Kottankulangara Devi Temple

The famous temple to visit especially for Chamayavilakku (where men dress as women to seek blessings from the goddess). The festival is famous across the country. The devotees visit from each part of the state and hence the Chamayavilakku lasts for two days gathering a huge crowd.

Amme narayana, Devi narayana ✨

The Kottankulangara Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Kottankulangara village in Kollam District. It is one of the most famous and respected temples in the state, dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathi, also known as Kottankulangara Devi. The temple is renowned for its annual festival, the Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku, where men dress as women to show their devotion to the goddess. This unique cultural event takes place in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and attracts thousands of devotees who come to witness the vibrant procession of the deity, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.

Kottankulangara Temple offers a unique and vibrant religious experience. The temple's distinct annual festival, the Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku, where men dress as women in devotion to the goddess, is a captivating cultural event. The temple premises are well-maintained, fostering a sense of serenity. The local community's involvement in preserving and promoting the temple's traditions is evident. However, the temple's popularity during festivals can result in large crowds, affecting the overall experience. Nevertheless, Kottankulangara Temple stands out for its rich cultural significance and the enthusiasm it generates during special celebrations.

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

The temple is also known as Chamayavilakku, and is the site of an annual Hindu festival where men dress up as women and celebrate.

During the festival, men wear sarees, jewelry, and makeup, and walk around the temple holding the Chamayavilakku, a traditional lamp, to symbolize their devotion to the deity. The festival draws devotees from all over Kerala and the world.

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 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❤

Must visit in your life life time during chamayavilakku festival ,men dress like very beautiful women with the help of professional make artist ,to fulfill their dreams,yes dreams come true,

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.

A great temple where men dressed up as women to offer prayers to the goddess during the festive 2 days

Temple situated near national highway. It's famous for 'chamayavilakku'.

Nice and peaceful temple where gents comes in laddies look and outfits

A Major Temple under Travancore Devaswom Board where men dresses in ladies' costumes for getting blessings from the diety there, Goddess Sree Parvathy..

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 festival in this temple is unique. It is called "Chamayavilakku"

Keralas Kollam District Chavara Panchayat near ‎National highway 47 Kottamkulangara Devi Temple. One of the famous temples in Kollam district.
The Chamayavilak Mahotsavam is held every year in the month of March at the kottamkulangaraDevi temple. Lamps are lit in this temple by men dressed in women's clothing.
Kottamkulangara devi temple famous festival is in the Chamayavilakku mahothavam.

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.

Positive vibes, calm serene atmosphere, spacious corridor

A must watch .. nights are colourful and splendid.. need to see chamaya velaku to know what it is. 😊👍