46-555: Traditional The Chottanikkara (correction of Jyotiannakkara ) Devi Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu mother goddess Bhagavati Lakshmi . She is believed to be residing in Chottanikkara ( Mahalakshmi ) along with her Husband Maha Vishnu . The main deity is also considered as Lakshmi Narayana according to the temple legend. The temple is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition. The temple
92-524: A Brahmin by name Gupthan Namboodiri who was pursued by a disguised Yakshi (an evil spirit), while on a visit to meet his Guru Kosapilli Namboodiri who practiced occult sciences. It seems, the Yakshi took the form of a pretty maiden and tried to entice Gupthan. Since he was carrying a manuscript copy of Devi Mahatmyam , she was not able to do him any harm. However, Gupthan was attracted to her. Later when he reached Kosapilli Namboodiri's house, Gupthan narrated
138-492: A coconut shell continues. The Brahmins of Yedattu house became the hereditary priests at this temple since those days. Another legend associated to the temple is that of the spiritual leader Shankaracharya . During the time where he lived, Adi Shankara realised that there wasn't a single temple in Kerala that signified the worship of goddess Mahasaraswati . As a result, he himself went to the kashmir and meditated for many days for
184-455: A move in view of possible environmental damage. In such anti-mining protests, local people under the leadership of Shri Raghaveshwara Bharathi of Ramachandrapura Mutt, Shivamogga district and environmentalist Ananth Hegde Ashisara demanded ban on all mining activities in Ambaragudda , which is near Kodachadri and other hills of the area. Sarvajna Peeth is a small temple like structure near
230-485: A popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and it is said to stand where thousands of years ago Mookambika fought and killed the demon Mookasura. In Historic times, people used to trek from Nagara state, a nearby place and Europeans trekked to the peak during the 19th century. Lewin Bentham Bowring , who served as Commissioner of Mysore between 1862 and 1870, records that Kodachadri is "clothed with splendid forests, and
276-400: A test on the iron pillar and found that it was made from traditional Indian metallurgical skills and not from modern casting methods. It is found made of pure iron. It is also found to be less affected by corrosion, despite humid conditions prevailing there due to heavy rains. This iron pillar is considered as testimony of ancient Indian iron craftmanship. Around 5 km from Kodachadri
322-475: A writer of the Udupi District , trekked to Kodachadri in the 1940s and appreciated the natural environment of this place by placing Kodachadri as most beautiful of three mountain peaks of coastal Karnataka (the other two being Kuduremukh and Kumara Parvata ). The Shola Forests and thick forest cover Kodachadri and the nearby hills and the place has a cool climate. The forest of Kodachadri and nearby hills
368-427: Is Hidlumane Waterfalls and it can be reached by trekking on a bridle path. . Another water falls in deep forest is Arasinagundi falls which 6 km from Kollur, at the bottom of Kodachadri near Dhalli village. One more waterfalls called Belakallu theertha is located near Mudur, Jadkal (and 15 km from Kollur) and at the bottom of Kodachadri on southern side and involves easy trekking to reach. Nagara Fort
414-529: Is about to sacrifice the calf, his daughter Pavizham stepped in and pleaded to him to stop the sacrifice. The man loved his daughter and thus let her keep the calf as a pet. Unfortunately, Pavizham died some days later, possibly due to a snake bite. Kannappan broke into tears and decided to cremate her body. To his surprise, his daughter's corpse disappeared. A nearby priest told him the reason for such an occurrence; Kannappan used to forcibly take young calves from their mothers and sacrificed them. As punishment, he met
460-674: Is also worshipped as one of the Panchayatana deity in most of the Goan temples . Shrines specially dedicated to Bhagavati are: Kodachadri Kodachadri is a mountain peak with dense forests (elevation - 1,343 metres above sea level) in the Western Ghats in South India ( Shivamogga District, Karnataka ), 78 km from Shimoga . Kodachadri is the highest peak in Shivamogga district . It
506-651: Is an Indian epithet of Sanskrit origin, used as an honorific title for goddesses in Hinduism and Buddhism . In Hinduism, it is primarily used to address the goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati . In Buddhism, it is used to refer to several Mahayana Buddhist female deities, like Cundā . The male equivalent of Bhagavatī is Bhagavān . The term is an equivalent of Devi and Ishvari . Bhagavati temples can also be found all over Mumbai, for example, Uttar Pradesh Bagavathi temple Sasihitlu Mangalore. Famous temple in Karnataka on
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#1732945382748552-441: Is around 25 km from Kodachadri where an old fort built during the 18th century is located and the landscape created out of backwaters of Linganamakki Dam on Sharavathi River surrounds Nagara town. Trekking to Kodachadri peak starts from Nagodi village or Nittur , Shivamogga village which are located at the base of Kodachadri. Tented overnight Camping and Camp fire is strictly not allowed since January 2015, Once you enter
