Sri KunjayyappaSwami Temple Chadayamangalam
Sri Kunjayyappa Swami Temple (Pattupurakkal) is a highly renowned pilgrimage center located in Chadayamangalam, Kollam district, Kerala. This temple shares close similarities with the rituals and architectural style of the Sabarimala temple, earning it the moniker 'Sabarimala of Women'.
Temple Features
Deity: The main deity of this temple is Lord Ayyappa (Kunjayyappan).
Legend: According to local legends, this region holds significance in stories related to the Chadayamangalam Jatayu Para (Jatayu Rock) and Lord Rama's exile (Vanavasam). The special feature of this temple is its serene atmosphere and surroundings that bring peace to devotees.
The key features and festival details of this temple are provided below:
Sabarimala of Women: Women of all age groups can observe traditional vows (vratam) and visit this temple to offer prayers carrying the Irumudikkettu (sacred travel bundle), just as in Sabarimala.
The 18 Holy Steps: Mirroring Sabarimala, an 'Eighteen Holy Steps' (Pathinettam Thruppadi) has been constructed here for devotees to ascend for darshan.
Open Year-Round: Unlike Sabarimala, which opens only during specific seasons, this temple remains open to devotees throughout the year.
Administration: The temple functions under the Travancore Devaswom Board (Kottarakkara Sub-group). It is located very close to the famous Jatayu Para (Jatayu Earth's Center).
Makaravilakku Mahotsavam
The most important celebration at the temple is the Makaravilakku Mahotsavam. Elaborate rituals are conducted in connection with this festival:
Thiruuvabharanam Procession: The sacred ornaments (Thiruvanabharanam), safely kept at the Kottarakkara Sub-group office, are brought to the Chadayamangalam Mahadeva Temple in a grand procession. From there, they are escorted to the Kunjayyappa Temple accompanied by Pettathullal (ritual dance) and are subsequently adorned on the idol.
Pettathullal: The Pettathullal performed by a gathering of devotees coming from various regions like Kallumala, Velanmukku, and Edakkodu is a major attraction here.
Lighting the Lamp on Jatayu Para: On the day of Makaravilakku, reminiscent of the Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu, a sacred lamp is lit on the nearby Jatayu Rock.
Additionally, Pampa Sadya and Pampa Vilakku are held at the Olipuram ghat to commemorate the traditional Pampa feast, along with a week-long Bhagavata Sapthaha Yagnam (scriptural discourse) at the temple.
