T

Lakshmi is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with Supreme Deity Paramatman Maha Vishnu.

The deity worshiped in this temple is known as Rajarajeswari (Devi) and is worshipped in three forms - Goddess Saraswati in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi at noon and Goddess Durga in the evening.

This is a typical twin shrine temple, meaning there is a main (large) temple and also there is a small more traditional (older) temple.

After visiting the main temple, walk down to the Kizhukkavu temple through the connecting pathway. On the way is the large temple pond, shrines of Lord Ayyappa , Sarpa Kavu (Abode of Snake deities) and Ganapathi shrines.

Kizhukkavu temple is located on the eastern side of temple pond. The idol facing west ward is believed to be installed by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. Kizhukkavu temple, though a tiny shrine, has an intense feeling to its ambiance.

Valiya Guruthi This temples rituals is very intense, especially the Guruthy ritual done on Fridays.

After the Athazha pooja ( at the main temple ), the chief priest arrives at Kizhukkavu to perform Valiya-Guruthi (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons and is performed at about 8.45 pm.

Guruthi, literally means sacrifice. But these days it is food that is offered as part of this puja.

The 12 cauldron are filled a blood colored offering known as Guruthi. This is prepared from a concoction of lime water and turmeric. The Melsanthi (chief priest ) offers this Guruthi to Bhadrakali, sprinkles around the temple and pours down some of the Guruthi offering creating ritualistic re-enactment of a sacrifice.

Guruthi is believed to have therapeutic effect on devotees suffering from illness like schizophrenia. People who feel impacted by evil spirits also visit this temple.

Seeveli This is the procession of deity's image held inside temple premises in the morning and in the evening. Seeveli is the most popular daily ritual in Kerala temples. So is in Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple.

Seeveli procession of elephant with the image of the deity taken around the circumambulatory path of the main temple.

Go for the evening Seeveli. This has great atmospheric and spiritual feel.

In stark contrast to the intense Guruthi ritual, Seeveli has a festive and celebratory mood to the ambient.

Bhajanam is an important vazhipadu (worship) by the devotees for fulfilling certain special purposes. The devotees has to sat at the temple premises for two days, take part in all the poojas and eat only the temple prasadam.

This involves self-control and sacrifices. Devotees follows the worship are believed to be blessed with good fortune and health.

Chottanikkara Temple Timings

Where to stay in Chottanikkara

Chottanikkara temple has a Devaswom run Sathram with nominal fee for overnight stay.
Also there are private hotels and lodges in and around Chottanikkara & Tripunithura towns.

For more conveniences, opt for accomodation in Ernakulam city. There are many upscale hotels along the Kochi Bypass.

How to reach Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara town a southern suburb of the Kochi, on the Kochi-Munnar route (NH85). There are frequent bus connections (5-10 minutes) from the city centre towards Chottanikkara.

[#train] Get down at Tripunithura (if the train has stop). Chottanikkara Temple is 7km from the Tripunithura railway station.
From Ernakulam Junction railway station ( south station) Chottanikkara Temple is 15km. City bus operates every 10-15 minutes to Chottanikkara from the railway station bus stop.

[#metro] The nearest metro station is SN Junction ( Tripunithura when the services start ), 7km away from the temple.

When is the annual festival at Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple?
The annual festival of the temple is in Kumbham month (February - March ).
Starts on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram day.
What is the pooja time of Chottanikkara Temple?
4am to 12pm and 12pm to 8pm.

What is the timing of Guruthi Pooja in Chottanikkara ?
Every day at 8:45 PM to 9:00 PM.

What is Guruthi Pooja in Chottanikkara ?
Its a ritualistic sacrifice offering to the goddess Bhagavathi.

What is the dress code at Chottanikkara Temple?

Men : Full pant or Dhoti (prefered).Required to take off shirt & vest prior to entering the temple sanctum area.
Women : Salwar suit or saree or any traditional dress.
Bermuda/Shorts/Lingi and other casual wears are not permitted.

How to reach Chottanikkara temple by bus?
Reach Ernakulam City. From Ernakulam Junction railway station ( south station) Chottanikkara Temple is 15km. City bus operates every 10-15 minutes to Chottanikkara from the railway station bus stop.

How to reach Chottanikkara temple by road?
Drive to Ernakulam city. Chottanikkara is 15km from Ernakulam city.
From Ernakulam, take the NH85 towards Munnar & Madurai. Chottanikkara town is a short detour from NH85