Attukal Temple is 2 kilometres from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Goddess Bhadrakali, mounted over 'vethala', is the main deity worshipped in this temple. Bhadrakali is the form of Mahakali, who is believed to be born from the third eye of Shiva. The Goddess killed Daruka demon. The word 'Bhadra' means good and 'Kali' means Goddess of time. Hence, Goddess Bhadrakali is considered as the Goddess of prosperity and salvation.
Devotees have a staunch belief that the Goddess grants all their wishes, bless them with prosperity and help them attain salvation. Attukal Devi is worshipped in 3 forms - Maha Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge), Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Durga (Goddess of power).
Attukal Pongala, is the festival celebrated in Attukal Temple. It has made its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the single largest gathering of women for a religious activity. Attukal Pongala attrcts millions of women every year.
Attukal Pongala in Attukal Temple, Thiruvananthapuram is the largest gathering of women for a festival in the world. In this ritual, women prepare sweet payasam and offer it to the Goddess or ‘Bhagavathy’. The ceremony can only be performed by women. The Goddess referred to as ‘Attukalamma’ is believed to be appeased by the ritual. Entire city comes alive in festive fervour. It is a unique experience, and one must witness it to understand its magnificence.