Chottanikkara Temple
Chottanikkara temple, located near Ernakulam enshrines Bhagawati - the
mother Goddess, one of the most popular deities in Kerala.
Enroute
is the Poornatrayesa temple at Tripunittura. The Devi is worshipped
along with Lord Vishnu. Together, they are known as Lakshminarayana.
People who have mental illness seek refuge in the divine mother, who
graciously cures all her devotees. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the
presiding deity.
This deity is worshipped in three different forms - as Saraswati in the
morning - draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and
as Durga in the evening decked in blue.
Significance
The Mental Illness of People
are said to be cured by worshipping the deity here
Mythological
It is locally believed that
the deity appeared in front of Vilvamangalam Swamigal, a saint
associated with this shrine and with Guruvayoor.
Vilvamangalam Swamy is said to have discovered Bhadrakali enshrined in
Keezhkaavu.
The annual festival here is celebrated in the month of Kumbha (February
- March). 'Maasi Magam', coinciding with the full moon, during this
festival attracts vast crowds.
General Information
Timings
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.
The temple closes in the night after the last pujas are performed by
8:00.
Location
Near Ernakulam, Kerala
Main Attraction
The image in the shrine is
not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand. Water offered
during ablution ceremonies percolates underground
Deity
Goddess Bhagvathi,
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