{"id":715346,"date":"2024-05-28T17:57:15","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T12:27:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/?p=715346"},"modified":"2024-11-29T16:33:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T11:03:20","slug":"pay-respect-at-chottanikkara-temple-in-kerala-and-experience-spiritual-awakening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/traveltriangle.com\/blog\/chottanikkara-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Pay Respect At Chottanikkara Temple In Kerala And Experience Spiritual Awakening"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chottanikkara Temple<\/strong> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

History and Mythology of Chottanikkara Temple<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: By Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Must Read:<\/strong> Tourist Places In Trivandrum For One Day Trip<\/a><\/p>\n

Best Time to Visit Chottanikkara Temple<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: By Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

How to Reach Chottanikkara Temple?<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: By Ssriram mt for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Reaching Chottanikkara temple shouldn\u2019t take you a lot of time since it’s well connected to all the nearby towns, cities and states.<\/p>\n

By Air:<\/strong> 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.
\nBy Train:<\/strong> 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.
\nBy Road:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Temples In Trivandrum<\/a><\/p>\n

Essential Information for a Seamless Visit<\/h2>\n
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Image Credit: By Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

When visiting a new temple, especially one that\u2019s popular like Chottanikkara Temple, planning is key. You have to consider the temple\u2019s timings, dress code, and other rules and regulations.<\/p>\n

Chottanikkara Temple timings<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Dress code<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Etiquettes and rules<\/h3>\n

Maintain silence and decorum within the temple premises. You can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

What to Do in Chottanikkara Temple?<\/h2>\n
\"Inside<\/div>\n

Image Credit: By Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2014Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening\u2014attracts most devotees.<\/p>\n

Lastly, don\u2019t forget to stop and marvel at the intricate carvings and sculptures on the walls of the temple complex.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Temples In Siliguri<\/a><\/p>\n

Highlights of Chottanikkara Temple<\/h2>\n
\"Chottanikkara<\/div>\n

Image Credit: By Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

If this is your first time visiting the Chottanikkara temple, there\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n