How to Reach

The temple is situated about 2 km from the heart of Thiruvananthapuram city.

From Delhi to Temple

• By Air: Fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Trivandrum International Airport (TRV). From the airport, the temple is approximately 7 km away (a 15–20 minute taxi/auto ride).
• By Train: Take the Kerala Express or Himsagar Express from New Delhi (NDLS) to Thiruvananthapuram Central (TVC). The temple is just 3 km from the station.

From Ahmedabad to Temple

• By Air: Fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) to Trivandrum (TRV) (usually via Mumbai or Bangalore).
• By Train: Take the Hapa-Tirunelveli Express or other weekly trains passing through Ahmedabad to Thiruvananthapuram Central.
• By Road: A long-distance journey (~2,300 km) via NH 48, though air or rail is highly recommended.

History of the Temple

The temple is deeply linked to the Tamil epic Silapathikaram. It is believed that Kannaki, after destroying the city of Madurai to avenge her husband Kovalan’s unjust death, traveled to Kerala. On her way to Kodungallur, she stopped at Attukal.

Legend says she appeared as a young girl to an elderly man of the Mulluveettil family by the Killi River. After he helped her cross the river and offered her hospitality, she vanished. She later appeared in his dream, instructing him to build a temple where he found three golden lines in a grove. The present temple stands at that consecrated spot.

Main Poojas Performed

The primary deity is worshipped as the Supreme Mother (Bhadrakali/Kannaki).

• • Attukal Pongala (Primary Ritual): Millions of women prepare a sweet offering (rice, jaggery, and coconut) in earthen pots on the streets surrounding the temple. It is a Guinness World Record-holding event.
  • Kuthiyottam: Performed by young boys (under 12) who undergo a 7-day penance in the temple to please the Goddess. They represent the “wounded soldiers” of the Goddess.
  • Thalappoli: Performed by young girls dressed in traditional attire carrying lamps and offerings to seek blessings for health, wealth, and beauty.
  • Udayasthamana Pooja: A full-day series of special poojas from sunrise to sunset.
  • Aiswarya Pooja: A mass prayer performed by women on full moon evenings for the prosperity of their families.

Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja

The temple follows traditional Kerala customs:

Men:

• • Must wear a Mundu (Dhoti). Shirts and vests must be removed before entering the inner sanctum.

Women:

• • Saree is the most preferred traditional attire. Set-mundu (Kerala traditional saree) or long skirts with blouses are also allowed.

Restrictions:

• • Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, or modern revealing clothes. Standard practice involves removing footwear outside the temple premises.

Official Websites

Temple Trust Website
https://www.attukal.org/

Online Booking Portal:
https://booking.attukal.in/

Government Reference:
https://www.keralatourism.org/event/attukal-pongala-festival/30/