India’s Unique Temple Where Men Must Wear Sarees and Bridal Makeup to Worship the Goddess

New Delhi: The temples of India are famous all over the world not only for their religious faith but also because of their unique traditions. One of these is the Kottankulangara Devi Temple located in Kollam district of Kerala, where during the Chamayavilakku festival held every year, a tradition is performed which surprises those who hear it for the first time. In this festival, men have to assume the form of women to see and worship the goddess. They wear saree, do sixteen adornments and worship the goddess with full devotion. To see this unique tradition, a large number of devotees and tourists come not only from the country but also from abroad.

What is special about Chamayavilakku festival?

A two-day Chamayavilakku festival is organised every year at the Kottankulangara Devi Temple. During this period thousands of men reach the temple wearing traditional sarees. Not only sarees, but they also do jewellery, bangles, bindis, flower gajras and complete makeup. Special worship of the Goddess is done with a lamp in hand. During the festival time, temporary stalls of make-up artists and beauty parlours are also set up around the temple premises, where devotees dress up in traditional manner before the puja.

How did this tradition start?

According to local belief, centuries ago, some shepherd boys in this area used to disguise themselves as women and worship a stone while playing. Pleased with his devotion, the goddess is said to have appeared there and blessed him. After this the temple was established at the same place. Since then the belief has been going on that the wish of a man who assumes the form of a woman and worships the Goddess with true devotion is fulfilled.

Is this ritual connected with devotion?

The temple administration and local people consider it only a religious tradition. He says that dressing up as a woman is not a part of any performance but a symbol of devotion and humility towards the goddess. This is the reason why every year thousands of devotees from different states participate in this festival. Many people have been following this tradition continuously for years and associate it with their faith.

Why is there discussion in the country and the world?

This tradition of Kottankulangara Devi Temple is counted among the most unique religious traditions of India. Due to the increasing influence of social media and tourism, this festival has now become a topic of discussion at the international level. Foreign tourists also reach Kerala to see this unique event. This confluence of religious faith, cultural heritage and age-old beliefs makes this temple one of the most unique religious places in the country.