Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: A Celebration of Feminine Divinity
Opening Hours
05:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM (Subject to change; confirm before visiting)
Best Time To Visit
October to March (Pleasant weather). February-March for Attukal Pongala (expect very high crowds).
Aarti Timing
Morning Nirmalya Darshan : 05:00 AM (Approximate)Evening Deeparadhana : 06:30 PM (Approximate)
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, dedicated to Goddess Attukalamma (a manifestation of Parvati), is renowned for its annual Attukal Pongala festival, where millions of women gather to offer Pongala, a sweet rice porridge. It's a powerful display of feminine devotion and cultural heritage.
Expectations for Pilgrims
Participating in the **Attukal Pongala**, a unique ritual offering to the Goddess.
Experiencing the **spiritual energy** and the vibrant atmosphere, especially during the festival season.
Seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and well-being.
Sacred Offerings: Blessings from Attukalamma
Prasad at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple often includes traditional Kerala sweets and blessed items, considered sacred and carrying the Goddess's blessings. These symbolize prosperity and divine grace.
Prasad / Prasadam :
Note : Prasad is readily available within the temple premises and from designated counters. During the Pongala festival, special arrangements are made to distribute Prasad to the massive crowds.
What to Offer: Sacred Contributions to the Divine
Devotees offer various items to the Goddess Attukalamma as a symbol of their devotion, gratitude, and prayers. These offerings reflect local traditions and personal faith.
Devotee's Offerings
Local priests can provide guidance on specific offerings and rituals. It's essential to offer with sincerity and devotion.
Essential Experiences: Immerse in Attukal's Spirituality
Activities:
Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Deepening Your Connection
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple hosts various pujas and rituals, particularly during the annual festival. These ceremonies allow devotees to connect with the Goddess and seek her blessings.
Attending Pujas:
Non Attending Pujas:
Offering Flowers and Garlands
For specific pujas and rituals, it's advisable to inquire at the temple office or with local priests. During the Pongala festival, specific guidelines are provided by the temple authorities.
Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: Attukal's Spiritual Legacy
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple has a rich history and is deeply rooted in the local folklore and traditions of Kerala.
Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple stands as a major spiritual center in Kerala, drawing devotees seeking blessings, fulfillment of wishes, and spiritual solace.
Key Aspects:
- Symbol of Feminine Power The temple is primarily associated with feminine power and is a significant place of worship for women, particularly during the Attukal Pongala festival.
Opening Hours
Sunday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Monday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Thursday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Friday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday : 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
User Review
Total Reviews : 26382
- Star Rating :
Author Name : Varghese K C
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Attukal Bhagavathi Temple is a Hindu Shrine located at Attukal Thiruvananthapuram Kerala India. This colourful temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali ( Kannaki), a form of Mahalakshmi the Goddess of prosperity and salvation. She is also identified with Kannaki the heroine of Tamil epic Cilapathikaram. The temple structure is a mix of Kerala and Tamilnadu traditional styles. "Attukal Pongala" got a Guinness book record for being the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Devotees believed that all of their wishes are fulfilled by the Goddess. Thousands of women devotees participated to prepare Pongala festival ........ a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery and coconut to submit Devi as "nivedhyam ".
The temple is a must visit for devotees seeking divine blessing and it was a special experience such deep faith and togetherness.
Spacious parking space, sufficient washrooms and some shops are available . Also a Hospital and Kalyanamandapam inside the premise. Easy to access by Public Transport. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Roopesh Krishnan
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Visiting the Aattukal Bhagavathy Temple is truly a soul-stirring experience. The moment you step into the temple premises, you're enveloped in a powerful spiritual aura that radiates positivity and deep devotion. There's an inexplicable peace in the air, and the atmosphere is charged with pure divine energy.
Every visit leaves you feeling more grounded, blessed, and spiritually fulfilled. Whether you're a believer or a casual visitor, the positive vibes of this temple are undeniable and unforgettable. A must-visit for anyone seeking peace, strength, and the grace of the Goddess - Star Rating :
Author Name : sasikumar TN
Review Time : 3 months ago
Review : Attukal Bhagavathi Temple is a famous temple of Goddess Kannaki/Bhadrakali at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Darsanam to Northwards.
Most of the famous temples in kerala are with ancient mythological history, but Attukal is comparativly a small temple of Goddess and became famous during the last 50years.
It became famous due to insurge of devotees specifically women to worship the Goddess with their nivedyam known as Pongal.
Upadevatha (Subdeities): Ganapathi, Sivan, Naga, Madan Thampuran...
Vazhipadu: Special Vazhipadu is Kalabhabhishekam and
Lighting of Lemon lamps infront of the temple.
All other offerings as per Devi temples.
Temple: Attukal temple was a small temple and recently renovated with Nalambalam, Gopurams etc. Temple structure is a mix of Kerala and Tamil Architecture styles.
Festivals: Ten days festival during month Kumbham starting on Karthika day and ending on Uthram day. The ten days festival is celebrated with different temple rituals, Thaalapoli for girls and Chooral kuthu for boys and variety of Stage shows.
