Historical Chottanikkara Temple.
Is located near Ernakulam in the southern Indian state of Kerala.The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. There is an Idol of Mahavishnu on the same pedestal and so the Deity is called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Along with Lakshmi & Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.
Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, temples for Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas and other Upa-Devas. The pleasant atmosphere in the temple give mental peace and harmony to devotees. "MAKOM Thozhal" (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March) It is believed that Bhagavathy in her full attire gave darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makom day and appears on the same day every year for giving darsan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirit from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.
The History of shree
Chottanikkara Temple.
The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly.
It is a picturesque image bewitching everybodyand embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees.
This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life.
The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning.That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns to there late in the morning.
The Kizhukkavu Temple.
On the eastern side of the
temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing westward is belived to
be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar. After the Athazha pooja (main pooja
in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to
perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice).
The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about
8.45 p.m every night.
Those
who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and
prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being
present here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering
from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia. An ancient 'Pala' tree standing
on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with long iron
nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.
