Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is located at Attukal, 2 km away from Thiruvananthapuram city. 'Pongala' is the favourite offering to Attukal Bhagavathy. This temple is considered as the Sabarimala of women. The Goddess is worshipped here as the Supreme Mother. The pilgrims who visit the Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple also visit Attukalamma without which their pilgrimage is not considered as complete. According to the legends, the Attukal Bhagavathy is the divinised form of Kannaki, considered as an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Pongala festival is celebrated during the Malayalam month 'Kumbha' (Feb-March) in the 'Makam' Nakshathram. This annual festival is usually attended by a large number of women from in and around this region. This annual festival is known as the Attukal Ponkala. During this festival local women worship the presiding deity with sweet preparations of rice, milk, coconut kernel and jaggery. This nine-day festival is celebrated by local women with great pomp and festivity and is held during the months of February and March. Kuthiyottam performed by boys and Thalappoli by girls are two popular rituals made on the Ponkala day.

Air: The Thiruvananthapuram airport is the nearest airport to this temple.

Rail: The nearest railway station is the Thiruvananthapuram railway station and is easily accessible from the temple.

Road: Thiruvananthapuram is well connected to Kerala by a wide network of roads and this temple can be reached very easily from anywhere in Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram.