Chottanikara Temple

Chottanikkara Devi Temple

Chottanikkara Devi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Kerala, and also is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre in Ernakulam District. The famous temple is located 17 kms southeast of Ernakulam Town, and 7 kms from Thripunithura. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi temple is famous for eradicating evil spirits. Those who suffer from mental disorders come here to get relieved, and Devi blesses them and they go back cured.

It is believed that the Devi idol is self-born here (swayamboo) and in Rudraksha Sila. Here, the Devi is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswathy in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon and Durga in the evening. It is believed that the temple of Mookambika at Kollur in Karnataka opens only later in the morning after the prayers here are completed, and she returns to her abode at Kollur. The other idols of Gods in the Sanctum Sanctorium are Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara, Subramnya, Ganapathy and Dharmasastha. Several marriages are conducted here. Marriage halls and hotels are also available nearby. Festivals The main festivals of Chottanikkara Devi Temple are - Annual Festival is Makam thozal, starting on Rohini asterisk and ending on Uthram Day. Makom day is considered to be extremely auspecious here, and thousands of devotees attend this. Every day holy dip of the deity, called "Arattu" is done here. Navaratri is celebrated on a grand way in this temple, with art performances on all the nine days. Timings - 4 a.m. - 12 noon, again 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Southern India