598-517: Is declared as natural heritage site by the Karnataka Government. and it is 13th highest peak of Karnataka. The name comes from native word "Kodacha" or "Kodashi", which means Kutaja flowers, and "Adri", a Sanskrit word for mountain, both combined to coin the word Kodachadri. " Kuţaja " in Sanskrit means Girimallika or Jasmine of the hill ( Wrightia antidysenterica ). The hilly region that
644-454: Is fervently believed that Darsanam at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and cherished desires. It is fervently believed that those who gain Darsanam at this crucial Mithuna Lagna , will be blessed with the fulfillment of their long standing desire and prayers. The deity of Devi is believed to be a swayambu deity which means it's self- manifested and not sculpted. Hence
690-556: Is full of "Jasmine of the hills" plants is "Kutajagiri". It is also called "Kutachadri" and "Kodashi Parvatha". Kodachadri forms a background to the temple of Mookambika in Kollur . It is located at a distance of 21 km from Kollur and 15 km from Nagodi village, in Hosanagara taluk . 78 km and 42 km from Sagara, Karnataka via Hasirumakki Ferry from District Headquarters Shimoga and there are different routes to reach
736-569: Is home to several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. The peak is barren due to strong winds and the thick forest cover at the base makes the peak invisible from lower ground level and also several other smaller peaks and hills exist around the peak. The important animal life include Malabar langur , Malabar pied hornbill , Malabar grey hornbill , paradise flycatcher , Indian tiger , Indian leopard , Indian elephant , hyena , gaur , Indian rock python and many more, of which several are threatened. Kodachadri seems to have attracted
782-401: Is known by various names like Rajarajeswari, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Bhagavati, Aadi Parashakthi and Amman. Bhagavati is worshipped as Mahasaraswati in the morning, Mahalakshmi in the noon and Mahakali in the evening along with Lord Narayana . There are sub-shrines for Lord Shiva , Lord Ganapathi , Lord Dharmasastha , Snake deities , Brahmarakshassu and Yakshi in this temple. The temple
828-509: Is known for curing mental illness and disorders due to evil spirits. The patients are brought to the priest(melsanthi), who engages with them in some conversation. He nails a part of the hair of the patient in the temple tree, indicating that evil spirit is captured in the tree and the patients are cured off their illness. Neem leaves, lime and chillies are taken home from the temple, which are believed to ward off evil spirits. Bhagavati Bhagavatī ( Devanagari : भगवती, IAST : Bhagavatī),
874-518: Is located at Chottanikkara , a southern suburb of the city of Kochi in Ernakulam district, in the state of Kerala , India and is one of the most popular temples in the state. Sree Mahamaya Bhagavati is one of the most popular deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism . Chottanikkara Devi (Melekavu Bhagavathi) is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Mahasaraswati in
920-487: Is near the trekking path to Sarvajna peetha. One iron pillar of about 40 feet length is planted erect in front of Moola Mookambika Temple near peak of Kodachadri and it is compared with massive similar historic iron pillars located at Dhar , Mount Abu etc. Devotees believe that this is the trishula used by goddess Mookambika to slay a demon called Mookasura as per local tradition. Indian scientists from IGCAR Kalpakkam and KREC(Now NITK), Suratkal , Mangalore conducted
966-400: Is not maintained properly, only expert local jeep drivers can take the jeep to the top. Jeeps are available for hire at Kollur and at Kattinahole village near Kodachadri base. Motorcycle riding on this highly uneven, steep, mud track with sharp hairpin curves with gradients, may be challenging and risky. However, Government departments have commenced construction of a quality road to top, after
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#17329453827481012-493: Is tropical rain forest seen along with Western Ghats , a World Heritage Site . Kodachadri hill contains iron ore in its soil and test digging was also done here during the 20th century and it was identified that the stones found here have magnetic properties. However commercial mining in large scale did not take place at Kodachadri, though there are efforts to lease out the surrounding hills to mining companies to mine manganese and iron and local people have strongly opposed such
1058-419: Is visited by locals and Keralites in large numbers since long time. Sage Adi Shankara is said to have visited this place, meditated here and he also established a temple at Kollur. A small temple called Sarvajnapeetha, built with stone is dedicated to Adi Shankara at the top of Kodachadri. Some of the pilgrims from South Indian states who visit Kollur take a trek to Kodachadri also. Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha,
