Jatayuppara Sree Kodanda Rama Temple

Jatayuppara Sree Kodanda Rama Temple sits at the top of Jatayu Rock in the hills of Kollam district. Local tradition ties the rock to the Ramayana: the old vulture Jatayu, wounded while trying to stop Ravana carrying Sita away, came down here, told Rama what had happened and died. Rama is believed to have blessed the spot afterwards.

The sanctum holds idols of Rama with Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman, and smaller shrines are dedicated to Ganesha and Ayyappa. The buildings follow Kerala temple style, with sloping roofs, wooden pillars and gables around an open courtyard. A path cut into the rock climbs to the summit, where sculptures and inscriptions honour Jatayu and the view takes in the surrounding hills and valleys. Jatayu Earth's Center lies a short distance away.