The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in Kerala, located in the town of Chottanikkara near Kochi in Ernakulam district. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, worshipped in three distinct forms over the course of a day as Saraswathy in the morning, symbolizing wisdom; as Lakshmi at noon, representing prosperity and as Durga in the evening, signifying strength and protection. Alongside the Goddess, there is also an idol of Lord Vishnu making the temple a center for combined devotion.
The temple has a rich spiritual history. Legend says that the land was once dense forest, inhabited by sages and tribal communities, where divine worship began with a self manifested stone idol of the Goddess. The temple is widely believed to possess healing powers, especially for psychological, emotional, and spiritual ailments, drawing devotees seeking solace, inner peace, and relief from suffering.
Chottanikkara Temple is a fine example of traditional Kerala temple architecture, with tiled roofs, wooden carvings, inner courtyards, and a sanctum that creates a serene and tranquil environment. The sanctum is adorned with flowers, ornaments, and lights, giving the deity a resplendent appearance. The temple complex also includes shrines for Bhadrakali, Ganapathi, Subramanya, Sastha, Shiva, and Nagas, allowing devotees to worship multiple divine manifestations in one sacred space.
Daily rituals begin early in the morning with Nirmalya Darshan, marked by conch blowing, devotional chanting, and offerings to the Goddess. Special rituals include the evening Guruthi Pooja at the Bhadrakali shrine, believed to remove negative energies and bring spiritual healing. Devotees visit seeking blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and protection, making it a place for holistic spiritual upliftment.
The temple’s location amid lush greenery and gentle hills provides a peaceful retreat from the urban environment. The combination of spiritual power, traditional rituals, and serene surroundings makes Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple a significant pilgrimage center and a beacon of devotion in Kerala.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Navaratri
Devotees worship the Goddess in her three forms: Saraswathy, Lakshmi, and Durga, seeking wisdom, prosperity, and protection.
Guruthi Pooja
A unique ritual performed in the evening at the Bhadrakali shrine within the temple complex.
Mandala Pooja
Celebrated during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December).
Contact Address: Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala 682312
Phone Number: 091889 58013
