JADAYU PARA

JADAYU PARA

Jadayu Para or Jadayu Rock is at Chadayamangalam village, along the M. C. road at Kollam district in Kerala. Jadayupara is a rock formation that is releted to an epic story in 'Ramayana'. The rock is situated covering the area of about 60 acres and it is 1000 feet above from the sea level. Because of the presence of jadayupara , Chadayamangalam is also called as Jadayu Mangalam. Jadayu para gives a special experience to tourists because of its adventure and historical values. The rock is ideal place for trekking and hand-gliding.

Kerala state's eco-tourism wing adapted the place and developed it as a tourist attraction for the visitors. Here visitors can enjoy the rock-built caves and creeks and the natural surroundings. At the top of the rock there is a sculpture of the bird 'Jadayu', which has 60 feet tall, 150 feet breadth and 200 feet length. This sculpture is like lying of the bird with its broken wing. Jadayu sculpture is considered as the tallest sculpture in Kerala. 

The tourism department's maintenance programs are not affecting the natural beauty of jadayu para. The place has a majestic look and attracts the travelers going through the route of Thiruvananthapuram- Kottayam road. There is a temple of Lord Rama at the top of the Jadayu Rock. So the place is also famous as a pilgrim centre. And also a craft festival is there in this place every year, where craftsmen can exhibit their works. This festival is held annually in the December-January months.

Epic story behind Jadayu Rocks

Jadayu is a bird from the epic 'Ramayana', which tells the story of Lord Rama. In the epic there is a part which Sita (Rama's wife) was abducted by Ravana. When they flied in Ravana's 'Puspaka' aircraft, Jadayu saw them and tried to stop Ravana from his cruelty. Ravana defeated Jadayu by cutting his wing and the bird fell into the rock. The wounded bird lived still Lord Rama came there. And after said the news bird died. In Jadayupara there are certain marks and it is believed that it is the footprint of Lord Rama. There is also a pond which never dries up even in the summer season.

                                           Prof. John Kurakar