Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, Kochi, Kerala, India
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, located in Chottanikkara, a suburb of Kochi in Kerala, India. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Kerala and is known for its healing powers.
History
The Chottanikkara Temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century CE. The temple is mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Sthala Purana and the Keralolpathi.
Legend
According to legend, the Chottanikkara Temple was built by a tribal chieftain named Kannappan. Kannappan was a devout worshipper of the goddess Bhagavathy. One day, he found a calf in the forest and brought it home to raise as his own. However, the calf was actually the goddess Bhagavathy in disguise. When Kannappan realized this, he was so overcome with joy that he offered to sacrifice his own head to the goddess. The goddess was pleased with Kannappan's devotion and granted him a boon. Kannappan asked that the goddess always reside in Chottanikkara and protect the people of Kerala.
Deity
The main deity of the Chottanikkara Temple is the goddess Bhagavathy. The goddess is worshipped in three forms: Saraswati in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening.
Festivals
The Chottanikkara Temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. The most important festival is the Makam Thozhal, which is held in February or March. The festival is celebrated for 10 days and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Kerala.
Architecture
The Chottanikkara Temple is a typical example of Kerala temple architecture. The temple has a gopuram (gateway tower), a nalambalam (rectangular hall), and a sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum). The gopuram is seven stories high and is decorated with intricate carvings. The nalambalam is where the pilgrims gather to offer prayers. The sreekovil is the innermost part of the temple and houses the idol of the goddess Bhagavathy.
Visiting the Temple
The Chottanikkara Temple is open from 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The temple is located about 18 kilometers from Kochi. The best time to visit the temple is during the Makam Thozhal festival.
Things to Do
In addition to visiting the temple, there are several other things to do in Chottanikkara. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to the temple.
- Take a walk through the nearby Chottanikkara Forest, which is home to a variety of plants and animals.
- Visit the Chottanikkara Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of birds.
- Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal at one of the many restaurants in Chottanikkara.
Chottanikkara is a beautiful and holy place that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.