Chottanikkara Devi temple

THE Devi temple of Chottanikkara near Kochi in Kerala is well known throughout this part of the country for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and such disorders. Although popularly called as Raja Rajeshwari, she is known by various names such as Badrakali, Durga, Saraswathi and Amman.
The devotees are mostly from the lower class who have faith in curing patients supposed to be possessed by some sort of spirits. It is very difficult to say whether the cure is the result of the psychological faith in the Goddess or due to the environment within the temple.

Mostly, the patients are psychological cases and faith probably cures them. The Chief priest of the temple engages the patients in a sort of conversation and then orders the spirit to leave the patient and go elsewhere. This practice of driving an iron nail into a wooden pillar in the temple, indicated that the spirit is permanently made immobile.
According to local practice, Raja Rajeshwari is worshiped as Saraswathi in the morning, as Bhadra Kali in the afternoon and as Durga in the evening. All the rituals relate to drive away the evil spirits and the methods adopted are varied. Neem leaves, lime fruits, chillies, etc., are offered to the deity and are taken home to be fixed or tied in a corner of the house. This is supposed to ward off all evil spirits.

Many stories are told about the origin of the temple. All of them appear to be relating to tribal deities as was being practiced thousands of years ago. However, the devotees have such firm belief in this deity and she is 'Parashakthi' capable of protecting Her devotees from any type of difficulty.

The local tradition mentions that the famous saint Vilvamangalam installed the idol of Bhadrakali in a place Kizhakavu having taken out the original idol from the bed of a tank. There is no authentic record or any inscription available about the various stories related about the place and the deity. Many stories are told by the devotees about the miracles performed by the goddess.

The temple of this goddess is located on the out-skirts of Kochi and local buses are run to the place very frequently. There are many good hotels in Kochi according to the needs of the tourist and pilgrim.

Distance from various locations

vidyarambam

Distance from various locations

Cochin Air Port - Kalamassery, Kakkanadu, Irimpanam, Karingachira, Chottanikkara : 38.K.M.
Eranakulam South Railway Station - Vyttila, Tripunithura, Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara : 18.K.M.
Eranakulam North Railway Station - Palarivattom, Vyttila,Tripunithura,Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara : 20.K.M.
Eranakulam K.S.R.T.C.Bus Stand - Vyttila, Tripunithura, Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara : 20.K.M.
Kaloor Private Bus Stand - Palarivattom, Vyttila,Tripunithura,Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara : 22.K.m.

Route from North startingAngamaly - Chottanikkara
Angamaly : 39km
HMT Jn. : 19km
Kakkanad : 10km
Karingachira : 5km
Thiruvankulam : 3km

Route from South starting Aroor - Chottanikkara
Aroor Jn. (Through Aroor - Vyttila Byepass) : 15km
Kundannoor (Through Kundannoor-Maradu Road) : 9km
Maradu : 8km
Poonithura : 7km
Tripunithura : 6km
Thiruvankulam : 3km

Kanjiramattom(S) 12 Km
Vaikom(S) 23 Km
Kaduthuruthy 32 Km
Ettumanur 43 Km
Kottayam 57 Km
Thiruvalla 85 Km
Pathanamthitta 123 Km
Pamba 173 Km
Sannidhanam 177 Km
Thiruvananthapuram 205 Km
Kovalam 240 Km
Kanyakumari 298 Km
Shenkottah 257 Km
Thekkady 172 Km
Kalady(W) 36 Km
Tripunithura 8 Km
Vyttila 12 Km
Eranakulam 17 Km
Alwaye 38 Km
Kodungallur 68 Km
Thrissur 92 Km
Guruvayoor 122 Km
Palakkad 157 Km
Coimbatore 205 Km
Malappuram 188 Km
Calicut 236 Km
Nilamboor 206 Km
Tellichery 318 Km
Kannur 326 Km
Kasargod 438 Km
Mangalapuram 496 Km
Udupi 556 Km
Idukky 110 Km
Attapadi 249 Km
Bangalore 528 Km
Kodaikanal 327 Km
Madras 712 Km
Madurai 336 Km
Malampuzha 176 Km
Mysore 436 Km
Ooty 311 Km
Palani 251 Km
Parambikulam 203 Km
Pollachi 187 Km
Pondicherry 628 Km
Rameswaram 509 Km
Thanjavur 459 Km
Trichy 404 Km
Thirupathi 749 Km
Velamkanni 562 Km
Chitra Durga 698 Km
Hampi 880 Km
Panaji 833 Km
Raichur 938 Km
Kollam 162 Km
Alappuzha 79 Km
Varkala 187 Km

OFFERINGS IN CHOTTANIKKARA

1 Pushpanjaly 6.00
2 Guruthy Pushpanjaly 7.00
3 Guruthy 7.00
4 Lalitha Sahasra Nama Pushpanjaly 17.00
5 Sathru Samhara Pushpanjaly 25.00
6 Swayamvaram Pushpanjaly 20.00
7 lykyamathyam Pushpanjaly 15.00
8 Ashtotharam Pushpanjaly 10.00
9 Bhagyasooktham Pushpanjaly 12.00
10 Moolamanthram Pushpanjaly 12.00
11 Pantheerayiram Pushpanjaly* 225.00
12 Saraswatha Pushpanjali 20.00
13 Mruthyunjaya Pushpanjali 20.00
14 Sankhabhishekam 30.00
15 Ksheerabhishekam 125.00
16 Special Neypayasam (Big) 70.00
17 Neypayasam 25.00
18 Special Neypayasam (Small) 35.00
19 Koottupayasam 20.00
20 Kattipayasam 16.00
21 Pizhinjupayasam 25.00
22 Palpayasam 30.00
23 Varapayasam 90.00
24 Ellu Nivedyam 30.00
25 Vella Nivedyam 8.00
26 Tidappally Nivedyam 15.00
27 Abhishekham Muthalkootu 10.00
28 Appam 35.00
29 Ada 22.00
30 Chorunu 35.00
31 Ottayappam 26.00
32 Bhajanam 12.00
33 Dhaara 15.00
34 Chandanam Charthu 75.00
35 Sarppathinu Noorum Palum 20.00
36 Vahana Pooja 101.00