Ninth day of festival, on Pooram day pongala nivedyam by women devotees is celebrated.
Attukal pongala is considered as the most famous ritual celebrated by women devotees now in kerala. Lakhs of women devotees are gathering in and around the temple premise to prepare pongala to submit Devi as nivedyam.
Now around 10km radius of the temple will be gathered by these women devotees to perform this ritual, literally Thiruvananthapuram city will be in stand still condition on the day.
Also very recently this festival has been entered in to guinnes book of world records for the 'largest gathering of women' for a festival within a day.
History/Mythology:
An old man living near Attukal was so happened to see an young girl near the bank of Killiyar and helped her to cross the river and received as a guest to his family. But the same night she disapperaed and appeared through a dream to the man as a goddess and requested to put a small temple for her in an identified nearby location. Hence as per the advise from the Hindu priests also, he initiated to build a small temple to worship the divine power of Devi for the devotees.
How ever this temple has some spiritual and functional link with the famous Kodungalloor temple and it is belived that the Devi who appeared to the old man was Kannaki on her way to Kodungalloor after destroying Madurai city of Pandya dynasty.
The Thottampattukal which is being sung during the festival days are the history of Kannaki from Chilappathikaram written by the great Tamil Poet Elankovadikal can be considered as a proof of this mythology.
Also it is believed the Deity, Dharmasathavu of a nearby temple at Manacaud has a brother-sister relation to Attukal devi and accordingly some rituals/functions are being performed between these temples as part of festival celebration.
Location/Travel: At Attukal of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation around 2-3kms from East fort and Thampanur Railway station /Bus station.
Facility: Large vehicle parking space, Washrooms, small fancy shops etc. are available within the temple compound.
Also a Hospital and Kalyanamandapam are functioned within the temple premise under Attukal Devaswam trust. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Amjith K
Review Time : 3 months ago
Review : The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, near the heart of the city. Dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy, the temple is based on the legendary story of Kannagi, a central figure in the Tamil epic Cilappatikaram
One of the most unique and significant aspects of the temple is its Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, a 10-day festival held annually between February and March (during the Malayalam month of Kumbham).
This festival, renowned for its grandeur and devotion, draws over 3 million women from across the world.
During the festival, women prepare the sacred "Pongala" offering— a mixture of rice, jaggery, and coconut— symbolizing their devotion and prayers to the goddess. It is considered one of the largest gatherings of women for a religious event, and it once earned a place in the Guinness World Records.
Cultural and Religious Significance:
The temple is deeply revered for its connection to the goddess Bhagavathy, believed to be an incarnation of Kannagi. It holds immense cultural and religious significance, particularly for women, who form the core of the Pongala celebrations.
Temple Architecture:
The temple is designed in a Kerala-style architecture, and it radiates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it a peaceful haven for visitors and devotees.
The temple's structure features beautifully carved figures and traditional design elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Temple wall consists of the Kannagi story as paintings.
Visitor Experience:
Visitors to Attukal Bhagavathy Temple often praise the peaceful and serene ambiance of the temple. The atmosphere is filled with devotion and tranquility, especially during the daily rituals and during the grand Pongala festival. Temple’s accessibility and proximity to the city, making it a convenient place to visit for both locals and tourists.
Devotees and tourists alike note the well-maintained temple grounds and the simple yet effective conduct of prayers and rituals.
Festivals
The Attukal Pongala is undoubtedly the most famous religious festival, drawing millions of devotees annually. The festival's cultural vibrancy and the sheer scale of devotion displayed are significant highlights, and the sight of thousands of women preparing Pongala across the city is both moving and awe-inspiring.
Overall, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is not just a religious destination but a place that embodies the spirit of devotion, community, and the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace or simply interested in experiencing one of the grandest religious events in India, a visit to the Attukal Temple is a memorable and enriching experience. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Girish Kumar
Review Time : 4 months ago
Review : Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Trivandrum – The Sabarimala of Women
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Trivandrum, is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy (Parashakti). It is globally renowned for the Attukal Pongala festival, which holds a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women for a religious event.
Divine Atmosphere & Architecture
The temple exudes a powerful spiritual aura, with beautiful Kerala-style architecture featuring intricate carvings and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The idol of Attukal Amma is adorned with grandeur, radiating divine grace and blessings.
Festivals & Rituals
Attukal Pongala: The most significant festival, where millions of women prepare Pongala (a sweet offering) in earthen pots as a devotion to the Goddess.
Other Rituals: Daily poojas, special offerings, and the Thottampattu (a unique form of worship through devotional songs) add to the temple’s sacred charm.
The temple is centrally located, just a few kilometers from Trivandrum city center, making it easily accessible. The premises are well-maintained, and the temple authorities ensure a smooth darshan experience. However, during Pongala, the entire city gets crowded, so planning your visit accordingly is recommended.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a must-visit for devotees seeking divine blessings, especially for women. The temple’s significance, rich traditions, and spiritual energy make it a truly unique and powerful place of worship in Kerala.