Inside India's Unique Temple Where Male Devotees Worship In Women's Attire

New Delhi: Many temples in India are known for their remarkable traditions in addition to their religious importance. Among them is the Kottankulangara Devi Temple in Kerala's Kollam district, where the annual Chamayavilakku festival follows a unique custom. During the festival, male devotees dress in women's attire, adorn themselves with traditional makeup and ornaments, and worship the goddess with great faith. The unusual ritual draws a large number of visitors and devotees from across the country as well as from overseas.

What is special about the 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 wear 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 traditionally 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.