From mythology to legends
Local legends hold that Jatayu Rock bears the sacred footprint of Lord Rama, left as he comforted the dying Jatayu. This footprint is considered a holy site and attracts pilgrims and devotees who come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Jatayu is a deified bird in Hindu mythology. In Ramayana, Jatayu stood up for Sita, the wife of Lord Rama and tried to save her from the clutches of the demon king, Ravana. While fighting, Ravana cut off his wings and Jatayu fell on the ground. Later wounded Jatayu narrated the abduction of Sita to Lord Rama before taking his last breath. The spot where Jatayu is said to have landed is the Jatayu Rock, which is dedicated to him, showing his supreme sacrifice and loyalty.
The Jatayu sculpture by the sculptor and filmmaker Rajiv Anchal took more than 10 years to complete and restore. This project of great proportion was intended to build up the legend of Jatayu and broaden the cultural traditions of Kerala. In 2018, the Jatayu Rock was unveiled, which now is a famous cultural and tourist site, attracting visitors from different parts of the world to see the grandeur with the message it conveys.
An engineering marvel
Jatayu Rock is the benchmark for the world’s largest bird sculpture, with an immense size of 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet high. The detail is incredible, and every curve and angle creates the majestic yet real image of a bird with outstretched wings, powerful claws, and piercing eyes. Witnessing the stunning display of scale and incredible artistry of the sculpture is an unforgettable experience.
The sculpture fits in perfectly with the landscape since both of them become one with the natural rock formation, creating an art and nature blend. The design includes the natural curves and polish of boulders, as if the Jatayu statue emerges from the rocky texture of the place. This integration, of course, enriches the visual attractiveness but also embodies the ecological sensitivity of the project as well.
Along with the Jatayu Earth Center, the place also provides an adventure park comprising activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining and archery. The park has been developed to foster responsible tourism. The park offers visitors a thrilling adventure, and at the same time, it also preserves the natural environment. The whole facility is up to the latest standards to provide comfort to all of its guests regardless of age.