1104-464: The moola sthana (the origin) of Sri Mookambika Devi . From this spot, it is a 2 km trek to the peak. Just below the peak, an almost vertical path leads to a small cave called Chitramoola, from where the Mookambika temple of Kollur , is visible. The path to Chitramoola has been closed by forest officials citing various reasons. As of now a pilgrim can go only up to Sarvajnapita. Ganesha Guha
1150-533: The Mookambika temple (spot where she stopped). Since then, the sanctum doors of the Chottanikkara temple were opened during early morning hours in honour of worshipping goddess Mahasaraswati before the doors of the main sanctum in Mookambika temple were opened. The idol at Keezhkavu didn't come until after the temple was built. Here is a legend that believed to be happened at least 3 or 4 centuries before. One night,
1196-664: The "Makam Darsanam", the time at which Vilvumangala Swamiyar saw the goddess at the temple. At that time Devi who appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands. This is exactly the form of vision which Villwamangalam Swamiyar was believed to have had when he faced westward after the "Prathishta" (installation) of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy (Bhadrakali), Chottanikkara Devi appears at this moment clad in glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram (Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees. It
1242-539: The Devi's vigraham in this temple appears to be in 'rock' form which resembles a texture like rudraksha and now it's covered by a Bronze plate, which is sculpted with Devi's Roopam. There's another small black-coloured stone deity (shaligrama) found beside the Devi's vigraham which is believed to be a manifestation of Vishnu . Hence the presiding deity of the Rudraksha rock is believed to be Goddess Lakshmi . The presiding deity
1288-637: The Kali idol was found merely a hundred years later by Vilwamangalam of Guruvayoor . The annual Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal is the major festival in Chottanikara temple. Tradition states that it was on this day (mithuna lagna on Makam) that the Vilvumangala Swamiyar saw the goddess at the temple and the devotees continue to worship the goddess at the temple into the present day. On the Makam Thozhal day,
1334-530: The Peak of Kodachadri and the difficulty varies highly with respect to the route chosen. However, it is challenging to reach the peak in monsoon due to heavy rains that make the routes slippery. Kodachadri receives an annual rain fall of 500 cm to 750 cm and it rains for about eight months in a year. Situated in the middle of the Mookambika National Park and considered as a biodiversity hotspot, it
1380-418: The ancient transl. hi – transl. vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) along with Sabarimala temple . The temple is also known for conducting exorcism.People suffering from mental illnesses and commonly visit the temple, as Chottanikkara Devi is said to cure her devotees. Guruthi pooja is a ritual done in the late evening to invoke the goddess Mahakali. Earlier 'Guruthi Pooja'
1426-416: The ascent is very steep indeed in one place near foot....The view from the top of the hill, which has a bluff appearance from the distance, though it is as sharp as a knife in reality, is very fine, commanding a long stretch of great Ghat range, a considerable portion of Canara ( Kanara ), and a wide view over Malnad ". He further records that, Kodachadri is visible from Merti Peak near Sringeri. Kodachadri
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1472-476: The attention of humankind since early prehistory. Several monolithic structures or menhirs were built here in prehistoric times. Rocks with dimensions greater than 12 feet were used in their construction. These large structure can be found just 20 Kilometers outside of Nagara-Nilsakal. A temple dedicated to the Ancient Mother Goddess Mookambika is located near the top of the peak. The temple is
1518-632: The bank of Arabian sea. Guliga is the main Daiva here. Bhagavathi temple in Ullal, Mangalore Shrines of these goddesses are referred to as Bhagavati Kshetram in Kerala. Some popular Bhagavati temples in Kerala are, Many Bhagavati temples are found in Goa , where the deity is mainly worshipped in the form of Mahishasuramardini by the Goud Saraswat Brahmin , Daivadnya Brahmin , Bhandari communities. Bhagavati
1564-621: The check Post in the foothill as this comes under the Forest Department, Govt. of Karnataka (Liquor will be detained at the Check Post). From Bangalore , one has to go to Shivamogga (285 km) and from there, one can take public transport to reach Nagodi village (Hosanagara Taluk). From Udupi , it is three hours journey to Nagodi village, from where trekking starts. Kodachadri peak is connected with an all rough jeep road (partially metalled) on which only jeeps can travel. As this hilly road
