Kottuvally Kavu Bhagavathy Temple is located at Kottuvally on the North Paravoor – Ellor Ferry road in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The darshanam of Kottuvally Kavu Bhagavathy is towards east.
The shila pratishta of Bhagavathy is nearly 4.5 feet tall. The belief is that Kottuvally Kavu Bhagavathy is the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Shiva, Sastha, Yakshi, Rakshas, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. Ghantakarna is worshipped outside the main temple.
Shiva has special significance in the temple and he has his own flag post.
The 6-day annual festival ends with Arattu on Aswathy nakshatra in Kumbham month. On Bharani nakshatra day after Aswathy nakshatra, padahali utsavam is held here and this is an important event which involves traditional musical instruments. On the same day, thalam varavu, ayiram thiri and ottam are held. On the same day offering of Thrimadhuram, Varapodi and tender coconut water is offered. The tender coconut water offered is a specific way symbolizes alcohol.
The main sanctum sanctorum is closed on the afternoon of Bharani nakshatra and it only opens seven days later. A single puja is held with the sanctum closed for seven days.
Ghantakarna in the temple is worshipped by Karnavar of Kalissheri Tharavadu who also is the Velichappadu.
As per history, the temple was Kavu outside a fort of Vallulli Thampurakkanmar who was a vassal of Paravur kings. The temple gets the name Kottuvally Kavu from this royal family. The temple somehow later came under the control of Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
The temple is now administered and maintained by Oozhanma Devasom.