Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu temple. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali (Kannaki) Devi placed on the top of the Vethala. It is believed that Bhagrakali, a form of Mahakali who killed the demon king Daruka, was born from the third eye of Lord Shiva. Bhadra means good, Kali means goddess of time. Bhadrakali is therefore considered as the goddess of prosperity and salvation. Goddess 'Attukal devi', itself is the supreme mother 'Bhaadrkali devi', (in soumya aspect) the goddess of power and courage. She is often known as Kannaki, the heroine of llanko Adikal’s ‘Silapathikaara’. The temple is famous for its annual attuakal Pongala festival, which is attended by more than 300,000 women. A festival held at the Guinness Records as the largest gathering of women for a religious activity, Attukal Pongala attaracts millions of women every year. Devotees are believe thet the Goddess fulfills all their wishes, prosperity and salvation.
Attukal devi is often worshipped in 3 forms such as Maha Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Mahakali/ Durga/ Parvathy (goddess of power).
Location
Attukal, Thiruvanathapuram
Main Deity
Bhadrakali/Durga/Kannaki
Other Deities
lord shiva and Ganapathi
Festivals
Attukal Pongala is the main festival of this temple.Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is 10 days festival which falls on February – March every year (Malayalam month of Kumbham). The festival begins on the Karthika star with the traditional Kappukettu and Kudiyiruthu ceremony, the idol of Devi, is embellished with Kappu (Bangles). The Pooram day, ninth day of the festival, is main attraction. The Attukal Pongala day and the festival will conclude with the Kuruthitharpanam at 10th day makam star night. Mandala Vratham: Celebrating the annual festival of sabarimala. Vinayaka Chathuethi: Celebrating the arrival of Ganesha to earth from ‘Kailash Parvath’,and that day temple arrange special pooja to the Lord Ganapathy. Pooja Vayppu: Identical to Dussera festival ( Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham) Sivarathri: Siva pooja. Karthika - Karthika Deepa. Ayilya Pooja - Milk, flowers etc. offered to serpent God and special rites. Aiswarya Pooja - On all full moon (Pournami) days. Nirayum Puthariyum (Ramayana Parayanam) - During the month of Karkadakam. Akhandanama Japam - 4th Sunday of every month.
Main Offerings
Abhishekam, Ganapathy Homam, Deeparadhana, Usha Pooja, Deeparadhana, Usha Sreebali, Kalabhabhiskekam, Pantheeradi Pooja, Ucha Pooja (noon ritual), Deeparadhana, Ucha Sreebali (Noon Sreebali), Nata Adappu (Closure of Sreekovil), Nata Thurappu (Opening of Sreekovil), Deeparadhana, Athazha Pooja, Deeparadhana, Athazha Sreebali, Nata Atappu
How To Reach
By Air :
Trivandrum International Airport- 75 km
By Train :
Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station – 40 km
By Road :
Medamukku Bus stop, Auto Rickshaw, Taxi/ Cabs for hire.