Jatayu

Jatayu , son of Arunan and brother of Sampathi. They are the ancestor of vulture. Jatayu is an embodiment of valor and chivalry. Jatayu witnesses Sita being kidnapped by Ravana and tried his best to save Sita by risking his life. Eventually Ravana chopped one of his wings using his powerful sword Chandrahasa and fled with Sita. The injured Jatayu fell on the top of the rock at Kollam District of Kerala. Therefore, the rock called Jatayu para (which literally translates to Jatayu’s Rock) and the village came to be known as Jatayumangalam. However, the name has been changed in colloquial language of the native place as Chadayamangalam.

Jagadguru Swami Satyananda Saraswathy used to say that these stories from our epics give us an indication that everyone including animals and birds used to care for each other to lead a peaceful life in the ancient era. Jatayu sacrificed his life to ensure a woman’s safety and honor.

It is very much relevant to the current social scenario as the crimes against women are on the rise. This gives a heads-up to remind everyone of our responsibilities.

The Jatayu sculpture is a towering tribute to Jatayu.

Jatayu Earth’s Center, also known as Jatayu Nature Park or Jatayu Rock, is a park and tourism centre at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. It stands at an altitude of 350m (1200ft) above mean sea level. Jatayu Nature Park is holding the distinction of having the world’s largest bird sculpture (200 feet (61 m) long, 150 feet (46 m) broad, 70 feet (21 m) in height and having 15,000 square feet (1,400 m²) of floor area) of the great bird Jatayu. With the bird-sculpture being sculpted by Rajiv Anchal (a state award winner) himself, this rock-theme nature park is the first public-private partnership tourism initiative in the state of Kerala.

Cable car ride is another attraction and the amazing view through the glass covered cabin of the gigantic hills, valleys and the beautiful landscape is a visual treat to the travelers.