History
The Jatayuppara, located in Chadayamangalam in the kollam District, is a well-known landmark that covers approximately 70 acres of land. This massive rock is considered sacred bi the local people due to Its association with the epic Ramayana. It is believed that a temple dedicated to Lord Sri Rama was built on the rock centuries ago but perished in course of time.
However, in 1970, the Government of Kerala decided to demolish the entire Jatayuppara rock to procure metal for the renovation of the Main Central Road. There were also attempts by some vested interest groups to encroach on the land and rock.
Upon hearing the news, the local people and devotees in and around Chadavamangalam were upset and came forward to protest against the decision to destroy the Jatayuppara. 'They formed an action committee and decided to protect the rock at any cost.
Having heard about this movement, Swamy Satyananda Saraswati of Sree Ramadasa Ashram at Chenkottukonam visited Chadayamangalam and discussed the matter with the representatives of the action committee He then ascended the 1000 feet top of the rock and was saddened to see the defaced and pitiable condition of the rock and premises, Swamiji felt the divine presence of Lord Sri Rama where Sri Rama Pada (footmarks of Lord Sri Rama) and Kokarani (deep dip with water spring) are situated. He sat near Sri Ramapada and meditated for quite long time. On completing hours- long penance, he convinced the necessity to protcct Jatayupara as a placc of pilgrimage by enshrining Lord Kodanda Rama on the rock.
A detailed enquiry and search were also undertaken by Swami and action committee was discovered from the revenue records that a temple once stood atop the rock centuries ago. A 'devaprasna' also confirmed the existence of a temple dedicated to Lord Sti Rama.
With these evidence and information and in accordance with the wishes and directions of Swami Saryananda Saraswati, a 13-foot-tall idol of Kodanda Rama was sculpted by the renowned artist Sri. Pushkara Kurup of Thiruvananthapuram and brought to Chatayamangalam on February 5, 1974. The idol was then consecrated there by Swami Satyananda Saraswati himself on February 8th.
Years later, in 2018, the construction of the temple began. After much anticipation, on March 28, 2021, Tantrimukhya Satish Bhattathiripad and Swami Brahmananda Saraswati of Sri Ramadasa Matham rededicated the three-foot Panchaloha idol of Lord Sri Kodanda Rama in accordance with the Tantric rituals.
This momentous occasion marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the restoration of the temple. The rededication ceremony was a testament to the enduring power of faith and the importance of preserving our culcoral heritage, The temple now Stands as symbol of devotion and beacon of hope for generations to come.
