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Home > Temples of Kerala >The greatness and glory of the Chottanikkara temple The main deity and other deities The greatness and glory of the Chottanikkara temple The main deity and other deitiesOm Sri Mathe (Mathre) Namah “Sarva mangala mangalye Sive sarvartha sadhike (Oh three-eyed Goddess Narayani,I prostrate before you, the holy of Holies, The fulfiller of all desires including the Purusharthas of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, the Refuge of all). Sivasakhthia yukhto yadi bhavadi saktha prabhaviduni Verse 1 of Jagadguru Shri Sankaracharya’s Soundarya Lahari) Greatness of a Temple depends on factors including 1.Location and Orgin of the temple. 2. Nature and composition of the main deity, its theoretical and practical mahatmyam. 3. The Power or the Sages, Saints or Maharshis who installed the Deity or predicted/explained about the nature of Deity. 4 The Upadevas or Deities who are in attendance to help the main Deity. 5.The Special features seen or special powers experienced by the devotees. 6.The number and nature of devotees who crowd to have darsan of the Deity 7.The important days, festivals and seasons observed . In all the above respects, Sree Chottanikara Temple has its unique story to tell. Since accurate records are non existent or are lost in the mist of antiquity, the writer has to meditate, pray and make surmises that stand the test of reasoning faculty-a faculty that makes man the highest if the 8.4 million forms of lives created by God. Living legends also help in this process. Legend has it that the nature of swyambhoo vigraha of Lakshmi Narayana Moorthy –Sree Lakshmi in rudraksha and Sree Narayana in granite – has been explained by no less a Maharshi than Parasara,father of Vedavyasa who is considered an avtar (incarnation) of Mahavishnu- all these have been explained in concerned sections of this book. Present ‘Prathishta Moorthikal (Vigrahams/Idols) in this temple Permit me to be presumptuous enough to dare attempt to sum up in brief the “Mahatmyam”, the Greatness and Glory of Sri Chottanikkara Devi, Chottanikkara Amma, the presiding Deity here. It is a Swayambhoo Devi. Chottanikkara Devi is the omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient Adi Parasakthi sitting in all glory facing East in the sanctum sanctorum of Chottanikkara temple with powers, virtues, qualities, including all those contemplated in the word ‘Bhagam’ of Bhagavathi, radiating the aspects of Lakshmi Narayana Moorthy, Godness Sri Saraswathi (Mookambika) during Brahmamuhoortham in the morning,as Sri Mahalakshmi during noon and as Sri Durga (Vanadruga) in the evening.(The temple’s roof has an opening). Near the main Deity of Parasakthi,on its south western side, sit Vishnu Maheswara,Sri Ganapathi, (the Vignesawaran) Saraswathi, Subramaniyan and Dharmasastha, with his wife Prabha and son Satyakan, inside the sanctum sanctorum itself. While Sri Subramanian Sri Dharmasastha is the wise strongest and seasoned Chief Security Officer who sits with full family-wife and son-an aspect of total surrender before and full support to Devi. The invocation sloka given at the very beginning succinctly sums up Devi’s greatness as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer An old verse regarding the deities in the temple runs thus: Seshasaayee Siva Skanda VignaVidhyaray samyuthou (Mahavishnu, Siva, Subramanian, Ganapathi, Saraswathy, Lakshmi Narayana Moorthy Sastha in the main temple (Let us call it Melkkavu as there too the top of the roof is open to justify the presence of Durga as Vanadruga in the evening)and Bhairavee in the Keezhkkavu.Vanadurga is considered an aspect of Devi sitting in a mood reflecting peace and quietude in communion with nature). A great additional feature of this unique idol in Rudraksha sila (laterite) is that it is known as Lakhsmi –Narayana Moorthy with Vishnu sitting in the same pedestal as that of Devi. According to a Santhi Ananthasayanam and Salagramam are also inside the sanctum sanctorum. Naturally this Devi temple is considered to belong to the top most category of all the 108 Durga temples in Kerala, the land of coconuts, ‘God’s own country’, where the Goddess Parasakthi, the eternal indestructible supreme energy/chaitanyam aspect of Brahman, sits in all her glory and greatness, radiating love and compassion, characteristic of a super, supreme Mother the jagadamma, the Jagadambika Salagramam concept is also there. One of the most popular shrines of the Cochin Devaswom Board, it has Divine mother Adi Parasakthi,the Rajarajeswary in a laterite Rudraksham Swayambhoo idol form as its main deity with four arms and is covered with a gold ornament.The Upper Right Arm holds the Disc; the upper left carries the Conch.The lower right is held in an Abhaya mudra position offering refuge to devotees with the lower left held in a boon-offering pose. It is a beautiful image bewitching, an embodiment of peace, love, compassion, and dispelling fear from as its main deity with four arms and is covered with a gold ornament. The Upper Right arm holds the Disc;the upper left carries the Conch.The lower right is held in an Abhaya mudra position offering refuge to devotees with the lower left held in a boon-offering pose. It is a beautiful image bewitching,an embodiment of peace,love,compassion,and dispelling fear from devotees. As the Deity is called