About Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: History, Festivals, and Spiritual Significance

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned religious site, located in Trivandrum, Kerala and is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The temple is devoted to its main deity, worshipped in three distinct forms: Maha Saraswathi (Goddess of Knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Kali/Durga/Parvathy (Goddess of Power). Attukal Amma, revered as the supreme preserver and destroyer, is often associated with Kannaki, the heroine of Ilanko Adikal's 'Silapathikaram'.

The globally recognised Attukal Pongala Festival is celebrated at this temple. It attracts over three million women annually and has even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for this vast gathering.

History of the Temple:

The temple's history is intertwined with Kannaki’s tale from the Tamil epic Silapathikaram by Ilanko Adikal. Kannaki was married to Kovalan, a wealthy merchant's son. However, Kovalan fell for a dancer named Madhavi and spent all his wealth on her. Eventually penniless, Madhavi abandoned him. Realising his mistake, Kovalan returned to Kannaki, who forgave him and gave him her gold anklets to sell in Madurai and rebuild his fortunes.

Kovalan approached the King of Madurai to sell the anklets but was accused of stealing an identical anklet belonging to the Queen & was executed without trial. In her grief, Kannaki proved Kovalan’s innocence by breaking open her remaining anklet, showing it contained rubies instead of pearls like the Queen’s. Angered by the King's rash decision, Kannaki cursed Madura,i causing it to burn down.

Later on her way to Kodungallur, she reached Attukal near the Killi River disguised as a young girl & sought help from an elderly member of the Mulluveetil family to cross it. Impressed by her divine aura, he invited her home, where she vanished. She appeared in his dream that night, instructing him to build a temple for her, thus establishing Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Speciality of the Temple:

Often called "Sabarimala of Women," Attukal Bhagavathy Temple stands out for its architectural excellence, blending Kerala & Tamil Nadu styles. The intricate carvings depict various deities like Mahishasuramardini & Sree Parvathy with Lord Shiva, along with mythological stories on its walls.

It houses ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu known as Dasavatara. The southern gopura displays Dakshayaga, & either side tells tales from Kannaki’s story.

Inside are two idols: one adorned with golden ornaments and precious stones & another placed behind it.

Temple Timings

4:30 AM to 12:30 PM, and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Festivals at the Temple:

Attukal Pongala: Celebrated over ten days during the Malayalam months Makaram-Kumbham.

Maha Shivaratri: Observed with grandeur in honour of Lord Shiva.

Vinayaka Chaturthi: Features special prayers to Lord Ganesha along with Kootu Ganapati Homam.

Kuthiyottam: Performed by boys under 12 symbolising Goddess Mahishasuramardhini's wounded soldiers.

Thalappoli: Conducted by girls under 12 dressed traditionally, holding Thalam plates filled with offerings like paddy, flowers & a lit lamp.

Other notable festivals include Mandala Vratham & Pooja Vayppu.

Dress Code:

While no specific dress code exists for visiting Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, wearing clean conservative attire is preferable, like traditional garments such as sarees or salwar kameez are recommended for women.

Best Time To Visit:

From February to March, during the Pongala Festival, is optimal; summer (March-May) tends to be hot and humid, drawing fewer crowds, while the monsoon season (June-Sept) covers landscapes with lush green beauty!

How To Reach Attukal Bhagavathy Temple:

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (5.4 Km away).

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (2.7 Km away).

By Bus: Thampanoor Bus Station (3 Km away).

Upon arriving at these points, hiring taxis, buses, or auto rickshaws will help reach this sacred shrine easily!