WELCOME TO KOTTANKULANGRA DEVASWOM

The temple features an unusual ritual where hundreds of sturdy men dress up as comely females. This ritual is a votive offering to goddess Bhagavathy , the deity of the temple. In this unique ritual called Chamaya Vilakku (makeup lamp), the "damsels" come to the temple at night in a long procession holding lighted lamps in their hands. The ritual is held during March end every year. To know more about the ritual see Chamaya Vilakku .

The temple features an unusual ritual where hundreds of sturdy men dress up as comely females. This ritual is a votive offering to goddess Bhagavathy , the deity of the temple. In this unique ritual called Chamaya Vilakku (makeup lamp), the "damsels" come to the temple at night in a long procession holding lighted lamps in their hands. The ritual is held during March end every year. To know more about the ritual see Chamaya Vilakku .

DEVI SHARANAM

Kottankulagara Amma is famously known as the Mother who answers the call of her devotees. Countless pilgrims irrespective of caste creed and colour reach the shrine. The benevolent look of Goddess unfolds a thousand lotus flowers of real bhakthi in the minds of devotees. Chanting of Her names and mantras destroys the feelings of ignorance and pride like the flames of fire that overcomes the darkness. Many are the miracles that we see right in front of the Goddess.

KOTTANKULANGARA FESTIVAL

The Kottankulangara Festival is an annual Hindu festival in Kerala, India in which thousands of men dress as women. The festival takes place at the Kottankulangara Devi temple at Chavara, Kerala which is sacred to the goddess Bhagavathy. Every year this festival is celebrated on the 10th and 11th day of the Malayalam Meenam Maasam which falls on the 24th and 25th of the year.

On the festival day thousand of Devotees visit the Temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess Bhagavathy. The men dress up in the female attire of their choice. Some wear Set saari, Pattu saari, half saari or even dance costumes.

Festival begins on March 9 and will end today (March 25). Around 4000 people were participated in the Chamayavilakku. The myth is a group of boys herding cows and during their play, they used to act as shy girls and offer flowers and a coconut dish called kottan to a stone. One of the boys had a divine reception from the Devi and subsequently a temple without an outer wall was constructed and the ritual of men dressed as women offering prayers to the Devi started", said R Sreekumar, Secretary, Kottankulangara Devi Temple.