Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Its Spiritual Significance, History, and Festivals

Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a well-known religious monument in Trivandrum, Kerala. The principal goddess of the temple is worshipped in three different forms: Kali/Durga/Parvathy (Goddess of Power), Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Maha Saraswathi (Goddess of Knowledge). Respected as the ultimate destroyer and preserver, Attukal Amma is frequently linked to Kannaki, the protagonist of Ilanko Adikal's "Silapathikaram."This temple hosts the internationally renowned Attukal Pongala Festival. Every year, it draws more than three million ladies, and its enormous attendance has won it a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Temple's History:
The story of Kannaki from Ilanko Adikal's Tamil epic Silapathikaram is entwined with the history of the temple. Kovalan, the son of a prosperous businessman, was Kannaki's husband. But Kovalan squandered all of his money on Madhavi, a dancer, after falling in love with her. Madhavi eventually ran out of money and left him. When Kovalan realised his error, he went back to Kannaki, who pardoned him and handed him her gold anklets so he could sell them in Madurai and turn his life around.
Kovalan went to the King of Madurai to sell the anklets, but he was beheaded without a trial after being accused of stealing the Queen's similar anklet. In her sadness, Kannaki broke open her surviving anklet to reveal that it was made of rubies rather than the Queen's pearls, proving Kovalan's innocence.
Madurai burned down as a result of Kannaki's curse over the King's hasty decision.Later, when travelling to Kodungallur, she arrived at Attukal close to the Killi River while posing as a young child and asked an elderly Mulluveetil family member for assistance in crossing it. She disappeared after he invited her home after being impressed by her heavenly aura. That night, she showed up in his dream and gave him instructions to construct a temple for her, which led to the creation of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Speciality of the Temple:
Known as the "Sabarimala of Women," Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is notable for its superb architecture that combines Tamil Nadu and Kerala styles. Along with legendary tales on its walls, the elaborate carvings feature a variety of deities, including Mahishasuramardini, Sree Parvathy, and Lord Shiva.Ten Dasavatara incarnations of Lord Vishnu are housed there. Dakshayaga is displayed in the southern gopura, while stories from Kannaki's story are told on each side.
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There are two idols inside: one behind it and one with golden decorations and priceless stones.
The Temple's festivals: During the Malayalam months of Makaram and Kumbham, Attukal Pongala is celebrated over ten days.
Maha Shivaratri: A magnificent celebration honouring Lord Shiva.
Vinayaka Chaturthi: Includes Kootu Ganapati Homam and special prayers to Lord Ganesha.
Boys under the age of twelve perform Kuthiyottam, which represents the wounded troops of Goddess Mahishasuramardhini.
Thalappoli: Performed by girls under the age of twelve who are clothed traditionally and carry Thalam dishes that contain offerings such as flowers, paddy, and a lit lamp.
Other noteworthy celebrations are Pooja Vayppu and Mandala Vratham.
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