Kottamkulangara Sri Devi temple is famous for its traditional 'chamayavilakku'ritual {chamayam=make up,vilakku=lamp}.the ritual is unique because men disguise as women carrying lamps to appease the presiding deity 'jagadanbika'.

kottamkulangara is situated in chavara near 'kollam' .the chamayavilakku ritual is organised in connwction with the annual festival,held between 'meenam'one and twelve.

men from different part of the world come here to offer their prayer and seek the blessings of the devi.men who come here dres in all sorts of costumes ,but the favourite is the 'saree'and also the traditional kerala 'settumundu'.young people also wear modern dresses ,some men can even be seen in dance costumes .

they carry the traditional lamp chamayavilakku and wait for the procession of the devi to come and see them.there are also many groups who come from minor temples around the place .there is no age limitation ,men of all ages from a small infant to very old man come here dressed as females to fulfil their desires for devi's blessings .the lamp is a peculiarity of this temple and is seen here only.


the lamp is mounted on a long wooden rod and has a height up to the waist .there are five lights ,which are lighted on the same lamp and the lamp is lighted from a main lamp in the temple

men dressed up as women here to fulfil their vows and to thank dwvi for the favour they have received due to devi's blessings.they orayed for different reasons ,that is ,for a good life,for a child,etc.

now this temple included in the tourist map of kerala and it became a tourist festival.