Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala and it is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms away from Ernakulam. Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) alias Durga Bhagavathy – the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika (Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning. The most interesting thing of this temple is that the image is not rooted or supported to the ground and is ascended on loose sand. Worshipping at Chottanikkara temple is supposed to rid devotees of wicked influences and spirits as well as psychological ailments. The structure of this temple was renovated by the Cochin government in the 19th century. The ‘Devi’ in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. The temple situated in a hilly region, is surrounded on all sides by green farms. The entry is through the west and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees.the golden hued idol of Bhagavathy 4 to 5 ft. high, is bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights splendidly. The idol has four arms. The upper right holds the disc, the upper left bears the conch, the lower right hand is held in a boon-conferring pose and the lower left indicates the abhaya (fearlessness) pose. The Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms as Saraswathy in the morning clothed in an impeccable white garment, Lakshmi at noon with crimson red cloth and Durga in the evening wearing a bright blue dress. Durga is a much milder form. The original idol of Bhagavathy, three or four feet high which faces east, is of laterite and is believed to be self-born (swayambhoo). This image called ‘Rudraksha Sila’ is irregular in shape, red in colour and is untouched by the human sculptor. This image can be seen only in the wee hours of morning at 4 am when the Nada opens for nirmalyam.
The Rajarajeswari image is made of laterite, a type of red soil containing deposits of aluminum and ferric oxides.This image of goddess Bhagawati is intact and untouched by human sculptors. So this image is asymmetrical in shape and is shielded with golden armaments called Kavacham.This goddess Bhagawati has four arms. The upper right arm holds discus and the left holds a conch.The ritual called the Guruthi pooja is done in the Keezhukkaavu temple atChottanikkara to invoke the goddess. This ritual is performed everyday. The famous religious festival of this temple is the chottanikkara magam(feb/march).The temple is kept open from 5:30 in the morning and stays so till 12:00 in the noon.The temple usually remains closed during the noon hours, and reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m.
Location info:
Address:Chottanikkara town, Ernakulam, Kerala, India.
Best time to visit:4:00 am- 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Climate/Weather:
The climate here is tropical and average maximum temperature of 36°C in summer and minimum 18.0°C.
History:
Chottanikkara Temple has a histroy or a story that a dacoit named Kannappan brought a cow to slaughter, but the cow escaped leaving him to a chasing pursuit. His attempt failed, but when he returned home he found his daughter playing with the cow. Submitting to her request he deserted the idea of slaughtering the cow.Later his daughter died leaving him in great grief. Goddess Bhagawati after few days appeared in Kannappan’s dream and exposed to him that she, the goddess had appeared in the form of a cow.
Interesting things to do:
You can do pooja to god, Capture the monuments, sculptures from your camera,You can visit this place at the time of chottanikkara magam(feb/march).
Interesting things to Visit:
Bolghatty:Bolghatty palace built by the Dutch in 1744. Later it became the seat of the British Resident of Cochin. Today it is a hotel run by K.T.D.C. The grounds have a small golf course & several vantage points for lovely views of the harbour & the sea.Bastion Bunglow :Built in the Indo-European style way back in 1667 AD, Bastion Bungalow get its name from its location on the site of the Stromberg Bastion of the old, Dutch fort.Marine Drive:
Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.Cherai Beach:
Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.Children’s Park :A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Ernakulam Railway station
Nearest Airport:Kochi International Airport.
Road Transport:Long distance buses come to Kerala Road Transport Corporation’s(KSRTC)station near Ernakulam South railway station.Private bus Station is near to Ernakulam North railway station at Kaloor.City bus service station is also located here. Autorickshaws are planetiful and reliable means to hopshop and to explore the city.
