Chottanikkara Temple, Hindu temple in Ernakulam district, India

Chottanikkara Temple has two shrines: Melkavu, the main temple, and Kizhukkavu, reached by many steps. The main deity is a self-manifested laterite formation called Rudraksha Shila, sharing a pedestal with Mahavishnu. The photograph shows a square tiled pavilion and an open hall on blue pillars, with a tall gold-covered pillar between them.

The site was once dense jungle inhabited by the Malayarayan tribe, whose leader Kannappan worshipped Mahakali and sacrificed buffaloes. After his daughter Pavizham died and her body vanished, a priest told him the calf he had spared stood for Vishnu and Lakshmi, and the altar shone; he was told to pray there daily. The temple is linked to Adi Shankara, who brought the goddess from Mysore; the name comes from Jyotiyanayichakara, later shortened to Chottanikkara.

The name is said to derive from Jyotiyanayichakara, "the place where the light was brought", later shortened to Chottanikkara, from the legend of Adi Shankara leading the goddess from Kollur. Devotees call out "Amme Narayana, Devi Narayana, Lakshmi Narayana, Bhadre Narayana", names giving equal weight to Bhagavathy, Vishnu and Bhadrakali. The Kizhukkavu shrine below the main temple is where the Guruthi pooja is held.

The temple opens before dawn for early rituals, and visitors can attend different ceremonies throughout the day. Proper dress is required, with traditional garments preferred.

A separate shrine at Kizhukkavu focuses on evening rituals aimed at mental healing and draws families with unusual ailments. Priests conduct these ceremonies after sunset using lamps and chants.