Located in Chottanikkara, Kerala, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a special place dedicated to the goddess Raja Rajeshwari Devi. Here, she is worshipped in three forms—Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening. People come from far and wide to see this unique worship style.
The temple, built in the traditional Kerala style, features detailed carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re there for a quick visit or to participate in rituals like darshan and pooja, everything is organized and runs on schedule, ensuring an excellent visit for everyone.
History and Legends of the Temple
Diving into the history and stories of the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple reveals its deep roots in Kerala’s culture and spirituality. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Raja Rajeshwari Devi, who appears in three forms: Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening.
There are stories about the goddess having special powers, especially for healing mental illnesses. Because of this, many people come to the temple looking for help and hope. One of the significant events here is the Makam Thozhal festival. During this festival, the goddess is shown as a fierce warrior, celebrating the victory of good over evil. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and protection the deity offers to her followers.
See – Sunder Nursery, Delhi – Timings, Ticket Price And Travel Guide
Timings and Distance to the Temple
Pooja timings
| Time | Puja/Event |
|---|---|
| 04:00 | Opening of Nada and Nirmalaya Darshan |
| 05:00 AM | Dhara of Lord Shiva |
| 05:30 | Ethruthu Puja |
| 06:00 | Seeveli |
| 07:30 | Guruthi Nivedyam at Kizhukkavu Temple |
| 07:45 | Pantheeradi Puja |
| 11:00 AM | Dhara of Lord Shiva |
| 12 Noon | Ucha puja |
| 12:10 | Ucha Seeveli |
| 16:00 | Nada reopening |
| 18:30 | Deep Aradhana |
| 19:00 | Guruthi Nivedyam at Kizhukkavu Temple |
| 19:30 | Athazha Puja |
| 20:00 | Seeveli |
| 20:45 | Vallya Guruthi at Kizhukkavu Temple |
Chottanikkara Temple opens early and offers several pooja times throughout the day. This lets people from different areas come when they can. In the morning, the temple worships Saraswati, asking for her blessing of knowledge.
It’s Lakshmi’s turn at noon, and people pray for prosperity. In the evening, they pray to Durga for strength. So, you can choose a time that fits what you need help with. The temple holds special poojas during festivals. This makes the temple feel even more spiritual and brings people together to pray.
Distance from major cities/airports to the temple
How far is Chottanikkara Temple from significant places in Kerala? It’s near Kochi and easy to get to. The closest airport, Kochi International Airport, is about 33 kilometres away, or a 50-minute drive. If you’re coming by train, Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station is about 15 kilometres from the temple, roughly a 30-45 minute drive. If you’re travelling from other big cities in Kerala, like Thiruvananthapuram or Kozhikode, the distances are about 210 kilometres and 190 kilometres, respectively. The roads are good, so your trip should be pretty smooth.
Also See – Simhachalam Temple: Darshan Timings, Dress Code & How To Reach
| City | Distance to Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Amman Temple | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi (Ernakulam) | 18 km | 40 minutes |
| Thrissur | 75 km | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Alappuzha | 50 km | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Kottayam | 30 km | 1 hour |
| Palakkad | 155 km | 3 hours |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 215 km | 5 hours |
| Madurai | 250 km | 6 hours 30 minutes |
| Coimbatore | 190 km | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a critical cultural and spiritual spot in Kochi. It draws people with its deep-rooted traditions and lively festivals. Known for its healing touch, especially for mental health, the temple is a place of comfort and spiritual growth for many.
The deity is worshipped in three different forms throughout the day, showing the temple’s rich cultural and spiritual variety. It’s easy to get to from major transportation points, and you can book visits online, making it welcoming for both locals and tourists. Whether you’re looking for a spiritual experience or want to participate in Kerala’s famous temple rituals, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is worth visiting.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.