Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Kerala. Located in Chottanikkara, 17 kms from Ernakulam, and 8 km away from Tripunithura, in a hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, with rich greenery, Sri Bhagavati provides a deep spritiual solace to the large number of devotees who throng here every day. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies they face in their life and return with a peaceful mind. The 'Devi' in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. In the main temple, the golden hued idol of Bhagavathy 4 to 5 ft. high, with four hands, is bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights splendidly.
The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms- Saraswathy in the morning ( draped in white), Lakshmi at noon (draped in crimson red) and Durga in the evening (draped in a bright blue dress). The original idol of Bhagavathy, three or four feet high which faces east, is of laterite and is believed to be self-born (swayambhoo).
Adjacent to the image of Bhagavathy, to her right, there is an image of Mahavishnu in granite on the same pedestal. Hence, the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Other deities like Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi, Subramanya, and Sastha are also there.
The temple complex also houses Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, Nagas and other Upa-Devas.
The temple opens at 4 a.m. with a blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments.
The main festival here is Makom Thozhal held in Malayalam month Kumbham (Feb-March).
The Mental Illness of People are said to be cured by worshipping the deity here.
Marriages are also conducted here. Recently I had a chance to attend a wedding here. (See the kalyana mandapa below where the couple are surrounded by the relatives. )
Facilities like good hotels with marriage halls are also available there.
Ceremonies like Chorunnu, (the first time rice feeding ceremony to babies) and Vidhyarambham (the first time introducing a child to learning) are also conducted here.
Adjacent to the image of Bhagavathy, to her right, there is an image of Mahavishnu in granite on the same pedestal. Hence, the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Other deities like Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi, Subramanya, and Sastha are also there.
The temple complex also houses Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, Nagas and other Upa-Devas.
The temple opens at 4 a.m. with a blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments.
The main festival here is Makom Thozhal held in Malayalam month Kumbham (Feb-March).
The Mental Illness of People are said to be cured by worshipping the deity here.
Marriages are also conducted here. Recently I had a chance to attend a wedding here. (See the kalyana mandapa below where the couple are surrounded by the relatives. )
Facilities like good hotels with marriage halls are also available there.
Ceremonies like Chorunnu, (the first time rice feeding ceremony to babies) and Vidhyarambham (the first time introducing a child to learning) are also conducted here.
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