Lakhshmi Narayana Moorthy, the mantra “Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana, Lakhsmi Narayana, Bhadre Narayana”, given by Sage Parasara is meaningful. Festival seasons and festival Darshan on Makam Day in the month of Kumbham (February-March) attracts a vast concourse of crowds of devotees. There are separate shrines for Jeshta Bhagavathy near the Shiva Shrine.Apart from the small shrines for Sastha inside the Nalambalam itself where Sastha is facing the Devi,there is a bigger temple for Sastha where Sastha sits facing the Keezhkkavu Bhagavathy. Aspect of Sri Mookambika Devi and role of Shri Adi Sankaracharaya As the most famous Mookambika Devi is present here especially in the morning, starting from Brahmamuhoortham, a greater understanding of Mother Mookambika, the merciful mother, installed by Sri Adi Sankaracharya in Mukambika, may be in order.The beautiful idol of Mookambika, the divine mother is housed in the well known shrine at Kollur, about 140kms north east of Mangalore city in Karnataka State. The Supreme is symbolized here as the four armed divine Mother whose upper left hand holds the conch while the right hand holds the Discus. Lower left hand shows the mystic abhayamudra while the right hand expresses abheeshta-mudra.The former gives freedom from fear and the latter symbol promises fulfillment in life. These forms are highly symbolic. The conch blown to produce an auspicious vibration sound symbolizes the field of the subtlest universal vibration, Shabda Brahmam, which is the spirit-energy foundation of the manifested universe. Discus symbolizes time and the cyclic nature of the universe. Ancient spheroid Jyothirlingam is found in front. It is almost flat and round, potent with immense mystic power. The icon of the goddess behind it was installed by Jagadguru Sri Adi Sankaracharya. This Jyotirilingam is divided into two unequal parts by a golden line, the left side being the larger part. The smaller right portion represents the conscious causative aspect and the left portion the dynamic energy aspect of Brahman. The golden line represents their essential oneness. The dynamic energy aspect is predominant in this mystic lingam. The Supreme is symbolized here by a female form of Mookambika, the Supreme Mother. And the energy factor plays the predominant role in the manifestation of the phenomenal world. The temple is in the Valley of the 5000-feet pyramidal peak Kudajadri covered with forests, called Ambaa-vana, (the gardens of the divine mother) Consciousness and Energy in essence are one: The ancient seers of India had discovered that consciousness and energy are not two separate factors, but two aspects of the same reality. In essence they are one. Jagadguru Sree Adi Sankaracharaya s(788 to 820 A.D) In Kerala, created by Lord Parasurama, there used to be quarrels between Saiva and Vaishnava cults in the name of sects. It is at such a juncture that Adi Sankara, considered an Avtar of Lord Shiva, was born at Kalady in Kerala. He became a Brahmajanani. This intellectual and spiritual giant who strode the breadth and length of Bharat like a colossus defeated all, who opposed or criticized any aspect of Bharatheeya wisdom,in arguments, identified Raga and Dwesha (Likes and Dislikes) as the causes for the destructive tendencies, unhappiness and fights in the world which, coupled with lack of knowledge of Advaita philosophy destroyed peace and happiness here. Jagadguru Sankaracharya gained such a fame because of the profundity of the knowledge gained by him in Vedas and Sastras. He conquered the main enemies of raga and dwesha and gained peace and supreme happiness. It is said he became attracted to Chamundeswari Devi in those days of anarchy and cruelty in Kerala.To remedy the malady that has afflicted Kerala,he thought that it was best to bring Devi’s influence from Mysore to Kerala.Towards this end he did bhajan and observed vrita.Pleased with his tapas,Devi agreed to go over to Kerala too on certain conditions.She agreed to follow him. “My presence will be known to you from the sound of my kalchilanka (ornament worn on ankles);the moment you turned I will stop and reside there”.He agreed.He started chanting Saraswathi mantra.(Possibly because only true knowledge can solve the troubles in Kerala and bring peace and happiness to this Sri Parasurama-created state).He was happy to hear the enchanting musical sound produced by the kalchilanka.When the sound suddenly stopped he thought that Devi might have lost her way.Forgetting his promise he looked back to ensure that Devi is following him.Devi pleaded inability to move forward.Acharya became crestfallen and very unhappy.Devi understood his predicament.Loving and merciful Devi promised that she would be present at a place he prefers in Kerala everyday in the morning “You may carry my jyothi from here to a place which will subsequently become famous as Chottanikkara.This place also is in Kerala” yes the place which became famous as Mookambika as per ancient lore was in Kerala because the northern boundary of Sri Parasurama- created Kerala was Gokaranam and the present Mookambika then was in Kerala.The place is so called because the kalchillanka of Devi became ‘mookam’ (silent ) at that place.The rate has already been stated. However to please her devotee she promised him that he would have her presence at Chottanikkara temple in Kerala and he ‘can have Darshan of