The Chottanikkara Temple is a revered Hindu shrine in the suburbs of Kochi, Kerala. It beckons devotees and travellers seeking a profound spiritual experience. This pilgrimage site is dedicated to the powerful mother goddess Bhagavathy. With its power and spiritual aura, the temple attracts thousands of devotees annually who visit to offer prayers and seek blessings, healing and spiritual solace from the Goddess. In this curated guide, we will take a closer look at all the details about the Chottanikkara Temple and why it’s one of the most popular temples in Kerala.
History and Mythology of Chottanikkara Temple
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The temple’s history stretches back centuries, with estimates placing its origins in the 10th century CE. It is classified as one among the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes) in the Vaishnava tradition, the temple enshrines Bhagavathy Lakshmi, believed to reside alongside her consort, Maha Vishnu. The main deity is also revered as Lakshmi Narayana, symbolising the divine union.
As per the legends, the temple is located in a dense jungle where a tribesman named Kannappan used to live. To appease Goddess Mahakali, he sacrificed a buffalo to the Goddess every Friday. However, one day, he found a calf instead of a buffalo and decided to sacrifice the calf inside. When he was about to sacrifice the calf, his daughter Pavizham stopped her father. A few days after the incident, Pavizham dies due to a snake bite, breaking Kannappan. Repenting his sins, the priest then advised Kannappan to pray before the altar every day to undo his sins. This is a glimpse of the history of Chottanikkara Temple.
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Best Time to Visit Chottanikkara Temple
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Planning your trip down to the Chottanikkara temple means that you must look into the best time to visit. This includes the weather, timings and all the allied factors.
The temple welcomes devotees every year. However, the most auspicious time to visit is during the Makam Thozhal festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (mid-February to mid-March). Since the temple is overcrowded with devotees during that time, planning and preparation are vital. Witness the spectacular procession of decorated elephants and seek the blessings for prosperity and well-being.
When it comes to weather conditions, the period from October to March is considered a great time. The weather is cool and pleasant and the skies are clear too, ensuring that you can comfortably move around without any discomfort.
How to Reach Chottanikkara Temple?
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Reaching Chottanikkara temple shouldn’t take you a lot of time since it’s well connected to all the nearby towns, cities and states.
By Air: You have to reach Cochin International Airport (COK), located approximately 20 kilometres from the temple. Taxis, prepaid cabs, and ride-sharing services are readily available at the airport to connect you to the temple.
By Train: Ernakulam Junction (ERS) is the nearest major railway station, situated roughly 15 kilometres away. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are convenient options to reach the temple from the station.
By Road: Chottanikkara enjoys good road connectivity. State-run and private buses ply regularly from major cities and towns in Kerala to the temple. Taxis and self-drive car rentals are also viable options.
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Essential Information for a Seamless Visit
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When visiting a new temple, especially one that’s popular like Chottanikkara Temple, planning is key. You have to consider the temple’s timings, dress code, and other rules and regulations.
Chottanikkara Temple timings
The temple follows specific opening and closing hours. Generally, it opens at 3:30 AM for morning pooja (prayer) and closes at 12:30 PM. It reopens at 4:00 PM and closes again at 8:30 PM. However, timings may vary slightly depending on the day, so it’s advisable to check the official website or call the temple (+91 484 271 1032) for current timings before your visit. Ensure that you focus on planning things well so you can plan your visit well as per the Chottanikkara temple timings.
Dress code
Hindu temples like the Chottanikkara Temple have very strict dress code guidelines, regardless of age and gender. The temple usually requires its devotees to wear traditional Indian attire, including sarees, salwar kameez, dhoti, kurta, etc. Anything below the knees and covering the shoulders is vital as a dress code for the temple.
Etiquettes and rules
Maintain silence and decorum within the temple premises. You can’t snap any images inside the inner sanctum, but it might be permitted elsewhere. Please inquire with temple authorities for clarification. Remove footwear before entering the temple complex. There are lockers outside the temple where you can leave behind your belongings.