37 Koodunirakkal 60.00
38 Marriage 301.00
39 Vidyarambham 25.00
40 Mrithyunjaya Homam* 115.00
41 Special Poomoodal* 420.00
42 Poomoodal 30.00
43 Malapooja 10.00
44 Pooprashnam 25.00
45 Rasi Prashnam 25.00
46 Koodusudham 20.00
47 Mala 7.00
48 Undamala 15.00
49 Bimbam Niramala 50.00
50 Thali Pooja 20.00
51 Thrishathy 20.00
52 Trikala Pooja 280.00
53 Pooja - Oneday 1400.00
54 Adima 101.00
55 Shreechakram (Big) 250.00
56 Shreechakram(Small) 100.00
57 Sudharsanachakram(Big) 250.00
58 Sudharsanachakram(Small) 100.00
59 Annadhanam*(Ordinary) 10000.00
60 Annadhanam*(Special) 15000.00
61 Valiyaguruthy(12 vessel)* 10000.00
62 Valiyaguruthy(7 vessel)* 8250.00
63 Valiyaguruthy(5 vessel)* 5500.00
64 Valiyaguruthy(3 vessel)* 3250.00
65 Ganapathy Homam * 35.00
66 Ashtadravya Ganapathy Homam * 190.00
67 SharkaraPara 125.00
68 Manjal Para 180.00
69 Ari Para 100.00
70 Aavahanam 25.00
71 Malar Para 40.00

Valiyaguruthy

Seeveli

Mandapathilpaatu

Ulsavams

Krishjayanthi chingam

Chingam Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims Kanni
Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted. Babies of 3 to 6 age group are initiated to the three R's- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic in the presence of Devi SARASWATHY. Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami are very important. There is elephants procession. Annadanam and stage programmes are arranged on every day.
Vrishchika
The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season.Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc are conducted. During this month,Thrikkarthika festival comes. It is the birthday of the Goddess and the festival runs for three days, Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram. On these days,there is ezhunnellippu, Kazhcha siveli, stage programme, deepaalankaaram, Kaarthika vilakku, fireworks etc.There is also lakshaarchana and Vedamura abishekam for 15 days starting from January 1. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) and fire works.
Kumbam
The annual festival of the temple comes in Kumbham. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star. Daily Para ezhunnellippu over neighbouring areas (houses in the Thattakam) and then Aarattu is conducted on these days. During the ulsavam, comes the important day of Makom. Makom Thozhal (Devi darsan) between 2 pm and 8 pm is considered to be most effectual for Mangalyam (long married life) and for getting best marriage for girls. The Deity in full attire specially decorated with gold and diamonds shine in its entire splendor. There is Pooram ezhunnellippu with 7 Elephants in the morning and at night. The ulsavam ends with Uthram Aarattu and Valiya Guruthi (Atham Guruthy).
Medam On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants
Karkitakam
Ramayana masam (Ramayana Month) is celebrated during this period. Daily puranam reading (Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, etc.,) daily annadanam, devotional speeches and discourse etc., is conducted - there is also illam Nira, when fresh paddy of the year is offered to God.

Kizhukkavu Temple

KIZHUKKAVU TEMPLE
On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing westward is belived to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar.

After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m every night.

Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.

An ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.

ilamnara

HISTORY

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly.

It is a picturesque image bewitching everybodyand embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees.

Arratukizhakavvu

This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life.

The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning.

That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns to there late in the morning.

Chottanikkara Devi Temple

THE Devi temple of Chottanikkara near Kochi in Kerala is well known throughout this part of the country for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and such disorders. Although popularly called as Raja Rajeshwari, she is known by various names such as Badrakali, Durga, Saraswathi and Amman.
The devotees are mostly from the lower class who have faith in curing patients supposed to be possessed by some sort of spirits. It is very difficult to say whether the cure is the result of the psychological faith in the Goddess or due to the environment within the temple.

Mostly, the patients are psychological cases and faith probably cures them. The Chief priest of the temple engages the patients in a sort of conversation and then orders the spirit to leave the patient and go elsewhere. This practice of driving an iron nail into a wooden pillar in the temple, indicated that the spirit is permanently made immobile.
According to local practice, Raja Rajeshwari is worshiped as Saraswathi in the morning, as Bhadra Kali in the afternoon and as Durga in the evening. All the rituals relate to drive away the evil spirits and the methods adopted are varied. Neem leaves, lime fruits, chillies, etc., are offered to the deity and are taken home to be fixed or tied in a corner of the house. This is supposed to ward off all evil spirits.

Many stories are told about the origin of the temple. All of them appear to be relating to tribal deities as was being practiced thousands of years ago. However, the devotees have such firm belief in this deity and she is 'Parashakthi' capable of protecting Her devotees from any type of difficulty.

The local tradition mentions that the famous saint Vilvamangalam installed the idol of Bhadrakali in a place Kizhakavu having taken out the original idol from the bed of a tank. There is no authentic record or any inscription available about the various stories related about the place and the deity. Many stories are told by the devotees about the miracles performed by the goddess.

The temple of this goddess is located on the out-skirts of Kochi and local buses are run to the place very frequently. There are many good hotels in Kochi according to the needs of the tourist and pilgrim.