the Devi’during Brahmamuhoortham there in the morning.This is proved by the fact that Mookambika temple opens only at 7-30am.Thus the Devotees of Chottanikara Devi can have Darshan of the Devi in there aspects –as Sree Saraswathi in the morning Sree Mahalaksmi in the noon and Sri Durga in the evening.Thus the three great forces of Jnaana Sakthi,ljcha sakthi and Kriya sakthi can be seen in the gloriously symbolic idol of Parasakthi in Chottanikkara. Story regarding the arrival of Dharma sastha near Chottanikkara Devi : Once ehwn the Devi vigraham was being taken in a “para ezhunnellippu” procession to Meppazhur mana,some of the parayas who were rowdies and scoundrels tried to plunder the paddy and money offered to Devi.But they could not do any plundering owing to the power of the Devi.But people informed the Namboodiri at the mana about this heinous attempt.But the ‘grihasthan’ at the mana did not take it seriously. He advised them not to be worried about the insignificant paraya robbers when the all-powerful Parasakthi was there to help.But the simple people could not get out of their fear.Understanting the situation,the grihasthan told them that Dharmasastha, the protector of the world,would also go along with them to see to their safe arrival there.With the help of a mantra ,the Saastha who was being worshipped in the mana was sent along with the Devi.Sastha did not return owing to the peaceful atmosphere and Amma’s presence at Chottanikkara.Sensing the desire of Sastha Chottanikkara amma (Devi) gave him a place there and made him more or less a Karyasthan/Manager (one who looks after and manages the matters/the affairs in the temple). Thus this Dharmasastha,flanked by his wives Poorna and Pushkala,is sitting in a separate small shrines outside the sanctum sanctorum,as well as inside the nalambalm top on the northeastern corner with Sri Dharma Sastha facing westward in the direction of the Devi as if awaiting orders,instructions or suggestions to be implemented regarding anything.He is considered the Chief Security Officer of Devi and as such he sits inside the Sanctum sanctorum too.There is a story regarding this protective aspect which has been given above. This Ayyappa used to drive away the evil spirits from many a devotee who comes there seeking the blessings of the Devi.The evil spirit –afflicted devotees can be seen dancing and swearing to leave the body in front of the sastha shrine.Those spirits who do not obey sastha will be sent to Keezhukavvu Devi outside nalambalam,but inside the outer wall of the temple precincts. The meaning of the term Devi : According to the Vedic scholar Brahmasri Paleli Narayanan namboodiri,an expert on and exponent of Devi Bhagavatham,Devi means one who plays.It comes from the Sanskrit root ‘due’ meaning self-effulgent.It also means one who helps us see the manifested universe.It may be pointed out that Bharatheeya wisdom (Indian philosophy) treats energy as feminine.It says “that it is the polarization of Brahman as Supreme Consciousness (Shiva or Ishwara) and Supreme Energy –Goddess Shakthi-that causes the manifestation of the projected universe.And the Infinite Supreme Consciousness with the dynamic expressions of infinite energy becomes the Mother if the Universe,the source of all intelligent,sentient and mechanical forces of the nature.”From Devi Devotee can get Sakthi Bhakti and Mukthi. Mahadevi:Mahadevi is the Devi with great and glorious body.This body contains all Brahmandams (Universes).She is one who cannot be measured by words,thoughts (Mind) or intelligence and deserves worship.She is considered the wife of Mahadevan. Devi puraanam states thus:- “Brahu dasya sareeram yada prameyam pramanatha: Devi is also called Mahasidhi.This means one with siddhies.Devi is one with eight great siddhies and she is capable of lifting these siddhies to devotees.The following are the Ashtasiddhies. 1.Animaa - One with capacity to become the smallest of the small. Devi has the magnificent siddhi to create,protect,preserve and dissolve this great Prapancham with its wonderful diversities. As Chottanikara Devi is worshipped in three aspects of Saraswathi,Mahalakshmi and Durga let us know something about these great aspects. Sree Saraswathy: She is Vignanaswaroopini.According to Bharathdwajasmrithi Saraswathi resides in the tongues of all to control the words. “Ya vaseth pranijihwasu (Maharshis named her as Saraswathi because she resides in the tongue controlling their words). Vasishta Ramayanam declares as follows “Saranaath Sarvadhrishteenaam (She is called Saraswathi because she shows the path to all eyes – to all) Saras = Lake Saraswathi is one who resides in the lake.Here lake means the Brahmarandhra from which Amruthu flows.It means one with Brahmarandram from which Amruth flows. Vasishta Ramayanam points out that Saraswatthy means the flow of “Indriyajnanam”(It may be the knowledge about indriyas or /and knowledge collected by indriyas (senses). In Dhaumysidhantha a two-year old female child is known as Saraswathi (“Dwivarsha thu Saraswathi”). Saraswathi means a steady stream of continuous knowledge.While Durga represents the invincible and invisible force. Sree Mahalakshmi Mahalakshmi means the sings of quality like great aiswyaryam (Easwareeyatha).She is the wife of Mahavishnu who is none other Maheswara with sathwaguna dominating.Mahalakshmi means one who has killed the Asure named Mahalan.Word