What to Do in Chottanikkara Temple?
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The main attraction at the Chottanikkara temple is offering prayers to the deity. As you enter the temple premises, stop to witness the mesmerising aarti ceremony, which is performed at specific times throughout the day.
You can offer your prayers and participate in different pujas throughout the day. Getting your darshan out of the way is potentially the highlight of your visit. Also, the divine darshan of the three forms of the goddess—Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening—attracts most devotees.
Lastly, don’t forget to stop and marvel at the intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls of the temple complex.
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Highlights of Chottanikkara Temple
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If this is your first time visiting the Chottanikkara temple, there’s a lot more that you have to explore besides the history of the Chottanikkara temple. Following are some of the highlights to pay attention to:
- This temple is unique because it worships the goddess Bhagavathy in three forms—Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Durga.
- The temple boasts traditional Kerala architecture with intricate carvings and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- Chottanikkara Temple is renowned for its spiritual power and is believed to possess the ability to grant wishes, bestow blessings, and even cure ailments.
- A visit to the temple offers a glimpse into Kerala’s rich culture and traditions.
Add them to your checklist and tick them off as you finish witnessing them as you make the temple rounds.
Places to Visit Around Chottanikkara Temple
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You need to be aware of two things when visiting the Chottanikkara Temple – Chottanikkara temple darshan timings and places to visit around. Once you finish darshan, make your way to the following spots:
1. Kochi
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The vibrant city of Kochi is roughly 16 km away from the temple. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Fort Kochi, a 16th-century European enclave lined with colonial buildings and bustling spice markets. Take a leisurely cruise through the scenic Kerala backwaters, a network of palm-fringed canals and lagoons.
Best Time To Visit: October and February
Things To See: Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Kerala Folk Museum
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2. Munnar and Vagamon
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If your plan of visiting the temple is over, plan day trips to either Munnar or Vagamon, depending on the time you have and your preferences. Witnessing the lush greenery of the tea plantations and the stunning views of the hill stations is a worthy experience.
Best Time To Visit: March to May and December to February
Things To See: Barren Hills, Vagamon Kurisumala Church, Religious Sites, Thangal Hill, mountains, and Vagamon Falls.
Backwater cruises
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Kerala’s backwaters along with a leisurely cruise, canals, lagoons, and estuaries aboard traditional houseboats, offer a unique perspective of Kerala’s idyllic countryside. It’s one of those indispensable experiences that you simply can’t brush aside or put on the back pedestal after exploring the Chottanikkara temple in Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: November To February
Things To See: Alleppey backwaters, Canoe Kerala, Houseboat
Further Read: Hill Stations in Kerala
The Chottanikkara Temple in Kerala beckons devotees and travellers alike, offering access to spirituality, history, and cultural experience. Whether seeking divine blessings, witnessing ancient traditions, or simply exploring the captivating architecture, a visit to this revered temple promises a memorable journey. So, buckle up and plan your next trip to Kerala and ensure to add this temple to your itinerary without fail.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chottanikkara Temple
What is the Darshan time of Chottanikkara?
The Chottanikkara temple darshan timings usually start from 03:30 AM. Different rituals are being conducted at different times of the day.
What Chottanikkara Guruthi Pooja is special?
This is a special puja conducted in the temple on Fridays. Most devotees do this ritual to help their loved ones suffering from mental illness.
What to buy in Chottanikkara Temple?
You can buy a lot of different types of religious trinkets for yourself or as souvenirs for your friends or family.
How to worship Chottanikkara Devi?
In the temple, the Goddess is worshipped as Maa Saraswati in the morning, Maa Lakshmi during the afternoon and as Goddess Durga in the evening.
Are there accommodation options around Chottanikkara Devi?
There are not many accommodation options near the temple but you can find many more around Kochi in the main city.
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