The Chottanikkara Temple in Ernakulam, Kerala, is a revered sanctuary dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, renowned for her powerful, compassionate nature. Historically, the temple was managed by trustees from seven and a half villages (gramams), with Ayinikad Namboodri chosen to conduct pujas and oversee its activities. His role, believed to be divinely appointed through a “divine voice” (Asiriri), gave him significant authority. However, following the temple’s takeover by the Cochin government in 1860 CE, Ayinikad Namboodri reportedly experienced mental distress. The temple’s prestigious golden flagstaff (dwajasthambam) was installed soon after.
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| Chottanikkara Temple, Ernakulam, Kerala.keralatourism.net |
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| Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple Ernakulam, experiencekerala.in |
The temple is rich in legends that speak to its mystical aura. One famous tale involves a group of thieves who broke in to steal temple jewels but were shocked to see a grand festival in progress, with caparisoned elephants and crowds. Terrified, they returned the jewels and fled. Another popular legend tells of Kandarath Namboodri, a Brahmin who encountered a Yakshi—a treacherous demi-goddess—while on his way to the Thirparayar Poorum festival. Disguised as a woman with a child, the Yakshi accompanied him until they reached the temple, where a Tantric priest, Kallor Namboodri, recognized her true form. The priest advised Kandarath to take protective measures, and when he reached the Chottanikkara Temple, the goddess herself intervened and defeated the Yakshi, saving his life.
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| Chottanikkara Temple in Ernakulam, Kerala tripadvisor.it |
The temple is especially known for healing those afflicted by mental illnesses and spiritual ailments. Many believe that Goddess Bhagawati has the power to exorcise spirits through rituals like the Guruthi Pooja, performed in the Keezhkkaavu shrine. This ritual involves sprinkling a red-tinted solution of turmeric and lime water, resembling blood, to cleanse devotees of evil influences. Many who suffer from mental disorders or spiritual afflictions visit the temple, participating in these rituals for comfort and healing.
The temple’s grand annual festival, held in the month of Kumbham (February–March), includes the Arattu ritual, where the deity is ritually bathed. Many devotees report experiencing a profound spiritual connection during this festival, entering a state of ecstasy believed to be a blessing from the goddess. The annual Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal - ritualistic bath of the goddess is the major festival in Chottanikara temple.
In the morning goddess would appear at the Chottanikkara temple as Goddess Mahasaraswati .The deity is known as Rajarajeswari (Mother Goddess) is worshipped here in three forms - Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi at noon and Goddess Durga in the evening.
Chottanikkara Amma is known for her compassion, believed to bless and protect her devotees, especially those who approach her with a pure heart. The temple has long been a place of refuge, where people seek spiritual and physical healing, finding solace in its rituals and the goddess’s divine presence. For centuries, the Chottanikkara Temple has remained an important spiritual destination, embodying Kerala’s unique blend of religious devotion, healing traditions, and mystical herit
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