Indian Temples: Chottanikkara Temple | Chottanikkara, Kerala- Highlights

 


The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, located near Ernakulam in Kerala, is one of the most prominent and ancient Hindu temples of South India, dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, an incarnation of Mahadevi (Parvati). The deity here is worshipped in three divine forms — Mahasaraswati (morning), Mahalakshmi (noon), and Mahakali (evening) — symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and power respectively.

Famous for its healing powers, particularly in curing mental ailments and spiritual afflictions, Chottanikkara Temple attracts lakhs of devotees annually from across India. The temple is revered as one of the 108 Durga temples established by the sage Parasurama, making it a vital spiritual and cultural landmark of Kerala.

History in Detail

The origins of Chottanikkara Temple are shrouded in legend and mythology. According to ancient lore, the temple was discovered by a tribal hunter named Kannappan, who lived in the dense forests of Chottanikkara. A devout worshipper of Goddess Kali, Kannappan used to sacrifice animals to please her. One day, his daughter befriended a calf, which he later attempted to sacrifice. However, the goddess appeared before him, instructing him to stop the practice of animal sacrifice and instead worship her as Bhagavathy.

Later, a divine light emerged from the earth in the place where the temple stands today. The idol of Bhagavathy was later enshrined there, believed to have been installed by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, the famous saint who also discovered the Guruvayur Temple deity.

The temple has been a center of worship for centuries and is closely associated with the Cochin royal family, who were patrons of the temple. The ancient structure and traditions have been preserved carefully, maintaining the temple’s original spiritual essence.

Significance

  • Healing and Mental Well-being:
    Chottanikkara Temple is globally known for curing mental illnesses and possession-like disorders. The goddess is believed to have immense power to drive away evil spirits and grant peace of mind. The rituals performed here are said to restore mental harmony and spiritual balance.

  • Three Forms of Worship:
    The presiding deity, Chottanikkara Amma, is worshipped in three forms a day:

    • Morning (Mahasaraswati) – Dressed in white, symbolizing knowledge and purity.
    • Noon (Mahalakshmi) – Draped in crimson, representing prosperity and well-being.
    • Evening (Mahakali) – Clad in blue or black, symbolizing strength and destruction of evil.

  • Bhagavathy and Lord Vishnu Together:
    Uniquely, Lord Vishnu is worshipped along with the goddess in the sanctum as Ammenarayana, symbolizing the unity of Shakti (energy) and Vishnu (consciousness).

  • Guruthi Pooja at Keezhkavu:
    The Keezhkavu Bhagavathy Temple, located adjacent to the main shrine, is where the powerful Guruthi Pooja (offering to appease Goddess Kali) is performed after sunset. This ritual is believed to help devotees overcome negative energies and mental distress.

  • Devotion Beyond Barriers:
    The temple welcomes devotees from all faiths. Many people, including those from outside Hinduism, visit to seek healing and blessings, reflecting the temple’s inclusive spiritual energy.

Temple Architecture and Details

  • The temple showcases traditional Kerala-style architecture with sloping tiled roofs, wooden carvings, and a golden flagstaff (Dwajasthambam) at the entrance.
  • The main sanctum (Sreekovil) houses the idol of Bhagavathy, made of laterite stone, adorned with ornaments and silk. The goddess is often decorated according to the time of day — representing Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali.
  • The Lord Vishnu idol beside the goddess emphasizes the unity of Vaishnavism and Shaktism.
  • The Keezhkavu temple (lower temple) dedicated to Bhadrakali is considered equally powerful. It is here that priests perform Guruthi rituals, believed to remove mental afflictions.
  • The temple complex also has shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Ganapathi, Hanuman, Nagaraja, and other deities.
  • The annual Makam Thozhal festival is the most significant celebration, marking the goddess’s divine appearance to bless devotees.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Major Poojas:

  • Nirmalyam: 4:00 AM
  • Usha Pooja: 7:00 AM
  • Ucha Pooja: 12:00 PM
  • Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM
  • Athazha Pooja: 8:30 PM

Special Rituals:

  • Guruthi Pooja at Keezhkavu: Conducted every evening after the Athazha Pooja.
  • Makam Thozhal Festival: Celebrated in February–March with grand processions and traditional art performances.

Connectivity

  • By Air:
    The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (33 km), which connects to major Indian cities and Gulf countries.

  • By Rail:
    The closest railway station is Ernakulam Junction (18 km), with frequent trains from all parts of Kerala and South India.

  • By Road:
    The temple is easily accessible via NH 66, located around 15 km from Ernakulam city and well connected by KSRTC and private buses. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also readily available.

Legacy

The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple holds a special place in Kerala’s spiritual heritage. It is not only a shrine of divine feminine power but also a sanctuary of healing, faith, and mental rejuvenation.

The temple’s unique rituals, especially the Guruthi Pooja, have been subjects of spiritual and cultural study, as devotees recount miraculous recoveries and emotional relief. The deity’s presence symbolizes compassion, strength, and motherly protection, making Chottanikkara Amma one of the most beloved forms of the Goddess in South India.

Beyond its religious dimension, the temple continues to uphold Kerala’s rich traditions of temple arts, rituals, and classical music, especially during its festivals. Generations of devotees have passed down the faith that “Chottanikkara Amma never forsakes her children.”



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