Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy temple is positioned in Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala, India. 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, located in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, South India, 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 Bhagavathy temple is the abode of the goddess, who is the supreme preserver and destroyer. She cares for her devotees like a mother does for her children. For the devotees, Attukal Devi (Attukal Amma or Attukal Bhagavathy) is the supreme power, capable of fulfilling all the prayers of her devotees. Attukal Devi temple and its main festival Attukal Pongala reached Guinness Book of World Records of largest annual gathering of women, when 1.5 million (15 Lakhs) women offered pongala in February 23, 1997 and its achieved by 2.5 million (25 Lakhs) women offered pongala on March 10, 2009. It is estimated that about 3.7 million (37 Lakhs) women offered pongala in February 26, 2013. The number of women devotees reaching this place increases every year.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala

Architecture
History
Puja Timings
Festivals
Special Rituals
How to Reach
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The temple is built with elements of Kerala architectural style and Tamil architectural style as well. The exteriors are carved with hundreds of adorable sculptures. The stories of Dasavatharam, Dakshayaga also are carved in the temple. Tha main building also comprises of Goddess Kali, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sri Rajarajeswari and several others.

The legend says that the head of Mulluveettil family met a young girl who asked for help to cross the river. Her charm and charisma made it obvious that she was no ordinary. He bowed before her and also helped her to cross the river. He also invited her to his home. When the whole family was getting ready to receive her, the little girl suddenly disappeared. They were very disappointed. The head of the family, very soon, saw the girl in his dreams. She told him to give her an abode in the place. So the family raised the temple and revered the divine power. The people also offered whatever they could to raise the temple.

The temple is open from 4.30 AM to 12.30 PM and from 6.45 PM to 8.30 PM.

The temple is famous for its festivals. Attukal Pongala is the famous festival of this temple. This festival attracts enormous number of devotees from all over the country. The festival commences on Karthika day of Malayalam month Makaram-Kumbham. This is a ten day long festival. This festival also reached the Guinness Book of World Records of largest annual gathering of women. Only women are allowed to participate in the festival. Other festivals celebrated in the temple include Mandala Vratham, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Pooja Vaypu, Maha Shivarathri, Nirayum Puthariyum and Akhandanama Japam.

Daily poojas such as Usha Sreebali, Nata adappu, Pantheeradi pooja, Ucha Sreebali, Deeparadhana, Nirmalyadarsanam, Usha pooja, Kalabhishekam are performed to the Goddess in this temple.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy Devi. This idol is a sight of marvel with abundance radiance of beauty and light. The temple also has the deity of Lord Vinayaga.

By Road

Trivandrum Central Bus station is about 2 kms from the temple. The temple is very well connected by roads.

By Rail

The nearest rail head is the Trivandrum Central Railway station at a distance of 2 kms from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at a distance of 7 kms from the temple.