Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy temple is located in Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. She is the mother of supreme power. Among all the ancient temples of South India, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple,  has a very special position. Also known as “the Sabarimala of Women '', this temple attracts the biggest set of women devotees for the annual Attukal Pongala festival. Attukal Pongala reached the Guinness Book of World Records, when 15 Lakhs  women offered Pongala on February 23, 1997 and  the numbers kept increasing in the following years.  Along with the religious significance  the  architectural blend of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala culture  seen in the Gopuram of the temple is also to be noted. These sculptures tell us about the Kannaki Charitham, Dakshayaga etc. The Attukal Devi is believed to be  Kannaki, who is the incarnation of Goddess Vishnumaya. Pongal which is  the main Offering to the goddess is actually a Tamil sweet dish made with Rice, Jaggery, Coconut and water in earthen pots. This dish is prepared in a fireplace made with bricks. These 5 elements show the relationship of Human life with Pancha Bhutas.

The Pongala Festival is held in the month of february/March. The festival lasts for 10 days. Auspicious Attukal Pongala is done on the 9th day of the festival. Women from different parts of the state, neighboring states, even from different countries come to takepart in this festival. Every street, commercial spaces, public places, offices, schools, colleges are filled with Women folk for this Pongala festival. Attukal Temple is also called 'Sabarimala Of Women. The Pongala spreads nearly 5km from the circumference of the temple. Women take vratham for 9 days to participate in Pongala and the 10 day festival showcases various rituals, practices and art forms that have their roots deeply embedded in the past.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 2.7 km from Attukal
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, around 6.8 km from Attukal
Google map coordinates : FX94+W5 Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala