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.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.
Temple Timings:
Temple is open from 4.00 a.m to 12.10 p.m and from 4.00 p.m to 8.30 p.m
Temple Festivals:
Thiruvonam,vishu were the festivals celebrated very grandly in this temple.Tuesday and Friday are important dates for Bhagavathy temples where all devotees throng in these days.
Chottanikkara Devi is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Saraswati in the morning, draped in white; as Lakshmi at noon, draped in crimson; and as Durga in the evening, decked in blue. Lord Shiva is also worshiped at the temple.
The ritualistic bath of "Devi" in ceremonial pond in the morning at the sacred pond at Onakkoor far on the northern side of the Temple.After this "Devi" accompanied
by Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven caparisoned elephants march
towards the "Pooraparambhu" the traditional vantage point where they
remain till 11 a.m.
After the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes. Only to
re-open at 2 p.m for the "Makam Darsanam" at that time Devi who appears
in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her sacred gold
ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands.
This is exactly
the form of vision which Villwamangalam Swamiyar was believed to have
had when he faced westward after the "Prathishta" (installation) of
Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy, Chottanikkara Devi appears at this moment clad in
glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her four
arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram to her ardent devotees.
It is fervently believed that Darsanam
at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and
cherished desires. It is fervently believed that those who gain Darsanam
at this crucial MithunaLagna, will be blessed with the fulfillment of their long standing desire and prayers.
Do's:
- Do pray Your Ishta Devata before Pilgrimage to temple
- Do Contact Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiry ,temple information and for pooja details etc.
- Do reserve your travel and accommodation at temple well in advance.
- Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple
- Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
- Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
- Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
- Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only
Don't s:
- Do not come to Temple for any Purpose other than worshiping of God and Goddess
- Do not smoke at Temple.
- Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple
- Do not Eat Non Vegetarian food in the Kshetram
- Do not approach mediators for quick Dharshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others
- Do not carry any weapon inside the temple
- Do not wear any head guards like helmets ,caps ,turbans and hats inside the temple premises
Temple Pedia
Devotion
Statues & Paintings
Fashion & Jewellery
