Chottanikkara Temple of Kerala in Chaitra Navaratri: Praharwar worship of three powerful forms of Mother Goddess
Amidst the excitement of Chaitra Navratri in North India, there is a temple in Kerala in the south which attracts everyone’s attention with its unique tradition. Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple, located near Kochi in Ernakulam district, is about a quarter of a century old and here three different forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped every day.
As soon as the morning dawns, she appears in the form of Mother Saraswati dressed in white clothes and showers knowledge. In the afternoon, wearing a red saree, she showers wealth and prosperity in the form of Goddess Lakshmi. As the evening approaches, she takes the form of Bhadrakali in blue clothes and destroys evils. These three pujas are performed in different ways, which mesmerize the devotees.
Mother Chottanikkara is considered to be the curer of skin diseases. Devotees also come here to get relief from mental troubles, tantra-mantra and ghosts. In Guruthi Puja, a special ritual is performed by offering sweet water in 12 pots. Makaram Thojal festival is held in March in the month of Chaitra, when people come from far and wide for a special darshan in the Makaram constellation.
The architecture of the temple is made of wood and stone, with a pointed shikhara structure with Buddhist influence. There is a miraculous tree in the courtyard, where devotees, by tying a manauti thread, pray for the fulfillment of their wishes. This Navratri, visit Chottanikkara and get the blessings of Mother Goddess.
Comments are closed.