evidence: It took close to 15 years to put in place the statue complex atop the hill. Before going near the sculpture, just enjoy the aesthetics of this huge work of art from a distance. The story of Jatayu featured in the epic Ramayana is etched on the rock in Malayalam, English and Hindi languages. Decorated Malayalam poet ONV Kurup’s touching verses on Jatayu is also inscribed on the rock. Legend has it that the Jatayu bird fell on the rock after its wings were clipped by Ravana as the divine bird tried to save Sita from the clutches of Ravana. Later, Rama granted ‘moksha’ to Jatayu as the bird fought valiantly to rescue Sita. And that’s how this rock got its name Jatayupara (para means rock). [...] Another legend has it that the rock bears the footprints of Rama, who came here in search of Sita, and the holy footprints are preserved in a glass box. A ‘kedavilaku’ (an undying lamp) could also found near the Rama ‘paadam’. The undying lamp was first lit by Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, a member of the Travancore royal family. Devotees visiting the temple often recite the ‘Jatayu stuti’ mentioned in Adhyathma Ramayanam.