AMME NARAYANA - On my mother's lap

"Sarvamangala Mangalye

Sive Sarvardha Sadhike

Saranye Trayambake Gauri

Narayani Namosthuthe"

It is one of those noons at Chottanikkara. Sky, bereft of clouds, spared Sun in full blaze. As soon as I stepped my right feet into the sanctified sand, droplets dribbling down my chest evaporated all of a sudden. I could hear a distant rendition in a brass saucer, the age-old Brahmani pattu, resonating even at the stone and the carvings. Listening to it is the Devi herself, seated on a raised platform which is literally lambent with many a lantern. Pleased by the praises from a thousand throats, Devi slowly smiles, blessing the believers around, thus soothing their turbulent hearts.

The temple of Chottanikkara RajaRajeswari can be considered as one of the most famous as well as powerful abodes of Parasakthi. Its historical appeal, spiritual legacy and traditional influence on generations is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of divinity here was worshipped by Maharshi Bhoga. The deity which is swayambhu in Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by sages and saints like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri.

It is the cynosure of lakhs of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occassions. The golden-hued idol of Raja Rajeswari bedecked with fragrant flowers, garlands, precious jewels and bathed in myriad of camphor flames will induce holiness into our minds and offer redemption from our sins.The picturesque temple premises bewitches anyone who comes in search of mental peace and tranquility. The mere sight of the idol dispel fear from the minds of devotees, there by instill deep spiritual solace in their hearts.

This is one of the most celebrated Devi shrines of Kerala. The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum at Melkavu (temple on top of the hill) open at 4 AM. Devi here is considered to be in satvik Bhava. Sree Mookambika Devi (as Saraswathi) is also believed to be present in the temple in the morning. Due to this Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathi returns to there late in the morning. The unique character of this renowned temple is that the Goddess is worshipped as Saraswati (wearing white) in the morning, in Swayamvarabhava (Praktuthi-purusha bhava) from chiratta nivedyam to Uccha Pooja, as Bhadrakali (dressed up in red) at noon and as Durga (draped in blue) at evening. This temple having the reputation as a place of redemption from evil spirits, has a temple pond known as Rakthakulam(Place where devi beheaded 'Raktha Rakshassu' (aka Agni yakshi) - an evil vampiress who preyed on humans for their blood. Her head was thrown into the pond and as per the legends the entire water turned dark-red and from then on called as rakthakulam or 'pool of blood' by the devotees), a dip in which is believed to remove the evil-spirits from the body of possessed-individuals.

On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Keezhkavu (temple at the foot of the hill) temple.The idol in Roudra Bhava facing westward is belived to be installed by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar.

After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the night), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhkavu to perform the famous 'Valiya Guruthi' (Great Sacrifice). The Guruthi is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 PM every night.

Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is invigorating and finds it as an experience which is indescribable. Being present here for that ceremony on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.

An ancient tree(Pala) standing on the keezhkavu is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.

Many a number of myths laid entangled with the prowess of Devi and her utmost care for devotees. Many a deity are worshipped here in the temple complex and they are

"Seshasayi Siva Skanda

Vighna vidyarya samyuthou

Lakshmi Narayanou vande

Sastharam chapi Bhairavim"

1. Brahma, Vishnu(Vishnu idol in krishna sila is on the right side of devi's idol and both are having a common base and hence also called as Lakshmi-Narayana Moorthi), Siva, Subrahmanya, Ganapathy, Sastha etc. inside the Sreekovil.

2. Sastha with consorts(Prabha and satyaki) in the Nalambalam

3. Kapaleeswaran, Siva with ganapathy, Naga or Snake Gods outside the Nalambalam

4. Pavizhamally thara which is considered as the Sreemoolasthana on the east

Pilgrims who are desirous to participate in the Bhajana at Chotanikara temple should go to the temple a day in advance and attend the Athaza pooja.

Next day, early morning pilgrims must take bath in the temple pond and participate in the Nirmaliya darshan. As the main nada (i.e., the door of the main sanctum sanctorum) at melkavu closes for the pooja, pilgrims must pray at the Shastha temple. After the pooja when the main nada opens, pilgrims should stand in front of the nada so that they can be blessed with the thirtham (Holy water) which the main priest will sprinkle from the valampiri conch. The belief is that pilgrims receiving this thirtham on the body is very blessed and fortunate. It is requested that one must also give a chance to everybody to receive the same.

