Opening hours: Morning: 05:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Evening: 05:00 - 08:00 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, during morning and evening aartis
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway Station, about 14.5 km away
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 79.3 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Chavara Bus Stand, about 450 m away
Located in the Chavata area of Kollam, the Kottankulangara Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy and is believed to fulfil wishes and bring blessings to the devotees. What makes this temple really famous and iconic is its Chamaya Vilakku festival, where men dress as women and offer prayers to the goddess. During this festival, the prayers are offered by lighting diyas and walking in circular processions, known as Parikramas. This rare gender-fluid ritual draws devotees, photographers, and cultural researchers from around the world, making it one of the top places to visit in Kollam.
The temple is very beautifully maintained, and has a large pond and a traditional Kerala-style sanctum. The temple is usually peaceful when visited outside the festival timing and offers a spiritual and peaceful environment for visitors to visit and offer prayers. However, visiting during the festival, you will witness the temple’s charm and beauty. The temple is included in the heritage trails in Kerala and is visited by many visitors across the region and the nation. Kottankulangara Devi Temple is a must-visit temple for people on a spiritual or cultural journey.
