Kottankulangara Devi Temple

Overview

The Kottankulangara Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy and is situated in Chavara, next to Kollam in Kerala.

History of The Temple

The land where the temple is located was once a part of a forest. On the north western part of the land, there was a deep pond called the Bhoothakulam. People in the area believed that it had poisonous snakes. On the east, there was a pond. When it rained, a stream originated from there, making the surrounding areas fertile and cultivable. The place was full of grass and pure water, the cow-herds in the neighboring area congregated with their cattle.

Legend and Stories

As indicated by the legend, a gathering of dairy animal herders got a coconut from this place. They found a stone on the southern piece of Bhoothakulam. When they hit the coconut on the stone (meaning to expel the husk), they discovered drops of blood trickling from the stone. They disclosed the incident to the elderly people in the village. The soothsayer proposed that the stone contained extraordinary forces and poojas ought to be begun instantly subsequent to developing a temple. The seniors and bovine herders built an impermanent temple utilizing posts, leaves and delicate leaves of coconut palm. It was a custom in old days that balikas used to get ready bloom festoons, lit the pooja lights in antiquated Kudumba temples. Adhering to the convention, the dairy animal herders wore female clothing and offered poojas in the temple. The smooth fluid from coconut piece was heated up, the therapeutic oil (Urukku Velichenna) removed and strong substance taken (Kottan) was offered to the goddess as Naivedyam.

Festivals

Chamayavilakku

The Kottankulangara Festival (or Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku) is held every year at the temple in which men from over the state dress in female clothing. The cross-dressing is a custom of the celebrations and around evening time they hold conventional lights and stroll in parade to the temple to the backup of a conventional symphony. Devotees visit the temple to look for the blessing of the goddess.

Kuruthola Pandal

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.

Jeevatha Ezhunnallathu

Jeevatha Ezunnallathu is mostly held in Devi temples. Wearing the traditional dress ("Thattudukkal") and with towels firmly tied around the waist and on the head, they carry the Jeevatha on their shoulders and perform the step-dance.

Ritual Timing

1. Palliyunarthu (waking of the Goddess.) - 5.00 am
2. Usha Pooja (Morning rite) - 7.30 am
3. Ucha Pooja (noon rite) - 10.30 am
4. Nata adappu (Closure of Sreekovil) - 11.00 am
5. Nata Thurappu (Opening of Sreekovil) - 5.00 pm
6. Deeparadhana - 6.45 pm
7. Athazha Pooja (Night rite) - 7.30 pm
8. Nata Atappu (Closure of temple Sreekovil) - 8.30 pm

Offerings

1. Chamayavilakku
2. Anpolippara
3. Kottan Nivedyam
4. Payasam
5. Iratti madhuram
6. Aravana
7. Panthirunaazhi
8. Ornaments, Silk, Kumila
9. Akhandanaamom

How to Reach Kottankulangara Devi Temple

Airport

The closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (49 Km). The closest station is Kollam Junction Railway Station. Kottankulangara temple, where the Chamayavilakku is held, is beside NH-4. It’s relatively easy to get there. The best way to reach here is by bus, as almost all of the bus to Kollam and Trivandrum, pass by the temple.

Temple Address

Sree Kottankulangara Devi Temple,
Kottankulangara, Chavara,
Kollam, Kerala – 691 583.