Lakshmi can be considered same as Parvathy.She is also called Maheswari because she is the wife Maheswara. When dominated by Rajaguna Maheswara became Brahma,the creator.When dominated by Sathwaguna he becomes Mahavishnu,the omnipresent protector and preserver.And when dominated by Thamoguna Rudra became the destroyer.Maheswara is the basis of all and remains above all gunas. The idol of Parasakthi unmanifested becomes manifested in three different forms like those of satwic Saraswathi (white garments represents satwaguna); of rajasic Lakshmi(the red garment indicates rajas) and tamasic durga(the bluish black(-syamavarna-) garment indicates tamasic nature) Sree Mahalakshmi has Eight Aspects vide pictures already given. Sree Durga Durga is a name very much liked by Devi.An unmarried girl aged nine years is also called Durga.Durga is one who saved the Devas from fear by removing fear from them.Devi is called Durga because she killed a Mahasuran called Durgaman.Devi herself claims in Markandayapuraanam.s “Tatraiva cha vadhishyaami Durgaman is a term that deserves contemplation.Durgaman is one who traverses the bad or wicked path.He has a mind that goes in search of bad means.Durga is one who destroyed that mind.Durga is one who saves the mind from bad tendencies and fixesit on a good path.Durga pooja is intended for it. Durga means “fortress”.Symbolically,Durga Devi is the universal sakthi or supreme energy that protects righteousness from evil.She is the embodiment of the supreme energy in a feminine form.Her divinity could be experienced by seeing her,feeling her,experiencing her in all activities through worship.Durga represents the invincible and invisible force. The silent energy of Lord Siva has taken a form with grace,beauty and power and that is Durga.She is the Universal Mother protecting the jives.Her dazzling eyes are the source of positive energy.Her entire form is like the walls of a strong fortress preventing the entry of evil and protecting those who surrender to her. Her trishul is not merely a weapon to kill asuras,such as Shumba, Nishhumna, Mahishasura and Dhumalochana.It is in her hand to tear the curtain of Maya and reveal the absolute truth to her devotees. In brief,Durga,referred to by various names-Parvathi,Kali or Sakti – is the centrifugal energy radiating from the core of the earth or the heart of Siva. Navaratri,the nine day puja to the Goddness,provides an opportunity to devotees to worship her different manifestations – as the Goddesss of Valour (Durga),the Goddess of wealth (Lakshmi),and the Goddess of Supreme Knowledge (Saraswathi). During the puja days she is manifest in all art forms and the devotees realize her presence in music,dance,drama,light,rangoli and the like.Worship of Durga in artistic grandeur creates positive thoughts.s According to traditional belief it was in the 8th century A.D,that Goddess Mookambika accompanied Sri Sankara upto Mookambika.According to a publication from Madras Kannappan must have lived 200 years earlier.In the absence of proper records the period cannot be fixed with certainty.This may require a study of old tradition and legends connected with Kannappan in a more extensive way.None disputes the fact that Chottanikkara has been graced by the epoch-making incidents and presence of great souls like Bhogendracharya,Edat Namboodiri,Parasara,Sri SankaraVillwamangalam Swamiyaar,Chemmanghat,Kakkassery and Aynikad who had the privilege of getting associated with the deity in the temple,its origin growth and development and renown. The Concept of Temple Temple is a term that originated from the Latin form templum.Temple is a building in which people worship especially in ancient and non-Christian religious and in some Christian sects such as the Mormon.It also signifies a place devoted to promote a particular purpose like art culture literature etc.Temple in vernacular (Malayalam)and Sanskrit is known as ‘Kshetra’ which has a deeper meaning like a place that helps protect or liberate a person from ‘Kshayam’ or decay and destruction (Kshayathil ninnu thrananam –rakshikkunnathu –(saves) –cheyyunnathu).It is in such an important place that the Idol called Vigraham (made or Swayambhoo –Swayambhoo means that which comes up on its own) is kept or installed for worship. Vigraham (Idol) Idol means an image or symbol,especially an image of a god,used as an object of worship.It can also be an object of excessive love,honor or devotion.It comes from Latin idolum from Greek eidolon. Vigraham means ‘viseshal grahikendathu’/ariyendathu’ (something that has to be specially analysed and understood.).For example when one prays for getting a child what comes or is envisaged in the vigraham is srishti sakthi,when one prays for cure of a disease, the sakthi is conceived as the destroyer of the disease,thus there are various aspects or kinds of forces –forces meant to protect,help or preserve or destroy persons-in the idol.Here it is relevant to point out a special feature of the idol here.The energy from jivatma is supposed to pass from Paramatma and vice versa.India’s temples and literature about temples can be considered centres and repositories of learning.It reminds man of his great destiny as a being capable of evolving to higher levels of consciousness and greater freedom.The active divine energy stored in the idol or idols in these temples serves as a noble factor enabling an individual’s inner