On conclusion of the Panthiradi Pooja (on Bharani) the main priest will offer the holy ghee and thirtham. This ghee and thirtham along with other prasadam called kuruthi from keezhkavu must be taken by the person participating at the bhajana. Only after taking this prasadam should one take any other food. The pilgrims attending the bhajana must not take any food from outside the temple.

Next, during the Guruthi pooja at kheezh kavu (the temple at the lower part of the hill) and dhara pooja at Shiva temple, pilgrims must stand and pray at the respective nada or sanctum sanctorum. At all the other times one must resort to pradakshinam(custom of circumventing the temple) or sit in the navarathri mandapam or sit in the rest room which should be within the temple premises and recite the great mantra - "AMME NARAYANA - DEVI NARAYANA - LAKSHMI NARAYANA - BHADRE NARAYANA".

Subsequent to the ucha pooja, pilgrims should eat the "nivedyam" or rice porridge issued from the temple and is allowed to rest in there own rooms. No pilgrim should sleep during the afternoon if participating at the bhajana.

In the evening, when the temple opens at 4.00 pm the pilgrims should once again take bath and do the darshan and continue the pradakshinam. Later, during the deeparadhana and athazapooja one must stand in front of the deity and pray though the nada at the main sanctum sanctorum. At the time of the sreebali(procession of the deity around the temple), the pilgrims must accompany the same, reciting the sacred mantra. After the athazapooja at melkavu pilgrims should take part in the Valiya Guruthi at the keezh kavu. Pilgrims should keep reciting the sacred mantra then take only the prasadam offered at the temple. After consuming this prasadam only one must eat any food in the night.

Any person accompanying the pilgrim at the bhajana should also keep thinking of Raja Rajeswari, the Goddess in full faith to get the desired boon. The pilgrims of the bhajana should not leave the temple premises at any point of time. Pilgrims must not disturb the other person or the temple functions or the regular routines. A person must always accompany the person participating at the bhajana. After the athaza pooja and sheeveli at keezh kavu no pilgrim should use the thekkae nada (the south exit).

On the last day of the bhajana, pilgrim may offer a kuttu paysam at the keezh kavu and consume it as Devi's mahaprasadam. Pilgrims can also carry this prasadam back home along with the Guruthi prasadam. Pilgrims are requested not to worship at the Moosatta in the temple. It is believed that by doing so there is a likelihood of being possessed by evil spirits.

The guruthi pooja is carried forth to the accompaniment of drumbeats and bells and as the rhythm resonates at every nuke and corner of the temple, some sort of charge flows through the body of the devotees and those who are possessed, starts swaying with a ferocious frenzy, deriving superhuman energy by banging their heads with profound sounds. Yonder is a tree full of longish nails. It is believed that each nail has a ghost hung by its hair after being exorcised from the person who was possessed.

The meaning of the mantra

Amme Narayana - The female and male form of universal enrgy which is the source of all energy, and all the happening in the universe.

Devi Narayana - The force and source of knowledge, wisdom, good thoughts & behavoiur, good reasoning, good understanding, confidence, mental balancing, universal love, success in life, achivement in all fields.

Lakshmi Narayana - The one and the only form of wealth in all forms - happiness, luck, success, elemination of obstacles, protection from planitery adversities, kingly life.

Bhadre Narayana - Protection against trechery, enimity, diseases, mental agony, losing life styles, mental depression, suicidial tendencies, unexpected happenings in life.

"Vandematharam ambikam bhagavathim

Vanim rama sevithaam

Kalyani kamaneeya kalpa lathikam

Kailasanatha priyam

Vedantha prathipadya maanavibhavam

Vidyunmanoranjinim

Sreechakrangitha ratna peetha nilayam

Sree Raja Rajeswarim

Sree Raja Rajeswarim"

Kollur - The divine abode of Mookambika

 Mookambika temple, encircled by river Souparnika, is located on the scenic hills of Kudajadri (Kollur) near Mangalore. Kollur is refered to in the Skanda Purana as Maharanyapura. It is said to have been home to several saints and yogis. Once, a great sage called Maharshi Kola, enchanted with nature’s beauty had decided to perform a penance on a rock near the Agnitheertham (tributary of Sowparnika). Lord Shiva, delighted with Maharshi, appeared before him and blessed him. The Maharishi wished for the welfare of mankind and nothing else.

