History:

and Legends Chottanikkara Temple is one of the most popular and majestic temples located in Kerala, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathi and is a perfect blend of indigenous and contemporary culture. The temple is well known for its ‘giripooja’ (a ritualistic method of worship) which is performed on the night of the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is believed to be around 1500 years old. According to legend, Chottanikkara Temple was built by a group of prominent and influential people from the great Kalinga dynasty. They were trying to establish a grand and spacious temple that could accommodate a large number of devotees. Initially, the temple was only a small shrine dedicated to the local goddess Bhagavathi. But gradually, the temple was expanded to its current size and the deity of the temple, Goddess Rajarajeswari, was installed. As per the legends, once a great sage named Medhavi was performing rituals in the temple to appease the Goddess. Pleased with his devotion, Goddess Bhagavathi appeared before him and granted him a divine wish. She asked the sage to seek a son from the goddess Chottanikkara Bhagavathi. The sage accepted her wish and begged her to transform into a seven-year-old boy and meet him again at the Chottanikkara temple. When the sage went to the temple at the appointed time, the goddess appeared as a small boy. Another popular legend associated with Chottanikkara Temple is about a brave warrior by the name of Kadamkeni. Legend has it that he went to the temple and asked the goddess to grant him a wish. To his surprise, the goddess granted his wish and conferred a boon that he would become a great warrior and free his area from the domination of a tyrant ruler. Kadarmkeni started waging wars against the oppressor and eventually emerged victorious. He then built a temple at Chottanikkara to pay homage to the goddess Bhagavathi. Today, Chottanikkara Temple is one of the major pilgrimage destinations in Kerala. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day to get the blessings of Goddess Bhagavathi. The devotees also perform giripooja and lights lamps for the goddess. It is believed that the goddess will grant their wishes if they perform the ritual with devotion. It is one of the best temple in Kerala which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Chottanikkara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Bhagawati, located in the Chottanikkara locality of Ernakulam district in Kerala, South India. 2. The temple is one of the most important centers of worship in Kerala and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. 3. The temple is known for offering cure to those suffering from mental illnesses. 4. The temple complex comprises of three separate temples, which house the deities of Goddess Sri Rajarajeswari, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. 5. It is believed that offering prayers to Goddess Rajarajeswari at the temple helps in curing mental illness. 6. The temple complex also has a "Goshala" (elephant shed) which houses many elephants that are fed and taken care of by the temple officials. 7. The temple complex also houses an Ayurvedic centre where Ayurvedic healing and treatment is dispensed. 8. The temple is famous for its two annual festivals, Makara Vilakku and Avani Moolam, both widely celebrated with grandeur. 9. The temple is also a revered tourist destination. Here are some facts about the Kerala temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Kerala

Worship Method:

Chottanikkara temple practices a unique form of worship known as "Guruthi Puja" and it is one of the most important religious ceremonies that are practiced in temples within the state of Kerala. According to Hindu mythology, this pooja is usually offered to the dear goddess Bhagavati, the main deity of the temple. During this special ritual, a mixture of pooja prasadam is prepared and offered to her. This includes jaggery, honey, neem, banana and other such items. The devotees then perform an elaborate pooja ceremony and make traditional offerings to the goddess in the form of flowers, fruits, sweets and other items. There is a large gathering of devotees who come to pay obeisance to the goddess, and it is believed that their prayers are granted if they make sincere worship. This most visited temple in Kerala

Opening Timing:

The temple opens everyday at 5:00 am and closes at 10:30 pm. top temples in Kerala

How to reach:

The Chottanikkara Temple is located in Ernakulam district in Kerala, India and can be reached by the following: 1. By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport (COK), located in Nedumbassery about 35 km away from the temple. 2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction, located just 8 km away from the temple. 3. By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road and is well connected with the major cities and towns of Kerala like Kochi, Thrissur, Kollam, and Palakkad. famous temples in Kerala