Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram, India
- Admire the temple architecture
- Explore the temple complex
- Offer prayers to the goddess
- Witness the Attukal Pongala festival
Known for:
Description:
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kannaki (Parvati), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is famous for the Attukal Pongala festival, a massive annual gathering of women devotees who prepare a sweet dish called 'pongala' as an offering to the goddess. This festival, held in February/March, attracts millions of women, making it the largest single gathering of women in the world. The temple complex is vast and houses several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. The temple architecture is typical of Kerala style with intricate carvings and vibrant colors. The serene atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a popular destination for devotees and tourists alike.
History:
The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple's origins are steeped in legend, with some tracing it back to the mythical Kannaki, while others believe it was founded by the chieftain of the Mulloor family around 800 years ago. The temple gained prominence during the reign of the Travancore kings and became a significant center of worship. The Pongala festival's origins are linked to Kannaki's legend, where she is said to have cooked rice on the streets after being wronged. Over the centuries, the temple and the festival have grown in scale and importance, becoming an integral part of Kerala's cultural and religious landscape.