About Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
The Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is in the village of Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district, about 17 km from Kochi city. It is among the most important temples under the Cochin Devaswom Board and draws devotees from all over Kerala and beyond. The goddess is worshipped as Rajarajeshwari, the supreme Mother, together with Lord Vishnu on the same pedestal, so devotees often call out 'Amme Narayana'. Many families bring loved ones here seeking relief from mental illness, fear and evil influences.
A popular legend tells of a forest dweller named Kannappan who worshipped Kali and used to sacrifice animals. When his beloved daughter died after he had spared a calf at her request, he realised his wrongdoing; the place where the calf had been tied was found to hold a sacred stone, revealed as the divine presence of Lakshmi and Vishnu. Tradition holds that the goddess is worshipped in three moods through the day: as Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at midday and Durga in the evening. The main idol is described as a self-manifested laterite stone.
The temple has the typical Kerala form, with tiled sloping roofs, a circular or square sanctum and lamp-lined courtyards. Down a flight of steps lies the Keezhkkavu, the lower shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali beside a pond. The Guruthi Puja performed here in the evening, with a red offering in large vessels, is the most striking ritual of the temple. A large old tree in the lower courtyard is studded with nails driven in by devotees as a symbol of release from troubles.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nirmalyam and morning puja | Around 4:00 AM (approx.) |
| Ucha puja | Around noon (approx.) |
| Deeparadhana | At sunset |
| Guruthi Puja (Keezhkkavu) | Around 8:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
By air
Cochin International Airport is about 40 km away.
By train
Thrippunithura railway station is about 6 km away; Ernakulam Junction is about 17 km away.
By road
Frequent buses run from Ernakulam, Thrippunithura and Kottayam. Taxis and autorickshaws are easily available.
Festivals at Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
- Makam ThozhalFeb/Mar
- NavaratriSep/Oct
- Mandala seasonNov/Dec
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Kerala temple dress code applies: men wear a mundu (dhoti) and usually remove shirts inside; women wear a saree, set-mundu or salwar with dupatta. Shorts and western casual wear are not allowed.
- Entry
- Free darshan; offerings and special pujas can be booked at the temple counters.
- Stay for the evening Guruthi Puja at the Keezhkkavu if you can; arrive early for a place.
- Follow the Kerala dress code; a mundu can often be bought near the temple.
- Fridays, Tuesdays and the Makam day are very crowded.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- Leave footwear and mobile phones at the counters outside.
Places to visit near Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
- Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, ThrippunithuraFamous Vishnu temple, about 6 km away
- Hill Palace Museum, ThrippunithuraFormer royal palace of Kochi, now a museum, about 6 km away
- Ernakulam Shiva TempleHistoric temple in the heart of the city, about 17 km away
- Fort KochiHistoric waterfront area, about 25 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Chottanikkara temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:00 AM, closes at noon and reopens from about 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
What is Guruthi Puja at Chottanikkara?
It is an evening ritual at the lower shrine of Bhadrakali, believed to remove evil influences and bring relief to the troubled.
Which deity is worshipped at Chottanikkara?
The Divine Mother is worshipped as Rajarajeshwari along with Lord Vishnu, and as Bhadrakali in the lower shrine.
When is Makam Thozhal?
It falls on the Makam star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, usually in February or March.
Is there a dress code at Chottanikkara?
Yes. Men usually wear a mundu without a shirt inside, and women wear traditional dress.
What is the aarti time at Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple?
Nirmalyam and morning puja: Around 4:00 AM (approx.); Ucha puja: Around noon (approx.); Deeparadhana: At sunset; Guruthi Puja (Keezhkkavu): Around 8:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
How to reach Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple?
By air: Cochin International Airport is about 40 km away. By train: Thrippunithura railway station is about 6 km away; Ernakulam Junction is about 17 km away. By road: Frequent buses run from Ernakulam, Thrippunithura and Kottayam. Taxis and autorickshaws are easily available.
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