmosphere. Additionally, requesting visitors to remove clothing is uncomfortable and seems out of place in a temple setting. Overall, improvements in visitor amenities and security etiquette are needed to enhance the temple experience.

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a spiritual gem in Kerala. Serene, rich in tradition, and deeply calming. An essential visit for those seeking blessings and cultural immersion. The unique healing focus adds to its mystique. Don't miss it.

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi and believed to reside with Maha Vishnu as Lakshmi Narayana, is located in Chottanikkara, a suburb of Kochi in Kerala's Ernakulam district. Renowned for its exorcism practices, the temple provides sacred items like threads and amulets, albeit at a high price, and is well-maintained.

Chottanikkara temple is a famous Durga temple near Ernakulam . It was once in a hilly dense forest but today a bustling town . The temple is on Sabarimala pilgrim circuit even during other times lot of women devotees come to pray Very powerful Godess

Chottanikara Temple, situated in Ernakulam, Kerala, is a place of profound spiritual significance and architectural beauty. Dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, particularly in her form as Rajarajeshwari, the temple exudes an aura of divine energy that attracts devotees from far and wide. Its traditional Kerala architecture is a sight to behold, adorned with intricate wood carvings, captivating murals, and a majestic gopuram (tower). Visitors often report feeling a strong spiritual presence within the temple's serene and peaceful precincts. The temple hosts a variety of daily rituals and pujas performed with great devotion and adherence to tradition. One of its most famous events is the annual "Makam Thozhal" festival, a grand celebration that draws thousands of devotees, creating a vibrant and culturally rich experience. Set amidst the lush greenery of Kerala, Chottanikara Temple offers a tranquil escape for seekers of spirituality and a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage. Its convenient accessibility from Ernakulam makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the region's religious and architectural marvels.

The Chottanikkara Devi Temple goddess is Bhagavati Lakshmi.(Mahalakshmi) along with her Husband Maha Vishnu. The main deity is also considered as Lakshmi Narayana according to the temple legend The deity is known by various names like Rajarajeswari, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Bhagavati, Aadi Parashakthi and Amman. Devi is worshipped as Mahasaraswati in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the noon and Mahakali in the evening along with Lord Narayana. There are sub-shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi, Lord Dharmasastha, Snake deities, Brahmarakshassu and Yakshi in this temple. The temple is known for curing mental illness and disorders due to evil spirits. The patients are brought to the priest(melsanthi), who engages with them in some conversation. He nails a part of the hair of the patient in the temple tree, indicating that evil spirit is captured in the tree and the patients are cured off their illness. Neem leaves, lime and chillies are taken home from the temple, which are believed to ward off evil spirits

It is the most important Temple among the 393 shrines spread over 3 Districts of Kerala and coming under the administration of Cochin Devaswom Board. 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. 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 give mental peace and harmony to devotees. "MAKOM Thozhal" is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham(malayalam month) .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. 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).

Very Devine place and worthy to visit at least 1 time. But ik some day you have to be in queue for over 2-3 hours, and for females and small children they have separate lines which is quite fast