South India, home to numerous ancient temples, draws thousands of devotees from all across the country. Among all, Kerela’s Attukal Temple, also known as the ‘Sabarimala of Women’ is the most popular. Due to its significance, especially during the annual Pongala festival, it attracts the attention of millions of female devotees. The temple even made its mark in the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the largest annual women’s gathering. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, remember to add the Attukal Temple to your itinerary for a wonderful experience.
History And Mythology Of The Attukal Temple
Despite the significance, the origins of the Attukal Temple Trivandrum remain unclear. Of the various myths and history surrounding the shrine, one tale relates to the Mulluveettil family. According to the story, Karanavar, the head of the Mulluveetil family was deep in prayer when a young girl appeared before him, asking him to help her cross the Killi River. Seeing the girl’s beauty and aura, Karanavar believed her to be divine. After helping her cross the river, he invited her into his home. But the girl disappeared while Karanavar was busy making preparations.
The same night, Karanavar dreamt of the girl who instructed him to build a temple in her honour at Kavu. Following her divine guidance, Karanavar built the Attukal Temple. Another story surrounding the Attukal Temple history holds the young girl as Kannagi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Kannagi, mentioned in the Tamil epic, “Silappatikaram,” is the destroyer of evil. She is believed to have met Karanavar while returning from Madurai.
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Festivals Celebrated At The Attukal Temple
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Attukal Temple celebrates festivals yearly, but the most important is the Attukal Pongala. It is held annually in the Makaram-Kumbham months (February/March), attracting millions of nationwide devotees. This ten-day festival is important for women, but others are welcome too. During this time, devotees offer prayers to the goddess and cook Pongala, a sweet dish made of jaggery and rice. Other festivals celebrated at the temple include Maha Shivratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Kuthiyottam, Thalavattam, Thalappoli, Pooja Vayppu, and Mandala Vratham.
Essential Information For Visitors
To enjoy a marvellous experience, being aware of the crucial information about the temple is recommended. Here are some important elements you should know before visiting:-
1. Temple Timings
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Being aware of the Attukal Temple timings also helps you avoid disappointment. After all, you will not want to arrive at the temple outside the operational hours, which will spoil your experience. Attukal Temple’s opening time is fixed throughout the year. It opens twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. The temple doors open sharp at 4:00 a.m. in the morning, and devotees are welcomed until 11:00 a.m. After a few hours’ break, the temple again opens at 5:00 p.m. and closes at 8:30 p.m. Since the temple follows the same timing every day, it is easier for visitors to reach during operational hours and offer their prayers. It is worth mentioning that the temple has a strict pooja schedule; the details of which are listed on the official website.
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2. Dress Code
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The Attukal Temple doesn’t have a specific dress code for devotees, except during the Pongala Festival. During that time, visitors must wear traditional clothes like salwar, saree, dhoti, etc. As for the rest of the year, you can wear anything as long as it is decent and clean.
3. Online Booking
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Right now, there’s no online booking available. But you can book special offerings and poojas through the official site. You should check the website to get further details about poojas.
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Best Time To Visit The Attukal Temple
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Now that you have familiarised yourself with the Attukal Temple history, let us consider the best time to visit the shrine. While the temple remains open throughout the year, it is recommended that you plan your trip during the annual Attukal Pongala festival, which takes place in February or March. During this time, the temple comes alive with joyful celebrations, vibrant colours, and a huge gathering of devotees from all over the country. Visiting the Attukal Temple Trivandrum during the Pongala festival is possibly the best time to experience the shrine’s true essence and energy. It also promises an unforgettable experience to the devotees, especially women. If you are unable to plan a trip in February or March, you have the rest of the year to visit. Heat and humidity make The temple less crowded between March and May. The monsoon season, lasting from June to September, turns the region into a lush green landscape. So, if you don’t mind the rain and are ready to explore, this would be a great time to plan your trip.
How To Reach Attukal Temple?
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With the Attukal Temple located in the heart of Kerala’s capital city Trivandrum, you can take a bus, rail, or plane to reach your destination. It is just about 2 kms away from the city centre, making it accessible for locals and tourists. To ensure, you have a hassle-free journey, we have listed the details below.
By Air
Travelling by air is probably the most convenient way to reach the shrine. Once you land at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the temple is just 7 kms away. You can easily board a bus, autorickshaw, or bus from the airport to reach your destination.
By Bus
The closest bus station to the temple is the Thampanoor Bus Station. It is only 2kms from the shrine, so you can cover the remaining distance via auto rickshaw, or taxi.
By Rail
If you travel by train, you will reach the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple. Since the railway station is just 2 km away, it will take you less than 20 minutes to reach your destination, depending on the traffic.
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Places To Visit Near Attukal Temple
When taking a trip to Attukal Temple, you can take advantage of the opportunity to explore some of the nearest tourist attractions. Plenty of beautiful places around the temple are not to be missed.
Here’s a rundown of some of those places:
1. Padmanabha Swamy Temple
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Located just 2 kms from the Attukal Temple, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is mainly renowned for its architecture and the stunning idol of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in a reclining position on Anant Nag, the five-headed serpent.
2. Kunnumpara Temple
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Known for its mesmerising beauty, the Kunnumpara Temple is 8 kms from Attukal Temple. People come here not only to offer prayers but also to enjoy the beautiful surroundings on the hilltop. It is an ideal spot for meditation and relaxation.
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3. Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple
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This temple is home to Goddess Chamundi, and is located 9 kms from Attukal Temple. Apart from the beautiful temple architecture, you also have the natural surroundings to enjoy.
Tips To Visit Attukal Temple
When going to Attukal Temple, keep the following things in mind:
- Wear modest and clean clothes while visiting the temple.
- When at the temple, follow the rules, and wait for your turn.
- Follow the temple timings to plan your visit accordingly.
- Avoid going to the temple during peak hours.
- Take off your footwear before entering the temple premises.
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Visiting Attukal Temple is no less than an enriching experience. The divine allure of the place leaves a lasting impression on your mind and soul. Whether you seek blessings or wish to explore South India’s rich temple culture, visiting Attukal Temple promises an unforgettable journey of faith and discovery. If you are ready to plan your next trip to Kerala, don’t forget to include the Attukal Temple in your itinerary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Attukal Temple
Can you visit Attukal Temple during monsoon?
Visiting Attukal Temple in monsoon is a one-of-a-kind experience as you are welcomed by lush green scenery all around.
What is the most important festival celebrated at Attukal Temple?
The Attukal Pongala festival which is celebrated every year in February/March is the most important.
How far is the nearest airport from Attukal Temple?
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple and it is 7kms away.
Where to stay near Attukal Temple?
There are plenty of hotels, rooms, and dormitories near Attukal Temple for tourists to enjoy a lovely stay.
In which season Attukal temple is less crowded?
During the summer months, fewer people visit Attukal Temple because of the high temperatures.
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