Chottanikkara Temple Kochi
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Deity: Goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi (Rajarajeswari) Place: Kochi Kerala
Chottanikkara Temple Kochi. Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi (Rajarajeswari). Located in Kochi.
- Primary Deity
- Goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi (Rajarajeswari)
- Architecture
- Kerala style architecture
- Built
- 8th century or earlier
- Builder
- Unknown, possibly local rulers or devotees
- Entry Fee
- No entry fee for general darshan. Special pujas may have fees.
- Best Season
- September to March (Post-monsoon and winter)
- Darshan Time
- 1-3 hours, depending on the crowd and day.
- Dress Code
- Traditional and Formal clothings
- Address
- Available soon.
History
The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is dedicated to the Divine Mother, who is worshipped here in three distinct forms throughout the day: Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening. The temple also houses an idol of Mahavishnu, which is why the presiding deity is often referred to by names like Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana.
Spiritual Significance
It is a highly revered shrine where the goddess is worshipped as Adiparasakthi, and it is particularly famous for the belief that the deity helps devotees overcome mental ailments and negativity.
Spiritual Practices
Devotees engage in intense prayer, fasting, and circumambulation. The 'Guruthi Pooja' is a significant ritual. Many also perform 'Nivedyam' (offerings) and 'Archana' (special prayers).
Spiritual Experience
Visitors often describe a profound sense of peace and divine presence. The atmosphere is charged with devotion, especially during the evening Guruthi Pooja, where the chanting and rituals create an intense spiritual fervor.
Darshan Timings
- 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Guruthi Pooja is performed around 8:00 PM daily.
How to Reach
- The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 20 km away. Taxis and buses are available from the airport.
- The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction (ERS) or Ernakulam Town (ERN), about 15-20 km away. Auto-rickshaws and buses connect the station to the temple.
- The temple is well-connected by road. It is located off the NH 544 (formerly NH 47), about 15 km from Kochi city. Regular bus services are available from Kochi and surrounding towns.
- Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) - 20 km
- Nearest Railway: Ernakulam Junction (ERS) - 15 km
- Nearest City: Kochi (Ernakulam) (15 km)
Major Festivals
- Diwali
- Holi
- Navratri
- Makam Thozhal
- Navarathri
Sacred Mantras
- Usage: Chanted for protection and overcoming obstacles.
Mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Viche
Meaning: A powerful mantra invoking Goddess Chamunda, a fierce form of the Divine Mother. - Usage: Chanted for prosperity, well-being, and divine grace.
Mantra: Om Sri Rajarajeswaryai Namaha
Meaning: Salutations to the Queen of Queens, the supreme ruler.
Special Puja
Guruthi Pooja (performed in the evening), Archana, Ashtothara Namarchana, Sahasranama Archana.
Unique Rituals
- Name: Guruthi Pooja
Timing: Evening
Description: A ritualistic offering of turmeric-colored water, believed to appease the Goddess and ward off evil spirits. It is performed daily in the evening. - Name: Makom Tholal
Timing: Annual festival (Makom day)
Description: A grand procession and ritual performed on the auspicious day of Makom (a star) during the annual festival, involving the deity's idol being taken out in a procession.
Associated Legends
- Title: The Goddess's Manifestation
Narrative: According to legend, the idol of the Goddess was found in a pond. A young girl, who was a devotee, saw the idol and started worshipping it. Later, it was discovered that the idol was that of Goddess Bhagavati. The pond is still revered and is known as 'Chilanthi Kulam'. - Title: Healing the Afflicted
Narrative: It is believed that the Goddess has immense power to cure mental illnesses and other afflictions. Many devotees suffering from psychological distress come to the temple seeking solace and healing. The ritual of 'Guruthi Pooja' is performed to appease the deity and ward off evil spirits.
What Devotees Pray For
- Problem: मानसिक रोग और भूत-प्रेत बाधाओं से मुक्ति
Practice: गुरुथी पूजा और विशेष प्रार्थनाएं - Problem: स्वास्थ्य लाभ और दीर्घायु
Practice: नियमित दर्शन, उपवास और प्रसाद ग्रहण - Problem: समृद्धि और सौभाग्य की प्राप्ति
Practice: लक्ष्मी पूजा और विशेष अर्चना - Problem: विवाह संबंधी बाधाओं का निवारण
Practice: विशेष पूजाएं और मन्नतें
Miracles
Numerous accounts of devotees being cured of chronic mental illnesses, possession, and other afflictions after worshipping at the temple are widely reported.
Mysteries
The continuous flow of devotees seeking cures for severe mental ailments and the reported positive outcomes are often considered mysterious and miraculous.