Swayambhoo Linga manifested itself when Parameshwara drew the Sri Chakra with his toe and Kola Maharshi performed a long lasting penance in its vicinity. Udhbhava linga is the tangible form of Sri Chakra Bindu that is said to have the proximity of all gods and goddesses.

According to lores, the ravages of a demon named Kamha bothered the ascetics of Kollur. He started supplicating Lord Shiva for acquiring strength and to become much mightier. Finally, Lord appeared before him and granted him a chance to ask for a boon. Upon being requested by Kola and other sages of Kollur, Devi cursed the demon to become mooka or dumb. Hence the asura couldn't open his mouth for asking the boon. Undaunted, the demon continued his atrocities, and an enraged Devi vanquished him. 24 Kms from Kollur is Maarana Ghat where it is believed that the demon Mookasura was destroyed. In the temple at Maarana Ghat, there is a Sri Chakra symbolizing Devi.

After slaying Mookasura, devi vanished into the jyothir linga, embedding a golden line, and thenceforth called as Mookambika. The golden line(Suvarna Rekha) so formed divides the Swayambhu Linga into two, whose left half is wider and taller indicating the dominance of the feminine power. It is believed that Goddesses Lakshmi, Parvathi and Saraswathi resides on the left side(symbolizes creative energy principles) and the Trimurthis Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma resides on the right side(symbolizes conscious static principles) of the Linga. Besides the golden line, it is also said that there is a carving, of Shiva injured by Arjuna's blow during the clash of Kiratha(Shiva) and Arjuna, on the right side of the Linga. Towards the left, we may find the carving of Gopada (foot of Kamadhenu) at the Shakthi Peeta.

Many years winged by and one day Adi Sankara reached Kollur. The Kudajadri was the place Sankara chose to offer penance to Mookambika, which was a dense forest at that time. Devi was pleased by the prayers of Sankara and asked him of his needs. Sankara had an intention to bring Devi from Kollur to Kerala. Devi told sankara that she will follow him where ever he goes but he should never look back once he started the journey. Sankara got thrilled after hearing this, soon started his travel and could distinctly hear the sound of chilambu(ornament worn on the lower leg by women - usually dancers) which was the only indication that Devi was following him. When he reached near the present day temple premises, he couldn't hear the sound anymore and turned around. According to the treaty, Devi stopped there and Sankara although disappointed, soon installed a panchaloha idol upon sree chakra and enshrined Devi near the age-old Jyotir Linga.

[Another version of the story says that Adi Sankaracharya did his penance at Mysore Chamundeswari Temple and he wanted to take Chamundeswari to Kerala. On his way back to Kerala, Chamundeswari also followed him but when they reached Kollur, Adi Sankaracharya turned back accidentally and Chamundeswari decided to stay at Kollur and was later called as Mookambika.]

The idol of Mookambika is in a seated posture, bearing the conch and the discus. Also enshrined near this image are those of Mahakali and Saraswathi. There are also shrines to Veerabhadra, Subramanya, Naga, Panjamugha Ganapathi(five-faced ganapathi) and Anjaneya. Veerabhadra is worshipped first by devotees before entering the shrine to Mookambika.

The two rivers Agnitheertham and Sowparnika, which flow in the sanctuary of Mookambika descend from Kudajadri hills. A small spring that sprouts in between the temples of Kalabhairava and Uma Maheshwara is the source of river Souparnika. Legend says that a Garuda named Suparna did penance on the banks of this river praying to the Goddess Mookambika for the abatement of his mother Vinitha's sorrows. When the Goddess appeared before him, he prayed that the river be henceforth known after him and therefore came to be called as Souparnika. At the location where he is said to have sat in penance is a small cave which is known as the 'Garudaguha' or the Garuda's Cave. This holy river takes birth at the Kudajadri and flows up to the edge of Anthargami region where two more streams called Bhrungisha and Pippalada join it. Then it flows westward, surrounding Kollur in the name of 'Sampara' and proceeds to join the sea near the temple of Maharajaswamy (Varahaswamy) at Maravanthe. It is believed that river collects elements of 64 different medicinal plants and roots as it flows. Therefore, it cures all the diseases of those who bathe in it. Hence a bath in this river assumes significance and is considered sacred.