Nearest Visiting places:
Thattakkadu Bird Sanctuary:This bird Sanctuary on the Kochi-Munnar road, about 20 km from Kothamangalam. This sanctuary is rightly named after its explorer Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned ornithologist. A variety of native birds like the Malabar grey-horn bill, the woodpecker, the parakeet etc can be seen here. The Ceylon frog-moth and rose-billed roller are among the rare birds found in this sanctuary. Various migrant birds also come here during the season.Hill Palace Museum, Thripunithura:This is now the largest archaeological museum in Kerala and is the official residence of the Kochi royal family. The complex is a reflection of traditional architectural style of Kerala. Full-fledged ethno-archaeological articles and artifacts belonging to the Kochi royal family are all a luxury that the visitors to the place get to relish. In addition there are numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants around the area.Madhavan Nayar Foundation:It is situated about 8 km from Ernakulam town at Edapally. It has life size figures revealing the historic episodes and events from the Neolithic to the neoteric era. The art gallery has 200 original paintings and sculptures, which are the works of the contemporary Indian artists. The light and sound shows with English and Malayalam commentaries attract a number of visitors.Kodanad:It is one of the largest elephant training centres of South India. The beautiful river Periyar flows in the north of this place. The elephants are mainly trained for Safari. There is also a small zoo here.Willington Island:This is artificial island named after Lord Willingdon, and a British viceroy to India is surrounded by beautiful, calm and serene backwaters. This sweet getaway was created from the soil obtained while deepening the docks at the Kochi harbor. This small piece of land is the headquarters of the Southern naval command and also an important trade center. Cruises along the gorgeous backwaters that surround the island are a luxury anyone would love to indulge in.Kalady:Situated on the banks of River Periyar, 45 km from Kochi is Kalady a pilgrim centre and the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya, the great Indian Philosopher of the 8th century AD. There are two shrines in memory of Adi Sankaracharya, one dedicated to him as Dakshinamurthy and the other to the goddess Sharada maintained by Sringeri Mutt. On the same premises there is also a spot (Brindavan) where Adi Sankaracharya`s mother Aryamba was cremated. In addition to it there is an ancient Shri Krishna Temple close by which was me family temple of Adi Sankaracharya.Willingdon Island:
A man-made island created from the material dredged while deeping Kochi Port. Situated between the main land Emakulam and the old town Mattancherry and separated by the backwaters. Willingdon Island is an important part of Kochi. The Govt. of India Tourist Office, the Southern Naval Command Headquarters, the Seaport, Naval Airport, Railway terminus, Customs House, Kochi Port Office etc are all located in this island.Chineese Fishong Nets:The Chinese Fishing nets that line the sea-front and exhibit a mechanical method of catching fish by local fishermen in Fort Kochi. Said to have been brought from China by traders of Kubala Khan’s Court, they are used at high tide.Santa Cruz Basilica:This Roman Catholic Cathedral, established in 1557, is a must-see for history buffs. In the 18th century, the British used it as a warehouse. But the church regained some of its lost glory after it was rebuilt in the early 20th century. The pastel interiors have ceilings that are adorned with some of the most exquisite paintings. Its carved wooden panels and pulpit are fine specimens of craftsmanship.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump NH 47A, Palarivattom Ernakulam, Kerala.Supplyco Petrol Bunk Near Iac, D H Road Ernakulam, Kerala 680016 Tel: 0484 2362852.BP Petrol Pump NH 47A, Ernakulam, Kerala.BP Petrol Pump Kacheripady, Ernakulam Kerala.Reliance Auto LPG Station Seaport Airport Road Kakkanad, Ernakulam Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotels.com Abad Atrium Cochin Hotel MG Road, Kochi Kerala.Casino Hotel Willington Island, Cochin, 682 003 Tel: 011 23317877.Hotel Taj Residency Marine Drive, Ernakulam Kerala, India.Hotel The Trident C-46-452 (11), Bristow Road, Wellingdon Island, Kerala, India.
Things to carry:
Money, Pooja items and camera etc.
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:ET North Police Station Ernakulam, Kerala.Police Station Edappally Ernakulam, Kerala.Hill palace police station Ernakulam, Kerala.Tripunithura Police Station Tripunithura, Ernakulam,Kerala.
Nearest Hospital: Vijaya Insitute Of Medical Sciences Kamadhenu Apartments, Kaloor Road, Kadavanthara Kochi, Kerala 682020 Tel: 0484 2205261Gyno Speciality Hospital Internatioal Airport Junction, Athani Ernakulam, Kerala 680585 Tel: 0484 2475031.Nairs Hospital Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass Ernakulam, Kerala 682304 Tel: 0484 2302666.Chaithanya Eye Hospital Near Sree Krishna Temple, Ravipuram Road Ernakulam, Kerala 680016 Tel: 0484 2357135