1610-416: The compound of the temple sanctum. The Yakshi who was pursuing him could only catch hold of his feet. When Gupthan cried out for help the mother Goddess Bhagavathy , she came out as Maha Kali and beheaded the Yakshi with her pallivaalu(divine Sword) and threw the yakshi's head into the temple tree base and then wash of the blood in the temple pond. That pond is known today as Yakshikulam or Rakthakulam, where
1656-406: The condition and repeatedly begged and pleaded with the goddess to go with him to Kerala. After many pleas, the goddess agrees to a compromise and came to Chottanikara in Kerala, where the Chottanikara temple stood. From early hours of morning, goddess would come and appear before the devotees at the Chottanikkara temple in the form of Goddess Mahasaraswati. Then in the afternoon, she would return to
1702-451: The goddess agreed; she would follow him by foot wherever he went, but only on one condition. If he trusts her, then he was not allowed to look back to see if she followed him or not. If he did, then wouldn't go any further. He agrees and they proceed walking. They were walking down the Kodachadri hills, with Shankara leading the way and goddess' anklets tinkling and letting him know that she
1748-415: The goddess to appear before him. His meditation bore fruit and before him stood the stunningly beautiful goddess, clad in white. On enquiry, he said that he would like to bring the goddess to Kerala and establish a temple dedicated to her worship. This way the people from Kerala would not have to go such far off distances to worship her, as in the case for those who were old and aged. After a lot of persuasion,
1794-400: The incident to his guru and the guru deduced that the lady was a Yakshi. He then gave Gupthan Namboodiri an enchanted towel and rice to carry along on his return journey to protect himself from the Yakshi. When Gupthan saw the Yakshi following him he ran towards the Chottanikkara temple, on the way he threw the rice and swirled the towel at the Yakshi which slowed her and on reaching, jumped into
1840-421: The morning, draped in white; Mahalakshmi in noon, draped in crimson; and as Mahakali in the evening, decked in blue. Devotees chant "Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana, Lakshmi Narayana, Bhadre Narayana" in this temple. Goddess 'Keezhkkaavu bhagavathi' is believed to be Bhadrakali , in her fierce form or Ugra form. In terms of temple architecture, the Chottanikkara temple stands out to be an ultimate testimonial to
1886-407: The peak where Adi Shankara meditated. This small structure bears a name which is similar to Sarvajñapīṭha, also called Sharada Peeth of Jammu and Kashmir. which was visited by Adi Shankara during his long spiritual journey, where he defeated other scholars in philosophical debate and opened the southern door of the temple. Another temple is located near travellers' bungalow and is believed to be
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1932-435: The ritualistic bath of goddess in the morning at the sacred pond Calli Onakkuttichira far on the northern side of the temple. After that, the goddess is brought to the temple accompanied by Lord Sastha on the back of seven caparisoned elephants march towards the "Pooraparambu" the traditional vantage point where they remain till 11 a.m. At the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes for Ucha pooja. And re-opens at 2 p.m for
1978-441: The same fate when his daughter died. When the tribesman looked for the calf, he found the sacrifice alter shining in its place. The priest explained that the calf represented the divine couple, Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi . He asked Kannapan to pray before the alter everyday to undo his sins. Since Kannappan's death, the stones were forgotten. The stone was rediscovered accidentally by a low caste grass cutter, who found that blood
2024-493: Was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it is performed every day. The area in which the temple is situated was once a dense jungle. A tribesman named Kannappan used to live in this forest. He was a devout worshipper of the goddess Mahakali , and would ritually sacrifice a buffalo to her every Friday (the day of the Goddess). One day, he found a calf near the forest. He kidnapped the calf and took her to his stone altar. Just before he
2070-555: Was oozing out of a stone which she had accidentally cut. Horrified at what she saw, she brought the matter to the public's attention. A nearby priest was called to solve the problem. After devaprasnam , it was concluded that the stone was divine. That day, the elder Brahmin of the Yedattu house came along with some puffed rice in a coconut shell and this was offered to the Goddess for the first time. Even today this system of offering puffed rice in
2116-420: Was with him. After walking some distance, the tinkling stopped all of a sudden. Shankara waited a few moments and stole a quick look backwards to find the goddess still with him, watching him with reproach. In keeping with the condition, the goddess stopped right there. This is the spot which would turn out to be the Mookambika temple . Shankara, however, was not one to give up. He apologized profusely for breaking
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