Architectural details

The temple has been patronized by ancient Hindu Kings and several parts in it are still believed to contain valuable treasure. This was the state temple for the Nagara or Bednore Rajas and many of the jewels now adorning the idol are said to have been presented by them and by their overlords of Vijayanagara.

The installation of the idol at Mookambika temple has a history as ancient as about 1200 years. As suggested by Rani Chennammaji, the feudal lord by name Halugallu Veera Sangayya has covered the inside of the temple with stone. When we look at the temple structure, we find the Sanctum Sanctorum, the entrance hall and then the Lakshmi Mandapa. There are four pillars at the Lakshmi Mandapa and on the upper portion of each of these pillars one could find beautifully carved images of various gods, prominently, of Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Mahishasura Mardini, Naga and the goddess in different postures as delineated in 'Devi Mahatmyam'.

Earlier, this made up the total temple structure and the outer prakara was not present. So Veera Sangayya also took up the prakara, as per the principles of temple architecture. We may also find beautiful images of Ganapathi atop the doors situated at the entrance to Garbhagriha, Lakshmi Mandapa and the main entrance. It is normal practice in any temple to depict the main deity over the entrance, and the fact that all three doors carry the carvings of Ganesha is considered to be of special significance.

There are many inscriptions at Kudajadri that relate the tale of time. The Prakaras, which underwent renovation from time to time, hold a mirror to the changing styles in architecture during bygone years. Specifically, the construction parameters of Garbhagriha structure is very ancient and extraordinary. The Garbhagriha is single yoni flag size. Pre-entrance has a three flag proportion and is about three and a half feet wide and 12 feet long. Lakshmi Mandapa measures 134' 11". Then comes the prakara. Beyond that structures is the Navaranga Mandapa.

Outside the temple is a large and beautiful 'Deepa Stambha', a pillar which holds lamps. This has 21 concentric circles in which the lamps can be lighted and when viewed from Kudajadri, one would feel as looking at the divine 'Makara Jyothi' at Lord Ayyappa's abode, the Sabarimala.

Rituals and practices

The pooja practices are based on two disciplines - firstly, as per Vathula, which is one of the 28 vedas of Shaivagama, includes the rituals like Bali (sacrifice) and secondly, as per Vijayagama. The five different poojas performed in this temple everyday are during early morning, morning, afternoon, evening and night. Pradosha Pooja at evening is also called as 'Salaam Mangalarathi'. It is said that Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, once arrived here during pradosha pooja, witnessed the 'Mangalarathi', and became so impressed with Mookambika devi, that he offered a 'Salaam' in Muslim tradition to the Goddess, hence the name came into use.

Complementary to this account is the practice observed every year, when the Muslim brethren visit the temple on a specific day for a view of the Goddess. This special feature has been in vogue for many years now.

Of the various festivals and other celebrations held at the temple, 'Sharannavarathri' which is held usually during October and 'Brahma Rathotsava' held usually in the month of March are very prominently observed.

Ornamental jewels of Sri Mookambika Devi

There is a huge collection of jewels at the temple received as gifts from the community of devotees who have realized their dreams and desires with the blessings of the Goddess Mookambika. Of the various jewels of Mookambika, the one in Emerald is very valuable. Emerald represents knowledge.

This temple has two processional deities of gold. One is offered by Rani Chennamma as a substitute for the lost original one. But the missing one was found and thus there are two processional idols.

Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. MG Ramachandran gifted a gold sword, which weighs a kilogram and is two and a half feet long. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. Gundu Rao, has gifted a similar type sword made of silver.

The facial mask of Goddess Mookambika is completely made of gold and gifted by rulers of the Vijaya Nagara Empire. The gold face mask of Jyothirlinga gifted by Chennammaji of Keladi is another unique treasure. The panchamugha idol of Lord Ganapathi at Mookambika temple is also very renowned.

A typical drum like instrument is also seen in the temple.