Kottankulangara Devi Temple - Hindu temple in Chavara - Kollam, India

Famous for men dressing like women. The cross-dressing is part of traditional ritual festivities, and at night, they hold traditional lamps and walk in procession to the temple to the accompaniment of a traditional

This is one of the famous temples in kerala. The major event happening here every year is a ritual called "chamayavilak" means male will transform into females and appear at the temple. This is done for getting something they wish. This ritual is happening every year at the time of march or April. Must visit place

Kottankulangara Devi temple is located at Chavara in kollam district in Kerala. The famous Chamayavilakku is a unique festival where thousands of men dressed up as women offered prayers to the Goddess Bhagavathy.The deity here is believed as 'Swayam Bhoo'(Self Origin). This famous temple is the only temple in Kerala having no roof the sanctorum. The uniqueness of this temple is that the boys and girls dress themselves as girls and ladies to hold the traditional temple lamp .The men dress up in the female attire of their choice. Some wear Set saari, Pattu saari, half saari or even dance costumes. .Every year this festival is celebrated on the 10th and 11th day of the Malayalam Meenam Maasam - March 9 and will end on March 25.

This famous ancient Durga Devi temple situated at Kottankulangara( Chavara), 17 Km from Kollam City. This temple has no roof above the sanctum. 'Chamayavilakku' ,one of the famous ritual here. Thousands of male devotees dress-up as females and take lamps in front of the goddess. Peaceful ambience.

The Kottankulangara Devi Temple, located in Kerala, India, is a renowned and sacred Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, also known as Kottankulangara Amma. This temple is widely recognized for its unique annual festival called "Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku," which is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. One of the most distinctive aspects of this temple is the participation of men, known as "Velichappadu" or oracles, who crossdress as women during the festival to seek the goddess's blessings. This tradition is a significant highlight and has gained attention for its gender-fluid and inclusive nature. The temple's architecture and serene surroundings also add to its charm, making it a peaceful place for devotees to connect with spirituality. The vibrant festivities, cultural performances, and religious rituals make visiting the Kottankulangara Devi Temple a unique and culturally enriching experience. However, like any religious site, the temple's experience can vary depending on personal beliefs and preferences. Still, its historical significance, cultural importance, and the intriguing Chamayavilakku festival make it a notable destination for those interested in exploring the rich religious and cultural heritage of Kerala.

One of the famous temples in kerala. Large pond Main dieties are durga sasta Nagas and ganapathy Famous for the ritual associated with the orgin story of temple. Males dressed in female attire take lamps in front of goddess occurs in march. Two entrances one in east side and one from north Parking is in east side A temple stage and banyan tree is there

Devi temple is placed in chavara, Very closed to NH 46.Kottankulangara Devi Temple is a very ancient and holy center where thousands of believers derive mental condolence and peace of mind to tide over the miseries of life. he plot of land where the temple is situated at present was an attractive place full of natural beauty resembling the serene outlook of the forest. The thick growth of trees and plants and creepers always gave the quietness of mental tranquillity. On the northwest corner of the plot there existed a small deep pond known as Bhoothakulam. People believed that this place was a comfortable shelter for poisonous snakes. On the eastern side there was a huge extensive deep pond. During the days of rain, a stream originated from here and it would make the Kareelil Padom fertile and cultivable. As this place was full of thick growth of grass and pure water the teenagers of the neighbouring places used to assemble here with their cattle.One day the cowboys got a coconut from this place. They found a stone on the southern part of Bhoothakulam. When they hit the coconut on the stone (with the intension of removing the husk), they all got alarmed and frightened as they found drops of blood dripping from the stone. They explained the wonderful phenomena to the elders. The astrologer suggested that the stone contained the supernatural powers of VANADURGA and poojas should be started immediately after constructing a temple. The elders and cowboys cooperated and constructed a temporary temple using poles, leaves and tender leaves of coconut palm. It was a custom in ancient days that BALIKAS used to prepare flower garlands, lit the pooja lamps in ancient Kudumba temples. Accepting this tradition, the cowboys wearing the dresses of women and girls, offered poojas in the temple. The milky liquid prepared from coconut kernel was boiled, the medicinal oil (Urukku Velichenna) extracted and solid substance taken (Kottan) was offered to the goddess as Naivedyam. The poojas continued without any break.The temple which originated on the banks of the pond with Kottan as the first Naivedyam come to be known as Kottankulangara Temple. The annual temple ceremony comes toward the end of March every year. In order to commemorate the legend and origin of the temple, the model of the ancient temple is being constructed every year. The devotees stand long lines from Kunjalummoodu to Arattukadavu at the time of the Devi's journey from Kunjalummoodu. Seeing this spiritual procession, the devotees derive unlimited amount of spiritual joy and believe this sight would help them all to have comfort and mental pleasure and redressed from the unforeseen miseries of life.

It's a vanadurga temple , were there is a ritual that male's pretend as women for the pooja and vilak edup