Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

In the town of Attukal in the Indian state of Kerala lies a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathy. The principal deity of the Attukal temple in the middle of Thiruvananthapuram city is Goddess Bhadrakali. In Hindi, 'Bhadra' means 'good,' and 'Kali' refers to the Hindu goddess of time. According to Hindu mythology, Bhadrakali is the Goddess of good fortune and liberation. 

The temple is well-known for its annual Pongala celebration, during which about 3 million women undertake rituals in an effort to please the Goddess. With such a significant number of women in attendance, this festival has entered the Guinness Book of World Records. 

The act of worship can be divided into three distinct phases. Ladies traditionally start the pooja by lighting lamps. Also revered by Pilgrims is the flag. Worshippers then enter the temple itself to pay their respects to the deity. This shrine is home to a rite called Vedi Vazhipadu, which is unlike any other. Devotees also give crackers to the Goddess as an offering. 

The architectural style of the temple reflects a fusion of Tamil and Kerala traditions. The temple also features exquisitely carved statues of deities, including the Goddess Kali, Sree Parvathy, Lord Shiva, and the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. 

How to explore Attukal Bhagavathy Temple? 

• The architecture of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a fusion of Tamil and Kerala styles. The temple's entrance has exquisite craftsmanship. 
• Beautiful statues of Mahisasurmardini, Kali, Rajarajeshwari, Parvati, and Shiva, can be found at the temple. 
• Pictures depicting scenes from Indian mythology cover the walls. 
• The temple houses representations of Lord Vishnu's ten avatars. Dashavatara is the name for these statues. 
• The legends of Bhadrakali are depicted on both sides of the gopura. The Puranic legends are depicted on the shrine's southern gopura. Another name for these tales is Dakshayaga. 
• The Goddess is represented here by not one but two statues. Gold and gems adorn the original god's body. 
• On Sundays and all the first days of the Malayalam calendar, the temple serves a meal to those who visit.