New Delhi, March 12: In North India, the month of Chaitra sees an influx of devotees at temples dedicated to the goddess, as they worship her nine forms over nine days. The atmosphere at Shakti Peeths and Siddhi Peeths during Chaitra Navratri is vibrant and filled with devotion. Similarly, in South India, several temples hold special rituals for the goddess during this auspicious period. One such temple is the Chottanikkara Temple, where the goddess is worshipped in three distinct forms.
Located near Kochi in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, the Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is nearly 100 years old and is known for the miraculous tales surrounding the goddess. She is revered as the deity who cures skin ailments, granting blessings to her devotees. A unique aspect of this temple is its worship rituals. The goddess is honored in different forms throughout the day, changing with each prahar (a division of time).
In the morning, she is worshipped as Saraswati, adorned in white attire. By noon, she takes on the form of Lakshmi, dressed in a red saree. In the evening, she is worshipped as Bhadrakali, draped in blue garments. Each of these rituals is performed with distinct methods and offerings.
During the Chaitra month, the temple observes the Makam Thozhal ceremony, which takes place in March. This festival allows devotees to have special darshan (viewing) of the goddess during the Makam nakshatra, attracting visitors from various states. The Chottanikkara Bhagavathi Temple is associated with numerous beliefs. Besides curing skin diseases, the goddess is also said to alleviate mental afflictions and assist in tantric practices.
To rid oneself of evil spirits, a ritual known as Guruthi Puja is performed, where sweet water is offered to the goddess in twelve vessels. Architecturally, the temple is constructed from wood and stone, with a design reminiscent of Buddhist influences, featuring a pointed spire instead of a dome. Within the temple grounds, a miraculous tree stands where devotees tie threads to fulfill their wishes.
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P.S./VC
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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