development.It also functions as a place for Satsang – a factor that will help develop bhakthi,which in its turn will purify mind and help increase powers of concentration –a sine qua non for success,peace and health in life of the person concerned.The image in the temple gives one the power and capacity to visualize and imagine. The Main Vigraham in Chottanikara temple is in perforated laterite stone (Rudraksham) of spontaneous orgin (Swayambhu).The angi (the golden ornamental covering on the idol) has been designed strictly in conformity with the vision (darshan)which Villwamangalam had on his visit to the temple.The dust collected from the stone image is filled in mullets or talisman and worn in order to ward off evil spirits. As already stated adjacent to this deity in the same sanctum is an image or idol of Vishnu in granite.Vishnu and Bhagavathi together are called Lakhshminarayana.The prayer song here has become practically a mantra which is a very apt and appropriate one.It addresses the deity as Amme Narayana Devi Narayana Lakshmi Narayana Bhadre Narayana(the deity that gives love and protection of a mother,preservation of a father prosperity security stability-bhadratha-given by Lakhsmi and Durga respectively.) The image here is not fixed to the ground and is mounted on loose sand.So unlike in other temples the water and other liquids used for abhishekam (ablution ceremonies) do not flow out through a pipe or drain on the northern side because it percolates underground. Outside the Nalambalam,on the southern side is Pavizhamallithara where the deity is believed to have appeared first.To the south west of nalambalam stands a shrine to Lord Shiva with a smaller shrine for Ganapathi.On the southern side further south to it are idols kept in the open for nagas.On the southern side of nagas is an is idol with the inscription Jeshta Bhagavathi. Right in ffront of the shrine of the main deity is a flight of steps leading to marriage mandapam(a raised stage for conducting marriages)followed by another flight of steps leading to the keezhukaavu where Devi Bhadrakali,in her fierce and terror striking form,is supposed to be present to drive away any bad and strong evil spirits who have entered the body of her devotees.The devotees with evil spirits who defy or do not obey the Dharma of Dharma sastha are supposed to be sent here to be dealt with the way the Devi decides. Devi’s Grace and blessings will help those who come here with faith and in an attitude of surrender.They get relief from anguish and agonies of sufferings including those from evil sprit –caused mental disorders.The Power of Parasakthi here is such that it drives away evil spirits for good from the bodies of the devotees – a very unique feature of this temple.A very visit and darshan of the Devi here brings relief to the devotees from any unbearable anguish and agonies of this material life. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open at 4.00 am.The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple’s musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm resulting in peace and harmony in those who come with faith seeking the same. The Concept of Brahman and Sakthi (Parasakthi) The following is a beautiful verse in Devi Narayaneeyam(a brilliantly conceived and condensed version of Devi Bhagavatham),authored by the famous Brahmasri Paleli Narayanam Namboodiri and published by Paramekkavu Devaswom,regarding the above aspects. “Twam brahma,sakthrirapidhatya ramasarudrar (Sakthi is the manifested form of Brahman.They are one and the same.Brahman is the unmanifested form of Brahman.The coiled up serpent in the hole is Brahman.The serpent with raised hood ready to bite is the sakthi.This Sakthi is Chaitanyam,the manifested Brahman –Brahma devan is different as he is the creator –Parasakthi means,highest,supreme,topmost Sakthi or force or power.This leader of brahmandam (universe) orders as queen and as per her orders Brahma devan creates brahmandam,Vishnu protects,and Rudran destroys (dissolves) it.Subru means one with beautiful eyebrows.A slight movement of her eye brow makes the trimurthis work.She showers her compassion,love and mercy on devotees.She is the embodiment of incomparable ability and kindness.) Amma represents the loving merciful,compassionate mother of all,Narayana represents the protective aspect,Lakshmi represents the prosperity aspect and Bhadra represents her aspects of purity,auspiciousness and security. Subramaniam means one with supremely fine knowledge. Sreekovil of Dharamasastha as Grihasthaasrami inside Nalambalam Here where mandalam is celebrated Dhrama Sastha also has a small Sreekovil on north eastern side of Sanctum sanctorum where Sastha sits,flanked by wives Poorna and Pushkala facing west in the direction of Devi.The General concept is Sastha is Nitya Brahmachari.Of course that may be the important form.Lord Ayyappa is considered an avatar of Sree Sastha.But then there are concepts like a Dharmasastha as Grahasthasrami and there are Keerthans too in support.The Sabarimala Sastha is conceived a Brahamachari till a stipulated time.There are concepts like Balasaastha,Satyasaastha,and GrahasthaSaastha.As Sanatana Dharma considers Grihasthasrama as the best asrama to help in the perpetuation of human race,Dharma sastha,who is,supposed to order or preach Dharma to others,mightbe sitting as a Grahasthasrami too to set as an example to