About Chottanikkara Temple:
Mother Goddes worshipped in three different forms – as Saraswati in the morning – draped in white, as Bhadrakali at noon draped in crimson, and as Durga in the evening decked in blue.Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. The temple is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms away from Ernakulam. Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) alias Durga Bhagavathy – the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika (Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning. The ‘Devi’ in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. The temple situated in a hilly region, is surrounded on all sides by green farms. The entry is through the west and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees. In the main temple, the golden hued idol of Bhagavathy 4 to 5 ft. high, is bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights splendidly. The idol has four arms. The upper right holds the disc, the upper left bears the conch, the lower right hand is held in a boon-conferring pose and the lower left indicates the abhaya (fearlessness) pose. The Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms as Saraswathy in the morning clothed in an impeccable white garment, Lakshmi at noon with crimson red cloth and Durga in the evening wearing a bright blue dress. Durga is a much milder form. The original idol of Bhagavathy, three or four feet high which faces east, is of laterite and is believed to be self-born (swayambhoo). This image called ‘Rudraksha Sila’ is irregular in shape, red in colour and is untouched by the human sculptor. This image can be seen only in the wee hours of morning at 4 am when the Nada opens for nirmalyam.
General Information about Chottanikkara Temple:
Location: 13 Km From Ernakulam
State: Kerala
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Language: Malayalam, English, Hindi
Temperature: Max 36˚C, Min 22˚C (summer), Max 28˚C, Min 18˚C (winter)
Best Season: August to March
How to Reach Chottanikkara Temple:
By Air:
The airport is situated 5 km. away from Ernakulam. Cochin airport has domestic and international terminals.
By Rail:
Ernakulam is connected to all cities in India by railroad. There are two main stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town also known as north station along with additional train stations in Cochin terminal, Aluva and Tripunithura. Ernakulam Town junction is prominent and most of the trains pass through this station.
By Road:
Kochi is connected by good roads with various centers of south India by national highways and linked to all towns in Kerala. The central bus station is situated in the heart of Ernakulam city and is very close to the Ernakulam Junction railway station. Long route private buses operate from High Court Jn., Railway Station and Kaloor Junction.
By Water:
The main Ferry Station (Boat Jetty) is located 1 km. from Junction railway station and has services to the following places. The ferry to Bolgatty Island operates from the jetty near the High Court. Boat services to Chaganacherry, Kottayam, Alapuzha, Vypeen, Fort Cochin, Mattancherry, and Willingdon Island etc. are available.
By Local Transport:
Taxis, buses and auto rickshaws are available for local transport within Ernakulam.
Ermakulam and Kochi are Same:
Ermakulam and Kochi are same. ernakulam is the new developed metro city area and Kochi (Cochin) is the old town. Fortkochi and Mattancherry are the very old regions. You will get taxi cabs, bus and boat to reach Fortkochi and mattanchery.Basically Ernakulam and Kochi are same. Kochi is the old name of Ernakulam and especially Kochi is Fortkochi (Cochin 1) and Mattancherry (Cochin 2). There is another one part named Edakochi. Now the Heart of Kochi is M.G Road and Marine Drive. Mg Road is Kochim35 and 36 and also Marine Drive is Kochi 17. The distance between Old Kochi and the new part of Kochi i.e., Ernakulam is 15 kms by road and 5 km by water (back water) through Boat or Jankar.