History
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a highly revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, considered an incarnation of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. The temple is especially famous for hosting the annual Attukal Pongala festival, which has earned a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. During this event, millions of women devotees cook a sweet offering called pongala in earthen pots as a mark of devotion to the goddess.
The temple architecture reflects traditional Kerala style, featuring intricately carved gopurams, a sanctum housing the idol of the fierce yet compassionate goddess, and various smaller shrines within the complex. The deity is believed to be a powerful protector and a symbol of justice, and devotees seek her blessings for strength, prosperity, and well-being. The spiritual ambiance of the temple, especially during festivals, is marked by devotional music, rituals, and a deep sense of communal faith. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple stands not only as a center of religious importance but also as a symbol of feminine power and unity in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual life.
Greatness:
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, considered an incarnation of Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. This temple holds a special place in the hearts of millions, especially women, and is often referred to as the “Sabarimala of Women.” It is globally renowned for hosting the Attukal Pongala, a massive annual festival where millions of women gather to prepare a sacred offering of rice in earthen pots, earning a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. The temple’s peaceful ambiance, combined with its powerful spiritual presence, offers solace and strength to devotees. Celebrating feminine divinity, collective devotion, and cultural heritage, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a radiant symbol of Kerala’s deep-rooted matriarchal spiritual tradition.
Specialities:
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is one of the most renowned temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, an incarnation of the fierce and protective form of Goddess Kannaki from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. Often referred to as the “Sabarimala of Women,”
the temple holds a unique place in global religious culture for hosting the Attukal Pongala, an annual festival that draws millions of women from all walks of life. This ritual involves women devotees cooking a special offering called pongala (a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and coconut) in earthen pots around the temple and across the city streets, earning a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity.The temple is also known for its beautiful Kerala-style architecture and spiritual ambiance, with daily rituals that draw a steady stream of devotees. Goddess Attukal Amma is believed to be highly benevolent and protective, and many worshippers come seeking blessings for health, family well-being, and personal strength. Deeply rooted in both mythological and social traditions, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of female spiritual power and community solidarity.
Festivals:
- Attukal Pongala
- Kappukettu Festival
- Kuthiyottam
- Navaratri
Timings:
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
FAQs
The temple is located in Attukal, a suburb of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, India. It is about 2 km from the East Fort and 1.5 km from the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, believed to be an incarnation of Kannaki, the central character from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. She is revered as a fierce form of Devi Durga.
Attukal Temple is renowned for the Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, which holds a Guinness World Record for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Millions of women offer Pongala (a sweet offering cooked in earthen pots) to the goddess.
Attukal Pongala is a 10-day annual festival (usually in February–March), where women devotees prepare a sweet rice offering called pongala in temporary hearths across the city. The event symbolizes devotion, empowerment, and unity among women.
