The Chottanikkara Temple, also known as the Chottanikkara Bhagwathy Temple, is located near the town of Ernakulam in Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bhagwati. The temple is famous for its history, architecture as well as the legends that surround it.
Worship
The goddess, also revered as Rajarajeshwari or Adhiparasakthi, is worshipped in three forms – as Saraswati in the morning, as Lakshmi in the afternoon, and as Durga in the evening. The idols of Mahavishnu, Narayana, Brahma, Shiva, Ganapathi, Subramanya and Sastha are also placed on the same pedestal. The complex also consists of a Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple along with temples for Sastha, Shiva, Ganapathi, Nagas as well as the other Upadevas.
The Chottanikkara Temple is also famous for its Bhajanam, in which devotees stay at the temple premises for extended periods. During this time, they involve themselves in prayer and meditation.
It is believed that the Chottanikkara Temple is a place of miracles, and as such, many people with mental ailments visit it to get cured.
Accommodation
While there are a number of places to stay in the nearby city of Ernakulam, the temple offers its own accommodation to its devotees. There are a number of guest houses with both economy and high-end rooms available to those who are visiting the temple.
Narayan Mandiram
Non A/C double bedroom will cost Rs. 250
Non A/C deluxe rooms will cost Rs. 600
Non A/C room with 4 beds will cost Rs. 700
An additional bed will cost Rs. 125 extra
Karthika
An A/C room with double beds will cost Rs. 1,100
An A/C room with 3 beds will cost Rs. 1,500
A non A/C room with double beds will cost Rs. 275
Amritha
A room in the A-Block with 3 beds will cost Rs. 650
A room in the A-Block with 2 beds will cost Rs. 250
An additional bed will cost Rs. 125 extra
A room with a single bedroom at Darsana will cost Rs. 100 while a room with a double bed at Sudarsana will cost Rs. 200
Dormitories are available for ten, eight and two people and cost Rs. 1,250, Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 250 respectively.
Chottanikkara Devi Temple Location Map
Facts about Chottanikkara Temple
- The idol of the goddess isn’t fixed to the ground, but is placed on loose soil. This is to ensure that the water used during ceremonies percolates into the ground.
- When the idol is worshipped as Saraswati in the morning, it is draped in white. When it is worshipped as Lakshmi in the afternoon it is draped in crimson. In the evening, when it is worshipped as Durga, it is draped in blue.
- Guruthi Pooja, an important ritual, which used to be performed only on Fridays, is now performed everyday.
Where is Chottanikkara Temple ?
The temple is located at Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district. Kanayannur, Eruvely, Kureekkad, Vattukkunnu, Palace Square and Kottayathupara are some of the places located in proximity.
How to Reach Chottanikkara Temple
By Air
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport in Kochi, which is about 38 km away.
By Rail
While the Chottanikkara Road Station is the one closest to the temple, only a few trains stop there. The Ernakulam South Railway Station as well as the Ernakulam North Railway Station are the major railway stations close to the temple and are 18 km and 20 km away respectively.
By Road
The KSRTC bus station at Ernakulam is about 20 km away from the temple.
Chottanikkara Temple Hours
There are different timings for prayers that are held at Chottanikkara Temple. The first prayer starts from 4:00 a.m and the last prayer is held at 8:45 p.m.
Chottanikkara Temple Tickets
There is no cost to enter the Chottanikkara Temple. However, if devotees and pilgrims wish to perform a specific ritual, then they will have to pay anything between Rs. 325 and Rs. 780. The cost of offerings ranges from Rs. 8 to Rs. 39,100.
More about Chottanikkara Temple
Are there any other ways to get in touch with the Chottanikkara Temple?
They can be given a phone call at 0484 – 2711032, 2713300. They can be emailed at info@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org and eo@chottanikkarabhagavathy.org.
Image Credits : Roney Maxwell