Chottanikkara Makam is a highly auspicious day observed at the famous Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
On the Chottanikkara Makam day, the Murti of Goddess is taken out on a ritualistic bath. From there the Goddess Bhagavathi is accompanied by Dharma Sastha and eleven caparisoned elephants to the open ground known as Poora Parambu – she stays there till noon. Traditional temple melam - Panchavadyam or Pandi melam takes place here.
After this the Goddess returns to her Sanctum Sanctorum and appears later on the day for the famous Makam Darshanam or Makam Thozhal. The Goddess appears in full splendor fully adorned with jewels. It is believed that prayers offered at this period will be fulfilled. This is a breathtaking form of Mother Goddess Shakti. Tears roll down from the eyes of devotees when they witness this form of Goddess which is beyond words.
Attukal Pongala which witnesses the largest congregation of women in the world takes place at the Attukal Temple in the capital city of Kerala during the same period - mostly a day later or on the same day as Chottanikkara Makam
Chottanikkara Pooram and Annual Festival
The annual festival at the Chottanikkara Temple is observed for seven days in Kumbham month. Chottanikkara Pooram is an important date during the festival.
On the pooram nakshatra day in Kumbham month, the famous Pooram ezhunnellippu is observed.
The ritual involves the carry of utsava murti atop an elephant. Total 7 elephants participate in the Pooram ezhunnellippu observed in the morning and at night.
The ritual involves the carry of utsava murti atop an elephant. Total 7 elephants participate in the Pooram ezhunnellippu observed in the morning and at night.
The pooram rituals are held the day after the famous Chottanikkara Makam ritual.
The festival ends on the next day (Uthram Nakshatram) day.