others. Two keertans below show Sastha as Grahasthasrami “Adisankarachyutha priyatmambhava! Prabho! Another bigger and independent Dharmasastha Temple has been constructed on the way to Keezhkaaavu with Sastha facing east (possibly for consultation with Keezhkkavu Bhagavathi).Lord Ayyappa is considered the manifestation of the divine aspects or forces of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu,both of whom have icons here.The Man-made distinctions such as caste,religion,nationality,social position etc have no place in her presence.During the pilgrimage season in mid-November-December-January thousands of pilgrims going for darshan at Sabarimala come here also for darshan of Devi and Dharmasastha. Sreekovil of Lord Shiva Some more Vigrahams can be seen on the south western corner.There is a Sreekovil for Lord Shiva with theVigraham facing east.This is an idol of Kapileswara moorthy.This is believed to have been brought from Thiruvamkulam some time ago for some reason.The following verse illustrates the important of this Sivalingam. “Lingashtakamidam punyam,ya patteth siva sannidhau siva sannidhau Shri Ganapathi’s vigraham can be seen installed on its southern side,out side in a small Sreekovil separately but adjacent to Sri Shiva’s Sreekovil.Further south of this Sreekovil there is a Vigraha of Nagaraja and still further south of it can be seen a venkal vigraham called Jeshta Bhagavathy. Jeshta Bhagavathy:There are various versions or rumors going round among the temple staff including the Santhi(another characterized him as an important and confidential P.A. to MelSanthi,who is authorized or is competent to act as Melsanthi in the absence of the Melsanthi) and a Kazhakum with 60 years of service in the temple.If some one bowed before this idol,then the ‘punyam’ gained by the devotee by bowing before other idols will also disappear. The Kazhakam had a view to the effect that this Bhagavathy is a powerful one who will not permit the devotee to take all the punyam given by Chottanikkara Bhagavathy to her devotee.This Bhagavathy will retain a portion of it.Devi with the term Bhagavathy must be worshipped and that none can create untouchability or smear impurities on Bhagavathy just because she was worshipped by low caste people or tribals. Keezhkavu Temple (Bhadrakali /As Bhairavi) It is situated on the eastern side of the Temple pond with the Idol in Krishna Sila looking westward,facing Sri.Chottanikkara Devi.There is a special priest in the temple. Keezhkkavilamma (Bhairavi mentioned in the verse) This important vigraham of Bhadrakali is installed to the east of the pond.This vigraham is made of Krishna sila.This vigraham,considered to be that of Bhadrakali,has been installed by Villwamangalathu swamiyar.This is known as Keezhkavilamma. The Athazhapooja for Chottanikkara Devi and the Valia Guruthy pooja for Keezhkavu Bhagavathy:- After the performance of the athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening for Chottanikkara devi after Deeparadhana,the principle deity,the chief priest comes down to the Keezhukaavu to perform the great “Valia guruthy” pooja (great sacrifice”) the guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessels) and is performed at about 8-45 p.m. every night.Devotees have to wait for years;it is said,to have the privilege of offering this pooja to Devi in their turn.Those who witness the awe inspiring guruthy performance and the prolonged ceremony,find it an indescribable experience.It is believed that women attending the Valia guruthy on Fridays get permanent cures from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia. The ancient ‘pala tree’ standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum of Keezhukkavu is covered with long iron nails which are believed to have been hammered down by haunted victims with their foreheads. On the southern side of the temple is the Valia keezhukkavu where in ancient days all the valuable temple vessels were kept in safe custody.But there is no idol here.It was treated as sacred store house for safely keeping the holy temple vessels.In ancient days all important and costly temple vessels made of metal were found broken in the morning,if kept in the temple of the Main Deity.But a Priest remedied the situation by making a special offering at night.Thereafter the vessels were found in tact inside the Chottanikkara Temple.This special offering is still going on.After this practice the vessels were not found damanged in the main temple. Keezhkavil Bhadrakali sits ready in the Keezhkavu facing Chottanikkara Devi as if waiting to receive any orders and ready to obey the command or will of Melkavilamma (Chottanikkara Amma) She symbolically carries a sickle-headed sword in her right upper arm and trishul in lower right arm respectively showing her determination and strength to strike terror into evil forces so as to silence them or totally destroy or server the head of adharma and adharmis,disobedient and defiant evil spirits.She carries conch in one hand a mild sign of softness which is characteristic of Devi.This is perhaps meant to instill confidence in devotees and engender love for her despite her carrying threatening arms. She helps to destroy all Adharmis,impurities including internal enenmies of all especially Devotees,internal enemies like Karma,Krodha,Mada,Moha (wrong desire that stands between devotee and Devi)Matsarya,and Lobha.Sreemad