Weather: 21 - 34°C
Category: Temple, Religious Site
Label: Popular among Locals
Tags: Spiritual, Culture, Festival, Heritage
Timings: 4:30 AM - 12:30 PM & 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee

Overview of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Nestled in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a revered site known for its rich cultural significance and immense spiritual importance. It is popularly referred to as the "Sabarimala of Women" due to its prominence as a women-centric pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped for blessings related to fertility, wealth, and prosperity.

The temple's global recognition was cemented when it earned a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest gathering of women for a religious activity during the Attukal Pongala Festival. With more than 3.7 million women participating in this event, it stands as a celebration of faith, devotion, and the power of womanhood. The grand festival takes place annually, drawing devotees from across the globe, making it one of the largest women’s gatherings for a religious event anywhere.

Visitors often speak of how a visit to the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple leaves them spiritually uplifted, with many claiming life-changing experiences after praying to the goddess. Many believe that Goddess Bhagavathy blesses her devotees with good health, prosperity, and offspring.

Attukal Pongala Festival Highlights

  1. Attukal Pongala Festival
    The Attukal Pongala Festival is the highlight of the temple’s yearly events. This 10-day festival celebrates Goddess Kannagi, a revered figure in Tamil folklore, who is believed to have cursed the King of Madurai, resulting in the city's eventual destruction. The festival involves Pongala, a special offering made of boiled rice, which thousands of women prepare and offer to the goddess. The festival reaches its peak when women, in their colorful attire, gather in large numbers to prepare and offer their Pongala on the temple premises and surrounding areas, making the atmosphere vibrant and festive.

    Legend has it that Goddess Kannagi's unwavering purity led to the fall of the city of Madurai after she proved the injustice done to her. The festival, therefore, commemorates her strength and divine justice, making it a deeply emotional and powerful event.

  2. Historical Legend of Attukal Temple
    The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is steeped in a fascinating history tied to the legend of Goddess Kannagi. According to myth, as Goddess Kannagi was traveling to Kodungallur, she reached the Attukal area, where she encountered an elderly man performing rituals by the Killi River. Realizing the man's potential to help her, she transformed into a little girl and asked for his assistance to cross the river.

    Surprised by her radiant presence, the old man led her across the river, after which she disappeared. Later, Goddess Kannagi appeared in his dreams, instructing him to build her a temple at a specific location marked by three gold lines. When the Karanavar, the head of the local family, followed her instructions, he found the gold lines, leading to the establishment of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Best Time to Visit Attukal Temple

To fully experience the grandeur of the Attukal Pongala Festival, the ideal time to visit is between February and March, as this is when the festivities take place. The atmosphere is electric with vibrant energy, making it a memorable experience.

However, if you prefer a peaceful visit without the crowds, the best time would be between November and February during the cool winter months. The temperature is comfortable, and the temple is less crowded. Summer (March to May) can be quite hot, but the temple remains a tranquil spot even during this period. The monsoon season (June to September) brings lush greenery but can also disrupt travel due to heavy rains.

How to Reach Attukal Temple

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is easily accessible from various parts of Thiruvananthapuram, and there are several convenient options to reach the temple:

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located around 7 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a cab or use a taxi service to reach the temple in about 15 minutes.

  • By Train: Trivandrum Central Railway Station is approximately 2 km away from the temple, and you can hire a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple in just 10 minutes.

  • By Bus: The Eastfort Bus Station is about 1.5 km from the temple, making it a short walk or auto ride away. Additionally, the Thampanoor Bus Terminal is only 2 km from the temple and well connected by frequent bus services.

  • By Taxi/Auto: If you are already in Thiruvananthapuram, hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw is an easy and affordable way to reach the temple. It’s a 10-minute ride from most major landmarks in the city