The famed Chottanikkara Temple, located on the outskirts of the city, is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, an avatar of Goddess Bhagwati. The goddess is believed to heal devotees of mental disorders and illnesses. She is draped with a crimson cloth in the afternoon, when she is revered as Goddess Lakshmi. In the evening, the deity is worshipped as Goddess Durga and draped in blue clothes. Devotees can also pay obeisance to the idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dharma Sastha and Upa-Devas, kept in the premises. The architecture of the temple is noteworthy as it boasts a three-tiered gopuram or gateway and an elephant shed or Anakottil. An unmissable sight is a gold-plated high flagstaff that shines when the rays of the sun fall on it in the afternoon. The best time to visit the temple is during the Guruthi Pooja that is performed in the evenings. Tourists can also attend the annual Chottanikkara Makam Thozhal, a festival celebrated with great pomp and show.

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