Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most important and ancient Shakti shrines in Kerala. The presiding deity, Chottanikkara Amma, is worshipped in three distinct forms throughout the day: as Goddess Saraswati in the morning (in white), Goddess Lakshmi at noon (in red), and Goddess Durga in the evening (in dark blue) — a unique theological concept.

The temple is especially renowned as a healing centre, particularly for people believed to be suffering from mental illness or spirit possession. The Kappukettu ritual (tying of a thread) is performed here for those seeking relief. The annual Makam Thozhal festival draws hundreds of thousands of devotees. The temple's architectural style is pure Kerala — sloping tiled roofs, timber namaskara mandapa, and richly painted murals inside.