Prathishta / Presiding Deity : Raja Rajeswari and Bhadrakali
Upadevatha / Sub Deities : Brahma, Shiva, Ganapathy, Muruga and
Ayyappa
District: Ernakulam
Thaluk: xx
Panchayath: Chottanikkara
Thanthri: xx
Trustee: xx
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is the most famous temple in kerala. Two main deities
are presiding here which can be seen in Melekkavu and Keezkkavu. Rajarajeswari is
presiding in Melkkavu. Keezhkkavu bhagavathy is badrakali in ugra form.
Other sub deities are Brahma, Shiva, Ganapathy, Muruga and Ayyappa.
Raja Rajeshwari is worshipped as Saraswathi in the morning, as Lakshmi in the afternoon
and as Durga in the evening. Accordingly three different poojas are done during
these three times for these three deities. The speciality is idol of the goddess
is not fixed to the ground but mounted on sand. Deity is also known as Lakshmi Narayana
because Lord Vishnu is seated on the same pedestal.
Large number of devotees comes to Keezhkkavu bhagavathy to get rid of evil spirit.
There are several true examples and history that goddess here protects her devotees
from all evil spirit and prayogas. Guruthy pooja is special here. It is said that
devotees should first visit keezhkkavu and then visit Melakkavu. Lots of devotees
comes for Bhajan (41 days Prayer). This temple will be packed with Samis during
Sabarimala season, where almost all ayyappa swamis visits this temple.
History
The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology
and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations
of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped
by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was
worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri
Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees
swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden
hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine
splendidly.
It is a picturesque image bewitching everybodyand embodiment of peace dispelling
fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded
on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides
deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees.
This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims
and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem
them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the
overburdening anguish and agonies of material life.
The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00
a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend
an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the
patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple
in the morning.
That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy
returns to there late in the morning.
KIZHUKKAVU TEMPLE
On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing
westward is belived to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar.
After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal
deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy"
(great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is
performed at about 8.45 p.m every night.
Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged
ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present here during
Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities
like schizophrenia.
An ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum
is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.
‘Makom Thozhal’ (worship on the Makom day) is the main festival of the temple, celebrated
in the month of Kumbham (February - March). Navratri celebrations attract thousands
of devotees from all over Kerala.
Chingam
Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all
Pilgrims
Kanni
Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees.
On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted. Babies
of 3 to 6 age group are initiated to the three R's- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic
in the presence of Devi SARASWATHY. Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami are
very important. There is elephants procession. Annadanam and stage programmes are
arranged on every day.
Vrishchika
The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period
of mandalam season.Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc are conducted.
During this month,Thrikkarthika festival comes. It is the birthday of the Goddess
and the festival runs for three days, Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram. On these
days,there is ezhunnellippu, Kazhcha siveli, stage programme, deepaalankaaram, Kaarthika
vilakku, fireworks etc.There is also lakshaarchana and Vedamura abishekam for 15
days starting from January 1. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting
of one lakh lamps) and fire works.
Kumbam
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).
Medam
On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants
Karkitakam
Ramayana masam (Ramayana Month) is celebrated during this period. Daily puranam
reading (Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, etc.,) daily annadanam, devotional speeches and
discourse etc., is conducted - there is also illam Nira, when fresh paddy of the
year is offered to God.
Pushpanjaly
Guruthy
Sathru Samhara Pushpanjali
Guruthy Pushpanjali
Lalitha Sahasra Namarchana
Swayamvara Pushpanjali
Saraswatha Pushpanjali Mruthyunjaya Pushpanjali
lykyamathyam Pushpanjali
Ashtothara Pushpanjali
Bhagyasooktham Pushpanjali
Moolamanthra Pushpanjali
4:00 am - Temple Opens
5:00 am - Dhaara for Lord Siva
5:30 am - Ethirthu pooja
6:00 am - Seeveli
7:30 am - Guruthi at Keezhkkavu
7:45 am - Pantheeradi Pooja
12:00 Noon - Uchcha Pooja
12:10 pm - Uchcha Seeveli
4:00 pm - Temple Opens
6:30 pm - Deeparadhana
7:30 pm - Athazha Pooja
8:00 pm - Seeveli
8:45 pm - Valia Guruthi at Kizhukkavu
The Assistant Commissioner,
Chottanikkara Devaswom,
Chottanikkara,
Ernakulam Dist., Kerala.
Pin - 682 312
Phone: 0484 - 2711032 , 2713300
EMail: info@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org
eo@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is located on the outskirts of Kochi and local buses
ply to this place frequently. Ernakulam Junction Railway Station (18km) and Ernakulam
Town Railway Station (20 km) are the nearest railheads. The temple is about 38 km
from Cochin International Airport.
