Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara in its Sanskritized version would be Jyotikara – the one who enlightens. She is the Adi Parashakti addressed by common names like Bhagwati and Devi. She is the ultimate power, in whom live the three different manifestations of her – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. No wonder she is worshipped in a white Sari in the morning as Saraswati and at noon as Mahalakshmi in bright red Sari with elaborate Shringar. In the evening she is worshipped as Mahakali or Durga draped in blue. I visited the temple in the morning and got to see the Saraswati Swaroop.

Mookambika Saraswathi of Kollur is believed to be present in the temple in the mornings. Mookambika Temple doors are opened only after the Goddess Saraswathi returns there late morning.