Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Introduction to Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a prominent temple in Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. This is dedicated to Bhagavathy (Parvati Devi), the supreme preserver and destroyer. It is famously known as the "Sabarimala of women." It lies 2 km away from the world-renowned Padmanabhaswamy temple. Pilgrims who visit the Padmanabha temple also visit Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Legend of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

When demonic forces ruled the world, the gods prayed to Vishnu to send a supreme power to protect them. His Maya took the incarnation of the Devi to eradicate evil forces and protect the world. Attukal Bhgavathy is one such incarnation.

According to the legend, Kannagi, the Silappatikaram (a Tamil epic) heroine, reached Attukal while traveling to Kodungallur.

When she arrived in Attukal, the River Killi blocked her path. Kannagi saw an old man performing religious rituals on the riverbanks.

The old man was the head of the Mulluveetil family, one of the city's most powerful families. Kannagi felt he could help her. So, she disguised herself as a small girl and requested him to assist her in crossing the river.

Kannagi appeared in his dream that night. She asked him to construct a house in the nearby grove or Kavu. She also told him to erect a home for her where he would find a place with three gold lines. He found the place and built the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple as she advised.

The Architecture of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

It is believed that the local kings built the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The Travancore royal family renovated it in the 19th century.

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a mix of Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. Devotees can see the wonderfully carved and designed entrance gate of the temple. The temple has a huge Gopuram (tower) in typical South Indian temple architecture. Pictures based on the Silappatikaram and Kannagi are on either side. People can see the story of Daksha Yaga in sculptures and intricate carvings on this 18-ft-high Gopuram.

Devotees can worship carved figures of Shiva, Parvati, Kali, Rajarajeshwari, Mahishasuramardhini, and Kali inside the temple complex. The different depictions of Bhagavathy adorn the premises. In the passageways of the temple, visitors can see portrayals of other deities and scenes from the tales of the 'Dasavatara,' the ten incarnations of Vishnu. People can also see the sculptures of Shiva, Ganesha, and the Serpent deity in the temple's corridors.

There are two idols of Bhagavathy in the sanctum sanctorum. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple preserves the original idol by covering it with stone-embedded ornamental gold. The second idol is installed beside the original one.

In the middle of the sanctum within the Sreekovil, at a sanctified spot, is the idol of Bhagavathy. The presiding deity appears with a fierce look and has eight arms. She holds various weapons and symbols in her hands, such as a shield, a sword, a bell, and a lotus. The idol is made of a special type of metal called Panchaloha, a combination of five metals.

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple also has a large dining hall. The temple serves free meals to devotees on special occasions. It can accommodate up to 20,000 people at a time.

Sri. Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamy, a well-known saint of Kerala, meditated on the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple premises.

Festivals in Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is the grand festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple that attracts the biggest crowd of women. Every year the festival is held in February/March. Since she is a preserver and destroyer, the deity cares for her devotees like a mother and fulfills their prayers.

The festival Attukal Pongala etched its name in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest annual gathering of women when 15 lakh women offered Pongala on February 23, 1997. Following this, 25 lakh women offered Pongala on March 10, 2009. About 37 lakh women offered Pongala on February 26, 2013. The crowd keeps on increasing every year at this temple.

Attukal Pongala festival is celebrated for ten days. On the ninth day, women cook and offer Pongal (a mix of rice, lentil, milk, and jaggery) in earthen pots.

Kuthiyottam, Thalappoli, Vilakkukettu, The Divine Procession, Maha Shivaratri, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Mandala Vratham, and Pooja Vaypu are the other festivals at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Several women devotees have been blessed with progeny and a bountiful life by Attukal Bhagavathy. Devotees come from across the country and bow before the all-mighty, seeking an end to their hardships and obtaining blessings.