Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala is famous for the annual Attukal Pongal festival, in which over three million women devotees take part. This temple is dedicated to Divine Mother Bhadrakali (Kannaki), who is mounted over Vethala. ‘Attukal devi’ has been said to be the supreme mother ‘Bhaadrkali devi’, (in the soumya aspect), the goddess of strength and courage. Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the single largest gathering of women for a religious event, Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of participants with each passing year. Located in Thiruvananthapuram, 2 kilometers from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Temple is located near the city’s heart. It is believed that devotees’ wishes will be fulfilled, and they will be prosperous and reach salvation with the goddess.
History:
Its mythology centers around Kannagi and her husband Kovalan. It is said that when Kovalan was penniless, he brought Kannagi’s anklets to the king of Madurai to sell them. Unfortunately, the Queen’s anklet, which looked like Kannagi’s, was stolen at that time. While Kovalan tried to sell Kannagi’s pair, his soldiers mistakenly thought he had committed a theft, and beheaded him.
Angry at this incident, Kannagi broke one of the anklets containing rubies while the Queen’s anklet contained pearls. Her chastity is believed to have led to her curse coming true and the city of Madurai burned. Upon seeing Kannagi’s Lord of the city, Kannagi is said to have achieved salvation. Kannagi is said to have taken the form of a little girl at Attukal on her way to Kodungallur. As she stood on the banks of the stream, she asked an old man if he could assist her in crossing. Shocked to find a girl alone, the man brought her home. After that, she vanished. During his sleep, she asked him to build a temple and he did just that. Attukal’s temple is said to be located here. On the festival days, Attukalamma (Bhadrakali/Kannaki), goddess of Attukal, is believed to be present in the temple. The Ponkala festival commemorates the victory of Kannaki over the king Pandya.
Visiting Hours: 4:30 am – 12:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Open on all days.
Contact Details: 0471 246 3130
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 2 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 6 km
