Attukal Sri Bhagavathy Devi Temple- Kerala

Address

Attukal Sri Bhagavathy Devi Temple- P.O, Attukal – Chiramukku Rd, C Block, Attukal, , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695009

Deity

Amman: Bhadrakali/ Kanniki/ Durga

Introduction

• Location: Attukal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
• Main Deity: Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), depicted mounted on ‘vethala’.
• Significance: Bhadrakali is a form of Mahakali, associated with prosperity and salvation; considered the Supreme Mother and goddess of power and courage.
• Cultural Reference: Kannaki, a heroine from Ilanko Adikal’s epic Silapathikaaram.
• Annual Festival: Renowned for the Attukal Pongal festival, which sees participation from over three million women.

Puranic Significance

• Story of Kannaki:
  • Married to Kovalan, son of a wealthy merchant.
  • Kovalan forsakes Kannaki for the dancer Madhavi, later returns when broke.
  • Kannaki sells her anklets to support Kovalan, but he is wrongfully executed for theft.
  • Kannaki curses Madurai, leading to its destruction, then attains salvation from the goddess.
• Kannaki’s Journey:
  • On her way to Kodungallur, she transforms into a girl and meets an old man.
  • Instructs him to build a temple at the site of three golden lines, leading to the present-day Attukal temple.
• Goddess’s Presence:
  • Attukalamma (Bhadrakali/Kannaki) is believed to be present during festival days.
  • Ponkala is offered in celebration of Kannaki’s victory over King Pandya.
• Bhadrakali’s Origin:
  • Born from Shiva’s third eye to defeat the demon king Daruka, representing Shakti.

Beliefs

• Devotional Practices:
  • Devotees believe their wishes will be fulfilled by the goddess.
  • Attukal Devi worshipped in three forms:
    • Maha Saraswati: Goddess of knowledge and arts.
    • Maha Lakshmi: Goddess of wealth and auspiciousness.
    • Mahakali/Parvathy: Goddess associated with marriage, time, and death.

Festivals

• Attukal Pongala:
  • Major festival celebrated annually for ten days, typically in February-March (Malayalam month of Kumbham).
  • Begins with Kappukettu and Kudiyiruthu ceremonies.
  • Pooram Day: Main attraction on the 9th day; the festival concludes with Kuruthitharpanam on the 10th day (Makham star night).
  • Pongala Ritual: Women gather to cook Pongala (rice dish with jaggery, ghee, coconut, etc.) in small pots as offerings to Goddess Kannaki.
  • Significance of Pongala: Symbolizes devotion and the belief that Goddess Attukal Devi fulfills wishes and grants prosperity.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Attukal

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram.

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram.

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