Attukal Temple Situated at the center of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a shrine of divine energy and female beauty. The “Sabarimala of Women,” as this temple dedicated to Goddess Attukalamma is called, is visited by millions of devotees, particularly when the Attukal Pongala festival takes place once every year.
It has been registered in the Guinness World Records for its most attendance of women gathered for a religious activity. So let’s take a glimpse into the intriguing life of this holy shrine.
Architectural Splendor:
Attukal is architecture of the temple is combine of old Kerala and Tamil designs. The sanctum sanctorum contains the grand idol of Goddess Attukalamma, emitting a powerful yet calm ambiance. The temple complex around it contains exquisite carvings, colorful murals that narrate scenes from Hindu epics, and neatly maintained courtyards filled with the chanting and praying of pilgrims. The Gopuram (temple tower) at the entrance is a grand structure filled with sculptures of gods and mythical creatures, ushering visitors into this holy area.
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The Divine Story of Attukal Temple
The Attukal Temple legend has deep roots in local mythology. Goddess Kannaki, the heroine of the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, is said to have appeared before a lowly devotee in the form of a child. Unable to travel any further with him, she instructed him to stay there. Subsequently, the devotee constructed a temple at that particular location, and it later took the name Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Here, the Goddess is said to be an avatar of Parvati, embodying strength, mercy, and maternal love
Nearby Attractions: Extending Your Spiritual Journey:
- Though the Attukal Temple Padmanabhaswamy Temple ( 3 km): This world-famous temple of Lord Vishnu is famed for its Dravidian architecture and history.
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum ( 3 km): This palace museum is situated near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and has Travancore’s royal history.
Kovalam Beach ( 16 km): A popular tourist spot with crescent-shaped beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.
Napier Museum ( 5 km): The museum houses a vast collection of various art and natural history and it offers a glimpse of Kerala’s heritage.
Shanghumukham Beach ( 8 km): Famous for the huge sculpture of a mermaid (Matsyakanyaka) and serene environment.
Bengaluru to Attukal Temple:
- Distance: Around 720-750 km by road.
Easiest Means to Travel:
Train: Easy with direct trains from Bengaluru City (SBC) to Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC) (10-14 hours). It is 5 km away from the station.
Bus: Numerous buses from Bengaluru (Majestic) to Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station (12-16 hours). Temple is within an easy ride.
Air: Speediest mode with flights from Bengaluru (BLR) to Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) (1 hour). Temple is 8 km from the airport.
