Attukal Temple Architecture
Attukal Bhagavathi Temple is notable for its architectural magnificence. The temple structure is a blend of both Kerala and Tamil styles of architecture. Attukal Devi Temple corridors are carved with numerous sculptures of Hindu Gods, Goddesses and the stories of Dasavataram (ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu). Also seen here are the depictions of Mahishasura Mardhini, Goddess Kali, Goddess Rajarajeswari and Sree Parvathi with Lord Paramasiva, and Lord Hanuman. The gopurams in the front are designed with beautiful icons from the story of Goddess Kannaki. The mythology of Dakshayaga, depicted in sculptures, is seen on the southern Gopura. Added attraction is the decorated gate at the entrance of the temple.
In the sanctum sanctorum, there are two idols of the Goddess. The main idol of Attukal Bhagavati is decked with gold ornaments and gems and another idol is installed by its side.
The temple also has separate shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi, Madan Thampuran, and Lord Nagaraja.
History of Attukal Devi Temple
According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is the divinized form of Kannaki (Kannagi Amman) the famous personality of Chilappatikaram (also spelled Silapathikaram), a sangham work of Tamil Literature written by Ilamkovadikal. It is believed that after destructing the ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left that city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari. She took rest at Attukal when she was on her way to Kodungalloor. Thottampattu which is sung during the annual festival is based on the story of Kannaki (Kannagi). Attukal Devi Temple was build at the place where Kannaki took rest.
Read the Story of Attukal Amma Here
Attukal Temple Legend
Traditions say that Goddess Bhagavathi gave darshan to her ardent devotee of the Mulluveettil family, as a 12-year-old girl. She appeared in his dream and asked him to create an abode for her in the nearby ground at a spot marked by three lines. Accordingly, this temple was built at the spot.
Attukal Devi Temple Festivals
Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam
This is a ten-day festival which begins on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram - Kumbham (February - March) and ends with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. Pongala Mahotsavam takes place on the ninth day of the festival. Pongala (Ponkala) means to boil over. This festival is the traditional offering of things to the Goddess. Irrespective of caste and religion, people in large numbers throng to Attukal Temple premises to offer pongala to the Goddess. Open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices are used for observing Pongala rituals. Pongala is sweet rice, prepared in earthen pots with rice, jaggery and coconut and offered to the Goddess. The festival is restricted only for women. Another attractive feature is the offering called Vilakku kettu. It is a huge structure made of pith, decorated with shining paper and garlands. Along with the image of the goddess, this is taken to the temple in a procession. The leaf of tender coconut and plantain leaf-stalks are also used for making these.
Kuthiyottam and Thalappoli at Attukal Temple
These rituals are performed during the Pongala day. Kuthiyottam is performed by boys below the age of 13 years and Thalappoli by girls. The boys undergo a seven-day kuthiyotta vritham (penance), starting from third day of the festival. The vratham includes some disciplinary activities such as sleeping on the floor, following diet restrictions and staying in the temple. They also bow before the Goddess 1008 times, after morning and evening oblations. The boys symbolize the injured soldiers of the Goddess Mahishasuramardhini (Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini).
Thalappoli
Thalappoli is performed by girls on the ninth day (pongala day). Major attraction is the traditional dressing of young girls who hold a thaalam (a round tray) with flowers, a lighted oil lamp, and offerings to the Goddess Attukal Amma. This is done to get the blessings of the Goddess with health, wealth and happiness.
The Divine Procession
Attukkal Bhagavathy is taken in procession to the Sastha Temple at Manacaud, in the early morning, accompanied by the Kuthiyottam boys. The grand procession itself bestows a festival fervor with lighting, floats and colorful decorations on either side of the road. Some rituals are held at the Sastha Temple and the Attukal deity returns to her place where she is received by the priest for the morning rituals. The ten-day festival concludes with Kuruthi Tharpanam, a pooja, held at night.
Apart from this, there are also other festivals such as Mandala Vratham - festival in connection with the annual Utsavam of Sabarimala, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Navratri, Shivarathri, Karthika Deepam (November – December), Ayilya Pooja – Milk and flowers offered to serpent God, Aiswarya Pooia - On all full moon (Pournami) days, Nirayum Puthariyum (Ramayana Parayanam) - during the month of Karkidaka, and Akhandanama Japam - 4th Sunday of every month.
Other Temple Festivals
Vinayaka Chathurthi, Aiswarya Pooia, Mandala Vratham, Pooja Vaypu (Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham), Akhandanama Japam. Sivarathri, Karthika (Karthika Deepam), Nirayum Puthariyum (Ramayana Parayanam), Ayilya Pooja, and are other Hindu festivals and rituals celebrated at Attukal Devi Temple.
How to reach Attukal Devi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
By Road / Bus Station
Trivandrum Central Bus Station at Thampannor is just 2 km away from Attukal Devi Temple. While Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station is located at East Fort is just 1.5 km from the temple.
By Train / Railway Station
Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station at Thampannor is the nearest railway station to reach Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
By Air / Airport
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, located at Valiyathura, is about 7 km from the temple.
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