Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

Introduction

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple at Chottanikkara, near Kochi in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is one of the most celebrated Devi temples in Kerala. Devotees from all over South India come here to seek the blessings of the Mother, lovingly called Chottanikkara Amma, and the temple's chant "Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana" is known to every visitor. The temple is administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board.

The Goddess – Worshipped in Three Forms

The presiding deity is Sri Rajarajeswari, the Divine Mother, worshipped together with Lord Mahavishnu on the same pedestal – which is why devotees call out "Amme Narayana". The image is self-manifested (Swayambhu), an unshaped sacred stone.

A unique feature of Chottanikkara is that the Goddess is worshipped in three forms through the day:

• in the morning as Goddess Saraswati, the Mother of knowledge, adorned in white;
• at noon as Goddess Lakshmi, the Mother of prosperity, adorned in crimson;
• in the evening as Goddess Durga, the Mother who protects, adorned in blue.

Devotees therefore pray here for learning, prosperity and protection all at once.

The Upper and Lower Temples

The main shrine, the Melkavu (upper temple), houses Sri Rajarajeswari. Down the steps beside the temple pond is the Keezhkavu (lower temple), dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the fierce protective form of the Mother. The Keezhkavu is especially known for the Guruthi Pooja performed at night. For generations, families have brought loved ones troubled by fears and distress of the mind to pray here, believing in the Mother's power to bring peace and relief.

Sthala Puranam (Legend)

According to local tradition, the area was once a forest where a tribal devotee named Kannappan lived. He used to sacrifice a calf to the Goddess every day, until one day his beloved daughter's pet calf was to be offered. Moved by her tears, he gave up the practice, and the Goddess, who had been present there in a stone, was revealed in her gentle form. The stone was later found by a holy man and consecrated, and the temple grew around it. Tradition also links the shrine with Adi Shankaracharya and the worship of the Mother as Rajarajeswari.

Makam Thozhal – The Main Festival

The most important event of the year is Makam Thozhal, held on the day of the Makam star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (around February–March), as part of the temple's annual festival. On this day the Goddess gives darshan in her full divine splendour, adorned with special ornaments, and it is believed that a sincere prayer offered at this darshan is fulfilled. Women in particular come in very large numbers to pray for a good marriage, a happy family life and the well-being of their loved ones. The temple and town are filled with devotees from early morning till late at night.

Other Festivals

• Navaratri (September–October): celebrated with great devotion, with special pujas and Vidyarambham (initiation of children into learning) on Vijayadasami.
• Mandala season (November–December): special pujas during the Mandala period.

Architecture

The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style, with a sloping roofed sanctum (srikovil), a pillared hall and lamp-lined walls. The temple pond lies between the upper and lower shrines.

Temple Timings

• The temple opens early in the morning and is open in the morning and again in the evening, with a break in the afternoon.
• Timings change on Makam Thozhal and festival days. Please check locally before your visit.

How to Reach

By Road: Chottanikkara is about 17 km from Ernakulam and close to Thrippunithura. KSRTC and private buses run frequently from Ernakulam and Thrippunithura, and taxis and autos are easily available.

By Metro and Train: the Kochi Metro reaches Thrippunithura, a short drive from the temple. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest major railway station; Thrippunithura and Mulanthuruthy are smaller stations nearby.

By Air: the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), about 40 km away.

Visitor Information

• Dress code: traditional Kerala dress is expected – men wear a mundu, generally without a shirt inside the temple; women wear a saree, set-mundu or churidar.
• Visit both shrines: worship at the Melkavu and then go down to the Keezhkavu.
• Crowds: Makam Thozhal, Navaratri, Fridays and Tuesdays are very busy; arrive early.
• Best time to visit: October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
• Nearby places: Hill Palace Museum at Thrippunithura, Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple at Thrippunithura, Kochi city, and – further north in Kerala – Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, Guruvayur.