MOTHER RAJARAJESWARI OF CHOTTANIKARA

THE ARCHAMURTHI

The first thing that strikes the eve in the Srikoil is the installation of MOTHER'S icon on a pedestal built over loose soil for a purpose specific and benefit public. As the soil in constant touch with the august deity it shares divinity, rather the MOTHER'S benignity is saturated in it. So the soil is used to fill the trinkets given to the adorers. The four-foot-high late rite icon is bereft of well sculptured shape and features.

It is Swayambhu and its shape can be seen only in the mornings before the Nirmalayam rituals. When the idol is decorated with golden raiment and garlands together with dazzling jewels, she looks enchantingly beautiful. She reveals in four arms with disc and conch in upper arms, the lower right arm in abhayamudra and the left in viradamudra poses. This picturesque beauty of the MOTHER is enhanced by the myriad lights burning bright around. A look at the Varadahasta and Abhayamudra itself ensures sure relief and the victims feel that the Goddess would certainly emancipate them. 

She is adored in three different forms - Saraswathi in the mornings, draped in immaculate white garments; Bhadrakali at noons, dressed then in crimson red and Durga in the, evenings, donned in bright blue dress. On account of these three aspects, she is called Rajarajeswari. Every aspect consoles and assures sure cure to the possessed people. On the same pedestal, a two-foot high image is placed and is called Narayana. So they are reverentially called Lakshmi-Narayana by devout adorers. The devotees let out loud sounds, "Ammo Narayana and Devi Narayana" as they enter the Sannidhi. 

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