Chottanikkara Temple

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The Chottanikkara Temple is a living legend buried in awe-inspiring facts and wonderful mythology. It is one of the most visited Hindu shrines in South India. It is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy, who is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi during the day, and Durga in the evening. Thousands of people visit the temple, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.


Among the 393 shrines dispersed across three districts in Kerala and which fall under the jurisdiction of the Cochin Devaswom Board, this particular temple is the most significant one.


THINGS TO DO AT CHOTTANIKARRA TEMPLE:


• The Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple is one of the several buildings that make up the temple complex:

There are temples dedicated to Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas, and other Upa-Devas. The worshippers benefit from the mental serenity and tranquility afforded by the harmonious ambiance of the temple. It is thought that with the consistent worship of the deities housed in this temple, even ailments with the potential to cause death can be cured.

Bhadakali, the lower temple goddess, is considered the patron goddess of exorcists in the Hindu religion.


• The historical allure and the customary impact that it has had on successive generations of people is immense:

Even as you approach the Chottanikkara Temple from Eranakulam, the chant of 'Name Narayana, Devi Narayana, Lakshmi Narayana, Bhadra Narayana' is likely to resound from all directions. This is because the Goddess that resides here is the embodiment of all three forms of Shakti, another name for the Divine Feminine.


• Participate in the most significant festival, 'MAKOM Thozhal,' which translates to 'worship on the Makom day.' 

On the day of Makom, it is believed that Bhagavathy appeared to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar and offered him darshan when she was dressed in her full regalia. It is also believed that Bhagavathy appears on the same day each year to give followers darshan in her particular form.

• It is the focus of the attention of worshipers who travel from all over the world:

The temple is in a mountainous area encircled on all sides by undulating beauty. It is abundant with its lush green grass and golden farmland and offers profound spiritual comfort to all worshippers.

The golden-hued idol, which is decorated with flowers, garlands, and diamonds and is illuminated from every angle, shines magnificently.

It is a gorgeous image that enchants everyone and is the essence of serenity, which helps devotees who adore Her overcome their fears.


• In the wee hours of the morning, around four o'clock in the morning, the holy doors of the sanctum sanctorum are allowed to be opened:

Thousands of pilgrims and followers of the Goddess come here to give their reverent sacrifices to be freed from their woes. 

They find solace from worldly life's crushing sorrow and suffering when they visit the temple. Conch blowing and temple musical instrument playing provide a soothing ritualistic rhythm and sense of tranquility to people who are looking for a sure answer to their persistent prayers. 



• Every night at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Guruthy ritual is carried out:

The Guru is produced in 12 cauldrons, which are large vessels

Those fortunate enough to be present for the guruthy performance, which is in and of itself a reverent and drawn-out ritual, have reported that it is an unforgettable experience.

Women who suffer from mental disorders such as schizophrenia are permanently cured when they come to this location on Fridays to participate in the Valiya guruthy.


• An ancient palm tree can be found on the temple grounds (Alstonia scholaris):

Those freed from the captivity of demons and evil spirits are given the task of driving a nail into the tree or into the fence that surrounds the tree. The fact that thousands of these nails can be found embedded in and around the tree is evidence of the enormous faith that has brought tens of thousands of people to the temple year after year and the miraculous healings that the Goddess bestows.

  • imageDuration Required
    2 hours

Address of Chottanikkara Temple

Ernakulam, Kochi (Cochin) 682 312 India

Opening & Closing time of Chottanikkara Temple

  • Monday
    04:00-20:45
  • Tuesday
    04:00-20:45
  • Wednesday
    04:00-20:45
  • Thursday
    04:00-20:45
  • Friday
    04:00-20:45
  • Saturday
    04:00-20:45
  • Sunday
    04:00-20:45

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