January 29, 2026 
The temple is most vibrant during these specific times of the year:
Important Days and Dates
- Makam Thozhal (Feb/March): The most significant festival. It is believed that a glimpse of the Goddess in her full splendor on this day fulfills all desires.
- Navaratri (Sept/Oct): Celebrated for nine days, culminating in Vidyarambham (initiation into learning) on Vijayadasami.
- Vrishchika Mandala Mahotsavam (Nov/Dec): A 41-day festival featuring continuous prayers and special offerings.
- Thrikkarthika (Nov/Dec): The birthday of the Goddess, marked by the lighting of thousands of oil lamps (Lakshadeepam).
- Annual Festival (Kumbham month): A 7-day celebration ending with the Uthram Aarattu.
How to Reach
The temple is located approximately 15–20 km from Kochi (Ernakulam) city center.
From Delhi to Chottanikkara
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, the temple is about 38 km away (approx. 1 hour by taxi).
- By Train: Take a direct train (like the Kerala Express or Mangala Lakshadweep Express) to Ernakulam Junction (ERS) or Ernakulam Town (ERN). From there, take an auto, bus, or taxi to Chottanikkara (approx. 18 km).
From Ahmedabad to Chottanikkara
- By Air: Take a flight from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Cochin International Airport (COK) (usually with one stop). Taxi to the temple from the airport.
- By Train: Board a train to Ernakulam Junction (ERS). The journey takes roughly 32–36 hours depending on the train.
History of the Temple
The temple is over 1500 years old. Legend tells of a tribesman named Kannappan, who was a fierce hunter but a devoted father. He used to sacrifice a calf every day to Goddess Kali. One day, his daughter pleaded to save a calf. Later, when his daughter died, Kannappan realized his cruelty. He found two stones in the forest which a priest identified as Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. These stones are the “Swayambhoo” (self-manifested) idols worshipped today. The temple is world-renowned for its power to heal mental illness and remove “evil spirits.”
Main Poojas Performed
The deity is worshipped as Saraswathi in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening.
-
- Valiya Guruthi Performed every night at the Keezhkkavu (lower temple) to drive away evil spirits and mental afflictions.
- Ethruthu PoojaThe first morning pooja (around 5:00 AM) where the Goddess is worshipped as Saraswathi.
- Pantheeradi PoojaPerformed in the mid-morning, involving elaborate offerings and rituals.
- Ucha PoojaThe noon pooja where the Goddess is worshipped as Maha Lakshmi in her most benevolent form.
- Athazha PoojaThe night pooja (supper offering) performed before the final rituals of the day
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
The temple follows strict traditional Kerala dress codes for entry into the inner sanctum.
Men:
-
- Recommended:Dhoti (Mundu or Veshti).
- Requirement: must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner sanctum. Chests must remain bare.
Women:
-
- Saree, Set-mundu, or Long Skirts with Blouse.
- Salwar Kameez/Churidars are generally allowed now, but a dupatta is mandatory.
Restrictions:
-
- Men must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner temple area.
- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple premises.
Official Websites
Temple Trust/Official Booking:
https://www.chottanikkarabhagavathy.org/
Government/Cochin Devaswom Board:
https://www.cochindevaswomboard.org/
Description
The temple is most vibrant during these specific times of the year:
Important Days and Dates
- Makam Thozhal (Feb/March): The most significant festival. It is believed that a glimpse of the Goddess in her full splendor on this day fulfills all desires.
- Navaratri (Sept/Oct): Celebrated for nine days, culminating in Vidyarambham (initiation into learning) on Vijayadasami.
- Vrishchika Mandala Mahotsavam (Nov/Dec): A 41-day festival featuring continuous prayers and special offerings.
- Thrikkarthika (Nov/Dec): The birthday of the Goddess, marked by the lighting of thousands of oil lamps (Lakshadeepam).
- Annual Festival (Kumbham month): A 7-day celebration ending with the Uthram Aarattu.
How to Reach
The temple is located approximately 15–20 km from Kochi (Ernakulam) city center.
From Delhi to Chottanikkara
- By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Cochin International Airport (COK). From the airport, the temple is about 38 km away (approx. 1 hour by taxi).
- By Train: Take a direct train (like the Kerala Express or Mangala Lakshadweep Express) to Ernakulam Junction (ERS) or Ernakulam Town (ERN). From there, take an auto, bus, or taxi to Chottanikkara (approx. 18 km).
From Ahmedabad to Chottanikkara
- By Air: Take a flight from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Cochin International Airport (COK) (usually with one stop). Taxi to the temple from the airport.
- By Train: Board a train to Ernakulam Junction (ERS). The journey takes roughly 32–36 hours depending on the train.
History of the Temple
The temple is over 1500 years old. Legend tells of a tribesman named Kannappan, who was a fierce hunter but a devoted father. He used to sacrifice a calf every day to Goddess Kali. One day, his daughter pleaded to save a calf. Later, when his daughter died, Kannappan realized his cruelty. He found two stones in the forest which a priest identified as Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. These stones are the “Swayambhoo” (self-manifested) idols worshipped today. The temple is world-renowned for its power to heal mental illness and remove “evil spirits.”
Main Poojas Performed
The deity is worshipped as Saraswathi in the morning, Lakshmi at noon, and Durga in the evening.
-
- Valiya Guruthi Performed every night at the Keezhkkavu (lower temple) to drive away evil spirits and mental afflictions.
- Ethruthu PoojaThe first morning pooja (around 5:00 AM) where the Goddess is worshipped as Saraswathi.
- Pantheeradi PoojaPerformed in the mid-morning, involving elaborate offerings and rituals.
- Ucha PoojaThe noon pooja where the Goddess is worshipped as Maha Lakshmi in her most benevolent form.
- Athazha PoojaThe night pooja (supper offering) performed before the final rituals of the day
Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
The temple follows strict traditional Kerala dress codes for entry into the inner sanctum.
Men:
-
- Recommended:Dhoti (Mundu or Veshti).
- Requirement: must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner sanctum. Chests must remain bare.
Women:
-
- Saree, Set-mundu, or Long Skirts with Blouse.
- Salwar Kameez/Churidars are generally allowed now, but a dupatta is mandatory.
Restrictions:
-
- Men must remove their shirts and vests before entering the inner temple area.
- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple premises.
Official Websites
Temple Trust/Official Booking:
https://www.chottanikkarabhagavathy.org/
Government/Cochin Devaswom Board:
https://www.cochindevaswomboard.org/