Chottanikkara Temple

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrouded in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo, is called Rudraksha Sila. It was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occasions. The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights shine splendidly.

It is a picturesque image bewildering everybody. It is the embodiment of peace that dispels fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in a hilly region and is surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf and golden farms. It provides deep spiritual solace to the entire devotees.

This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines in Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem themselves from their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life.

The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed to be present in the temple in the morning.

That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns there late in the morning.

Kizhukkave Temple

On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple. The idol facing westward is believed to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar.

After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the great "ValiyaGuruthy" Pooja (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m every night.

Those who witness the awe inspiring guruthy performance and the prolonged ceremony, find it an indescribable experience. It is believed that women attending the


 Valiya guruthy on Fridays gets permanent cures from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.
There is an ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum that is covered with long iron nails which are believed to have been hammered down by haunted victims using their foreheads.