ॐ
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Rajarajeshwari (Bhagavathy) • Chottanikkara, Ernakulam, Kerala
॥ ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः ॥
At Chottanikkara, near Kochi in Kerala, the goddess Rajarajeshwari is worshipped in three changing aspects through a single day — as Saraswati at dawn, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. The temple is sought especially by those praying for relief from mental distress, with its evening Guruthi puja at the Keezhkkavu Bhadrakali shrine drawing devotees from far beyond Kerala.
One goddess, three faces of the day
The presiding deity at Chottanikkara is Bhagavathy, worshipped as Rajarajeshwari. What sets the shrine apart is the belief that the goddess reveals herself in three forms as the day moves: as Saraswati, the giver of knowledge, in the morning; as Lakshmi, the giver of fortune, at midday; and as Durga or Bhadrakali, the destroyer of evil, in the evening.
Worshippers greet her with the chant “Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana,” a refrain that fills the temple and binds devotion to the goddess with the name of Narayana. The single deity thus embraces wisdom, prosperity and protective power across the hours of a single visit.
The shrine and its two levels
The temple complex has two principal shrines. The upper Melkkavu enshrines the gentle, benevolent Rajarajeshwari, while the lower Keezhkkavu houses Bhadrakali in her fierce, protective aspect. The relationship between the two is central to the temple’s healing reputation.
Set at Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district, near Kochi, the shrine follows the architectural and ritual conventions of Kerala temples, with their distinctive sloping roofs, lamp-lit corridors and strict customs of worship. Its location makes it accessible from the city while retaining a deeply traditional atmosphere.
Guruthi puja, darshan and Makam Thozhal
The temple is widely associated with the care of those suffering from mental illness and what tradition describes as affliction or possession. The focus of this is the evening Guruthi puja performed at the lower Keezhkkavu Bhadrakali shrine, a powerful ritual that draws families seeking relief and is attended with great solemnity.
Daily darshan follows Kerala temple custom, with dress codes and ritual timings observed strictly. The temple’s greatest festival is the Makam Thozhal, a celebrated occasion that gathers large crowds for the special darshan of the goddess.
Visitors should follow the temple’s dress requirements, plan around the evening Guruthi puja if that is the purpose of the visit, and respect the queues and customs during festival days.
- The upper Melkkavu shrine houses Rajarajeshwari; the lower Keezhkkavu houses Bhadrakali.
- The evening Guruthi puja at Keezhkkavu is the temple’s most sought ritual.
- Makam Thozhal is the principal annual festival; reach Chottanikkara from Kochi by road.
A place sought for healing of the mind
Few temples in India are so closely identified with the relief of mental suffering. At Chottanikkara, families bring loved ones believed to be afflicted, placing their faith in the goddess and especially in the Bhadrakali of Keezhkkavu, and stories of recovery have sustained this reputation over generations.
Whether one comes for that purpose or simply for darshan, the daily transformation of the goddess — from Saraswati to Lakshmi to Durga — offers a rare vision of the divine feminine as a single power expressing wisdom, abundance and protection in turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the goddess at Chottanikkara temple?
The presiding goddess is Bhagavathy, worshipped as Rajarajeshwari. She is revered in three aspects through the day — as Saraswati at dawn, Lakshmi at noon and Durga or Bhadrakali in the evening — embodying wisdom, prosperity and protection.
Why is Chottanikkara famous for healing?
The temple is widely sought by those praying for relief from mental illness and what tradition calls affliction or possession. This is centred on the evening Guruthi puja at the lower Keezhkkavu Bhadrakali shrine, where families come seeking the goddess’s help.
What is the chant associated with the temple?
Devotees worship with the chant “Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana,” calling on the goddess together with the name of Narayana. The refrain is heard throughout the temple and is closely identified with Chottanikkara.
What is the difference between the Melkkavu and Keezhkkavu shrines?
The upper Melkkavu shrine enshrines the benevolent Rajarajeshwari, while the lower Keezhkkavu shrine houses Bhadrakali in her fierce, protective form. The evening Guruthi puja, central to the temple’s healing reputation, is performed at Keezhkkavu.
What is the main festival at Chottanikkara?
The great festival of the temple is the Makam Thozhal, a celebrated occasion that draws large crowds for special darshan of the goddess. It is the high point of the temple’s annual calendar.
Where is the temple located and how do I reach it?
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is at Chottanikkara in Ernakulam district, Kerala, near Kochi. It is reached by road from the city and is well connected as a major pilgrimage destination in the region.
॥ अम्मे नारायण देवी नारायण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Primary Deity | Rajarajeshwari (Bhagavathy) |
| Daily Forms | Saraswati at dawn, Lakshmi at noon, Durga in evening |
| Sacred Chant | Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana |
| Upper Shrine | Melkkavu — Rajarajeshwari |
| Lower Shrine | Keezhkkavu — Bhadrakali |
| Key Ritual | Guruthi puja (sought for healing) |
| Main Festival | Makam Thozhal |
| Location | Chottanikkara, Ernakulam, Kerala |