Bhagavatham states that Lobha (greed) is the most dangerous of the internal enemies. Though small in size,one can see a well constructed Sreekovil and nadappura according to norms ‘(lakshanyukthamaya)’ in Keezhkavil.This Bhagavathy (Bhadrakaali) has the power to drive away the evil spirits from devotees-spirits which cannot be driven away the evil spirits from devotees-spirits which cannot be driven away by sastha.If the spirits do not go away as ordered by the Bhagavathy,they are destroyed or pinned down with nails on the paalai tree,(sometimes after arguments with Devi).To ensure their departure they are made to swear.If they do not leave the victim they are fixed on the Paala tree by using nails.A number of nails driven in to the tree prove the success of Devi in defeating them.This is a real wonder. The most important offering for the Amma is guruthi tharpanam.Guruthi is taking place here daily.When such tharpanam is done the person afflicted with spirits start dancing forcefully.This makes the place resound with bhakthi filled namajapams accompanied by instrumental music(chendamelam). The visit of Villwamangalam Installation of the Vigraham (Idol) of Keezhkavu Bhagavathy:- Villwamanglam,a great devotee and seer of profound spiritual powers,visited this Chottanikkara temple on a day in February-March(Makam star in Kumbham of Malayalam era).While bathing in the eastern tank his feet struck against something.He dived and picked it up.It was the idol of a goddess.He mediated for some time and divined during meditation that it was a very powerful deity.He consecrated in facing westward.This is known as Keezhkavu –yes the mother goddess in the temple down the hiiock.This is supposed to be Bhadrakaali or Roudra Bhadrakaali-goddess in fierce form so that even the evil spirits will be frightened by her very appearance with thirshul and a sickle-headed sword.A sword may cut;it need not sever the head of the evil or bad fellow.To ensure the severance to the head or total destruction of Adharma,this sickle portion can perhaps be used to pull out the head after cutting.In an estimated 108 durgalayams in kerala this upa devalayam is also included as it clear from the line. “Chottanikkara randilum”.It is a Krishna sila vigraham of about one foot tall.It is also said that it is the brilliant shine of the idol that helped Swamiyar to locate it. The two versions regarding darshan:-After the ritualistic consecration of the black granite stone idol there,he looked west ward only to have Darshan of Chottanikkara Amma,the presiding goddess,clad in dazzling ornaments and the presiding goddess,clad in dazzling ornaments and precious jewels with conch and discus in her hands.The anki sacred gold mantle,covering the original idol is designed in strict compliance with the exact form of vision the saint Villwamangalam is said to have had on that day.According to another version while Villwamangalam was going over Chottanikkara in the sky he saw the shining chaitanyam of Devi spread over the place.He landed there and pleased the Devi with a garland of keertans.The spread out tejus condensed into the form of a powerful sakthi with 18arms.Devi thus gave darshan to him in the form of the real Parasakthi during Mithunalagnam of Makamnal(star makam) in the month of Kumbham. After this glorious darshan of Devi he did not wish to rush away from this place.He thought of spending that evening and night here.He went round and made a delimitation of the area where the chaitanyam had spread its luster and shrine.When he went for a bath in the temple tank he felt a chaitanyam coming from the tank.He found the vigraham of a Devi underneath the water.Meditating on the Parasakthi he carried the idol up and installed it on an auspicious moment on the eastern side of the tank with the idol facing westward in the direction of the main deity.Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavathy.Thus goes the story regarding the origin of Keezhkavu Bhagavathy Temple.It is believed that this was the idol of the family deity of Ayinikkad Namboodiris,which was immersed in water as per traditional practices owing to some reason,possibly due to the said illam’s inability to carry on regularly the ritualistic poojas! After having installed the Vigraham of Bhadrakali,Villwamangalam convened an assembly of the local people and explained to them the Mahatmyam of the Chottanikkara Amma and made them aware of the rituals and procedures to be adopted in worshipping the Devi with particular reference to the procedures adopted by namboodiris in accordance with sanaatana dharma.He is also said to have lifted the tamomaya qualities from the Devi acquired by her owing to Dravidian rituals and the same was presented at the feet of Keezhkavil Amma.For Keezhkavil Amma too he prescribed rituals/pooja procedures in line with those of Aryas. He explained to people that Amma is functioning as the soul of yogis who find happiness in atman and the same Amma is functioning as the jeevatma of all Keezhkavu Bhagavathi is also called Durga-Mother,the terrible and Destroyer of evils and Adharma:-the destroyer of all impurities and internal enemies. Spiritual Significance of the fight between Goddess Durga Devi and Mahishasura:- Spiritual significance of Navaratri Destruction of demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga is a very popular story symbolizing the destruction of dharma or evil