Kottankulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

 Kottankulangara Devi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, located in Chavara, a small town in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. The temple is famous for its annual festival, Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku, which is celebrated in the month of February/March every year. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over the state and beyond. In which thousands of male devotees dress-up as females and celebrate the festival.

The origin of the Kottankulangara Devi Temple dates back to the 12th century, and it is believed to have been established by the Chera king, Kulashekhara Varman. According to legend, the temple was built to commemorate the victory of the king over the demon, Kottankulangara, who was terrorizing the region.

The temple is known for its unique tradition of allowing only women to perform the main rituals and ceremonies. The priestess of the temple, known as the Malikapurathamma, is chosen from among the women of the community and holds the position for one year. The selection process involves a rigorous screening process, and the chosen woman is believed to possess spiritual powers and is considered to be the embodiment of the Goddess.

During the annual festival of Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku, the temple premises are decorated with colorful lights and the entire town comes alive with festivities. The festival begins with the hoisting of the temple flag, which is followed by a procession of the Malikapurathamma carrying the traditional sword and shield of the Goddess. The procession is accompanied by music, dance, and firecrackers, and is a sight to behold.

On the day of the festival, the temple is open throughout the night, and devotees throng the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the Goddess. The highlight of the festival is the Thalappoli procession, where young girls dressed in traditional attire, carry lamps and flowers and walk in a procession to the temple. The procession is led by the Malikapurathamma, and is a symbol of the Goddess's blessings on the young girls.

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 sari, Pattu sari, half sari or even dance costumes.

Another important ritual during the festival is the Thottam Pattu, where the women sing devotional songs in praise of the Goddess. The songs are accompanied by traditional percussion instruments, and the entire atmosphere is charged with devotion and spirituality.

Apart from the annual festival, the temple also celebrates various other festivals throughout the year, including Navratri, Vijayadashami, and Diwali. The temple is open to all devotees, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, and is a symbol of the unity and harmony that is inherent in the Indian culture.

In addition to its religious significance, the Kottankulangara Devi Temple is also known for its architectural beauty. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, and the main sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of the Goddess, which is made of Panchaloha (five metals). The temple also has a beautiful pond, which is believed to have healing properties, and is a popular spot for devotees to take a dip.

In conclusion, the Kottankulangara Devi Temple is a unique and beautiful temple that is steeped in tradition and spirituality. The temple's annual festival, Kottankulangara Chamayavilakku, is a symbol of the devotion and faith of the people of Kerala, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of India.