by Dharma.It is symbolic of the inner evolutionary struggle of man to lift himself from the morass of misery and material entanglements of his mind to the broad freedom of the higher states of consciousness.The war between Goddess Durga and Mahishaasura,the demon of dullness darkness laziness and animalism,symbolizes the inner conflict between dharma and adharma and the inner urge for evolution of the mind into a more enlightened state.The red face of the goddess filled with divine spark in the evolving man for the final victory and expansion to unconditioned freedom.That Sri Durga Devi fights the negative trends with positive means is shown in a scene that depicts the goddess fighting the demon,who assumed the form of an elephant as a powerful lion.The message is that if one can fight the negative trends with suitable positive methods one can achieve the triumphant expansion of life. Paala Tree-The miracle Adjacent to the Keezhkaavu shrine,on its northeastern side stands a paala tree with hundreds of nails driven into its trunk.The nails declare that the devotee concerned has been exorcised here.It is the worship here by devotees in an attitude of surrender and devotion that has rid them of the evil spirits and its influences,psychological and psychiatric ailments etc. The guruti carried on in the keezhkavu is in the place of the sacrifice of living fowls there. Meaning of the Term Bhagavathy Generations of people have been influenced by the appeal and historical significance,traditional nature of Sri Chottanikkara temple as it enshrines Para sakthi,the Chottanikkara Devi,the Bhagavathy,at two places in two aspects,the mild loving mother known as Chottanikkara Amma as the presiding deity variously known as Rajarajeswary,Chottanikkara Devi,Lakhshmi Narayana Moorthy,Chottanikkara Bhagavathy –yes one that has Bhagam of 6 qualities of bhagavan described by Sri Melpattoor Narayana Bhattathiripad in a verse in his famous Narayaneeyam (in Dasakam I) which is worth quoting in this Chottanikkara Bhagavatheeyam too.If the great Bhattathiripad named it as Narayanneyam as prompted by Lord Narayana because it dealt with Sri Narayana,this humble devotee of Chottanikkara Bhagavathy hass been inspired to call this book as Chottanikkara Bhagavatheeyam as well as Lakhsmi Narayaneeyam as both Bhagavan and Bhagavathy have same “Bhagams” and Devi is sitting along with Narayana on one and the same pedestal at Chottanikkara. “Eishwaryam sankaradeeswara viniyamanam, The 6 qualities concerned are: Eiswaryam: The unique power,ability and capacity to control oneself and control others(including all devas). Veeryam: The omnipotence,ability,capacity and wherewithal to oppose,fight and defeat anyone. Yasassu: Fame,glorious reputation that is unanimously and spontaneously accepted by all Sree Lakhsmi: Goddess of prosperity Akilavidasi: Omniscient and omnipresent having all knowledge Nakwaapithe sangavartha: Nissangatha.Detachment,not attached to anything impartial. Bhagam also means Suryamandalam and Bhagaradhyaa means one who is worshipped in Suryamandalam.Bhagam also means Kamakala(The great and powerful art/factor attracting the attention of the vast majority of living beings (male and female species) in the prime of youth to do acts meant for the perpetuation of living beings) The thought provoking portrayal of Goddess Kali in the Puraanas It portrays Kaali as standing on the still prostrate body of Lord Shiva- Her one leg is on his chest and the other moving forward as if she is springing our from him for powerful action.Her red tongue is protruding and her several hands carrying weapons.The contrast is striking.The motionless body of Shiva symbolizes the balanced and actionless Supreme Reality and Goddess Kaali represents the ever dynamic energy that creates protects and destroys.Yes,from Purusha springs Prakriti with her boundless dynamism.Here Shiva represents Purusha- the changeless,causeless cause;Goddess Kali represents Prakriti,the ever active Chaitanyam,that help bring about ceaseless creation and ceaseless change.Her hands hold weapons /symbols representing her beneficent and destructive moods.Behind the varying moods of nature there is the eternal blissful one conscious existence which the yogi experiences in the beatific state of samaadhi. Onakuttil Temple Another special feature is that outside the premises of the temple,half a furlong away towards north exists a temple with Jaladurga as its idol.As there is no sanctum sanctorum or court yard,Devi here is subjected to shine and rain,a part of real nature.It has a temple tank known as a Theerthakulam which is considered holy.It is famous as the water poured on the idol of Chottanikkara Devi by way of holy bath or abhisheka is supposed to reach this tank through a cave.Unlike in other temples the holy bath water at Chottanikkara does not run through any open outlet channel even if thousands of pitchers of water is poured on the idol.It is seen that the cave through which Kakkassery is believed to have disappeared from the temple of Chottanikkara is nereby.The holy tank containing the water flowing from the sanctum sanctorum of Devi temple is protected by high walls and kept sacred.On the Makam festival day,Devi accompanied by Sastha,has her ceremonial bath in this sacred pond.Washing of clothes and catching of fish from the tank are not permitted.
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